Press Releases

RJO Foundation’s 100+ Club Continues to Grow in Nashville

It welcomed twenty-two new members.

Published

5 years ago

February 25, 2019

INSTORE Staff

(PRESS RELEASE) The Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO) welcomed twenty-two new members to its foundation’s 100+ Club at the 2019 Winter Buying Show in Nashville this January.

RJO members who join the 100+ Club make a yearly financial commitment of $200, in two $100 increments to the RJO foundation’s endowment fund. The RJO foundation provides educational scholarships to RJO members and vendors to aid in the advancement of the jewelry industry. RJO members are encouraged to apply for scholarships through the foundation to further their education within the industry.

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In Nashville, RJO members raised over six-thousand dollars for the RJO foundation through fundraisers such as The Grand Ole Diamond Draw which gave away twelve diamonds to lucky winners, a Show Shirt campaign which gave attendees the opportunity to purchase a shirt benefitting the foundation, and the Purchase Voucher Frenzy allowing members to earn credits from participating vendors.

“We are blown away by the support from both our retail and vendor members,” said RJO’s CEO Sarah Streb. “RJO recognizes the importance of providing our members the financial support to continue their education in the jewelry industry and places it as a cornerstone to the foundation’s mission. We are thrilled to see how many of our members stand behind the foundation and support its efforts through their hard-earned dollars.”

100+ Club members are recognized with a special lapel pin, a window cling to be displayed in store, and acknowledged on special signage at each RJO Buying Show. Currently the 100+ Club has 66 members and continues to gain momentum.

“It is incredibly encouraging to see the dedication of our members and their willingness to help their peers,” continued Streb. To date, through programs like the 100+ Club as well as special show campaigns, the RJO foundation has given more than $23,000 in scholarship funds to nearly 50 RJO members.

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.”