Press Releases

Rebranded 2016 Midwest Jewelers Conference to Feature Bill Jones as Keynote

Published

8 years ago

January 25, 2016

INSTORE Staff

Bill Jones, president of Sissy’s Log Cabin Fine Jewelry

(Press Release) The Jewelers Educational Conference, a regional jewelry conference and show that has been held bi-annually in suburban Kansas City, MO for 16 years, has been rebranded as the 2016 Midwest Jewelers Conference & Show. The name change – along with a move to Kansas City’s downtown Power & Light Entertainment District – was made to accentuate a restructured agenda that eliminates “slow time” for vendor-sponsors, and consolidates educational and social time for jewelers and their families. The entertainment district location also offers multiple dining and entertainment venues that are ideal for entertaining family or customers.

After scheduling the previous show in July, the MJC is moving back to its traditional spring weekend, which seems more advantageous for both vendors and jewelers. Friday, April 1 is earmarked for meetings of the state associations sponsoring the show and a time to enjoy family or customers in one or more of the 50-plus restaurants, night clubs, bars and/or unique shops in the entertainment district. Educational programming and vendor displays open Saturday morning, continue throughout the day, and conclude at midday on Sunday.

The opening keynote speaker is Bill Jones, president of the famed Sissy’s Log Cabin Fine Jewelry, with three Arkansas stores in Pine Bluff, Little Rock and Jonesboro, as well as location in Memphis, TN. Jones will share the story of how his mother, Sissy Jones, began a jewelry store in a rented log cabin and how she always made Sissy’s a family store.

Other featured speakers include:

Terry Chandler, president of the Diamond Council of America, who will moderate a town hall-style meeting on “Diamond Grading Reports: The Jeweler’s Ticking Time Bomb”
David Brown, president of The Edge Retail Academy, and Becka Johnson Kibby will present a series of three seminars on “Succession and The Life Cycle of Your Store”
Doug Hucker, president of the American Gem Trade Association, will offer a seminar on “Falling In Love With Color”
Shannon Oleen, a professional speaker and athlete (and a former cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs), will present a seminar on “Working With Different Generations” and a closing keynote on “Overcoming Roadblocks and Turning Your Goals Into Reality!”

For additional information or to register, visit the website for the Midwest Jewelers Conference & Show at www.midwestjewelers.org, or call 1 (800) 487-7822.

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.”