Press Releases

Jewelers of America Political Action Committee Raises $26K in 2015

Published

8 years ago

February 5, 2016

INSTORE Staff

(Press Release)
NEW YORK, NY – The Jewelers of America Political Action Committee (JAPAC), the only PAC that supports the fine jewelry industry in Washington, D.C., raised $26,680 in 2015. Through JAPAC, individual Jewelers of America members can join with other jewelry businesses in contributing to candidates for office at the federal level, who understand the interests of the jewelry industry.

JAPAC received a huge boost of financial support from JA Board members when – in response to a fundraising challenge – they raised $16,450 at the July Board of Directors meeting. It was the biggest single day of fundraising in JAPAC’s history.

“I applaud JA’s Board of Directors, who came together to give JAPAC a critical boost,” says David J. Bonaparte, JA’s president and CEO. “With key issues like sales tax fairness being considered by Congress, jewelers’ voices must be heard on Capitol Hill.”

“JAPAC gives the jewelry industry a platform to have a collective voice on issues,” says Jenny Caro, JAPAC chair and co-owner of Jewelry By Designs in Woodbridge, VA. “These funds are an important tool in preparing JAPAC for the essential 2016 election year.” Caro has served on JA’s Board since 2013.

For more information about JAPAC as well as key legislative issues that Jewelers of America is tracking, visit www.jewelers.org/japac.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”