Headlines

Mid America Jewelers Association Ceases Operations

It was founded in 1971.

Published

3 years ago

February 24, 2021

INSTORE Staff

DUBLIN, OH — Mid America Jewelers Association has ceased operations.

“The decision was difficult but MAJA believes its organization has run its course,” according to a press release. “There were years of great memories through jewelry shows, educational opportunities, meetings, etc. MAJA would like to thank all of its friends, associates and vendors.”

The organization ended operations as of Oct. 31.

MAJA made a donation of $7,753 from the remaining funds split between Jewelers for Children and Ohio Jewelers Education Foundation.

MAJA, founded in 1971, was established to foster and promote the advocacy, business ethics and educational interests of jewelers in Ohio and contiguous states.

When There’s No Succession Plan, Call Wilkerson

Bob Wesley, owner of Robert C. Wesley Jewelers in Scottsdale, Ariz., was a third-generation jeweler. When it was time to enjoy life on the other side of the counter, he weighed his options. His lease was nearing renewal time and with no succession plan, he decided it was time to call Wilkerson. There was plenty of inventory to sell and at first, says Wesley, he thought he might try to manage a sale himself. But he’s glad he didn’t. “There’s no way I could have done this as well as Wilkerson,” he says. Wilkerson took responsibility for the entire event, with every detail — from advertising to accounting — done, dusted and managed by the Wilkerson team. “It’s the complete package,” he says of the Wilkerson method of helping jewelers to easily go on to the next phase of their lives. “There’s no way any retailer can duplicate what they’ve done.”