Press Releases

JSA to Honor 2 Journalists and 3 Law Enforcement Officers

They’ll receive awards at a luncheon in NY.

Published

5 years ago

January 9, 2019

INSTORE Staff

JSA to Honor 2 Journalists and 3 Law Enforcement Officers

Michelle Graff and Rob Bates

(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK – On Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance will host its annual luncheon at the New York Yacht Club in New York, honoring several individuals for outstanding assistance to the safety and security of the jewelry industry.

JSA will present the 14th Annual Industry Service Award to Michelle Graff, editor-in-chief of National Jeweler, and Rob Bates, news director of JCK. Graff has been with National Jeweler for 11 years, and Bates with JCK for 21 years, and during that time they have posted many articles that provided important information and advice to the industry on crime and crime prevention.

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John Kennedy, president of JSA, said, “Michelle and Rob are terrific journalists with a deep knowledge of crime and the jewelry industry. The information they are able to spread to a wide audience has been of enormous assistance to JSA in its mission of reducing crime against the industry.”

JSA will also present the 20th Annual James B. White Award to three members of the Paramus, NJ, police deparment: Deputy Chief Robert M. Guidetti, Detective Lieutenant Frank Scott and Detective Nicholas J. Luciano. These three honorees have collectively been involved in well over 100 cases involving the jewelry industry, totaling millions of dollars in stolen merchandise.

Kennedy said of the Paramus personnel: “The Paramus Police have long rendered important assistance to the jewelry industry. Their investigations, arrests and assistance to other police agencies have made a tremendous impact on keeping the industry safer.”

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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.”