Press Releases

JSA New Officers and Annual Luncheon

Published

3 years ago

March 27, 2022

Press Releases

(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — On Saturday, January 19, 2022, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance held its Annual Luncheon at the New York Yacht Club before an audience of 135 industry and law enforcement leaders. Prior to the luncheon, Steven Kaiser, pictured above, President and CEO od Kennedy North America, a branch of an Australian luxury retail jewelry chain, was re-elected to a three-year term as Chairperson of JSA. Other JSA Officers elected for three-year terms were Alan Zimmer, of Reeds Jewelers, as vice chairperson; Mark Udell, of London Jewelers, as Secretary; and David Tearle, CFO of GIA, elected as Treasurer.

At the luncheon JSA honored two individuals for their contributions to the safety and security of the jewelry industry. JSA presented the 17th Annual Industry Service Award to Susan M. Jacques, President and CEO of GIA, pictured above. In presenting the award, John Kennedy, President of JSA, cited Susan’s strong support for free, in-depth training classes on gemology and the jewelry industry that GIA has been providing to FBI and local law enforcement personnel for many years. Kennedy and two FBI veterans related how these classes have trained hundreds of law enforcement personnel over the years, raising their ability, understanding and interest in jewelry crime.

JSA also presented the 23rd Annual James B. White Award to Law Enforcement to Robert Lanier, a Detective with the Miami Beach (FL) Police Department. Lanier is a 32 year veteran of the Department who has investigated numerous violent jewelry store robberies and attacks on traveling salespersons. He has also led or participated in many RICO cases resulting in the arrests of numerous jewelry criminals. He has worked on assignment in the Miami FBI Office, and has participated in undercover work related to the JIS Shows in Miami Beach. Lanier has been an important resource for police throughout the U.S. concerning violent jewelry crime in South Florida.

Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success

After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone. Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently. The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.