(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK – Jewelers of America and the Diamond Council of America, a nationally accredited school that offers jewelers the opportunity to earn professional certifications in diamonds, colored gemstones and fine jewelry sales through distance education, have opened the 2018 enrollment period for their scholarship program. The program is open to employees of JA and DCA Member companies and awards scholarships to individuals for industry diploma, professional development and certification programs. JA has awarded more than $150,000 over the past five years to JA members to use for their industry education.
“JA & DCA’s scholarship program offers our members the opportunity to achieve greater professional development and enhance their knowledge and skills,” said JA Director of Public Affairs and Education Susan Thea Posnock. “Providing our members with affordable and convenient access to some of the leading education providers in the industry is an added value for employees of both JA and DCA Member companies.”
Scholarship applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis, through Sept. 30, 2018. Exclusive JA scholarships are available for Diamond Council of America (DCA), the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and Jewelers Education Foundation of the American Gem Society (JEF).
Applicants must be an employee at a JA Member company or DCA Member company and at least 18 years of age. They also must have at least one year’s experience in a JA or DCA Member store and cannot already be enrolled in another home study course from any of the educational providers.
For more information and to download the application, click here or contact JA’s Member Services at (800) 223-0673.
Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration
After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years."
Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations.
The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.
