Southern Jewelry News

Members raise over $2500 to assist in Haitian relief efforts

(NEWTON, Iowa) - Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO) jewelers and manufacturers from around the country attended the exclusive Spring 2010 RJO Buying Show in Savannah, Georgia.  The RJO Buying Show, held semi-annually, provides successful independent jewelers the opportunity to browse current fashions, network with other industry leaders and purchase jewelry at pre-negotiated prices.

“Attending the RJO Buying Show gives us the ability to stay on top of what is happening in the jewelry industry,” said Terry Dickens, President of RJO and co-owner of Herteen & Stocker Jewelers in Iowa City, Iowa.  “We attend not only to meet with our fellow retailers to gain industry knowledge, but to also take advantage of the competitive pricing associated with being a member of RJO. Everyone is keeping an eye on the economy these days, and these are just a couple of benefits we receive by attending the show.”

This year’s show, themed “Fired Up!” focused on bringing the RJO community together to provide a needed avenue for members of the retail industry to share ideas and rejuvenate for the year ahead.  The Sunday Night Tailgate, which proved to be a big hit, allowed both retailers and manufacturers the opportunity to mix and mingle while the NFC Championship Game played on four big screen televisions throughout the ballroom.  Members noshed on tailgate staples such as burgers, hotdogs and pretzels while cheering for their favorite team and exchanging friendly and helpful dialogue.

RJO CEO Mary Peterson stated: “Providing a relaxed environment where our members were comfortable and able to unwind after a long business day was our goal. The RJO show isn’t just about the jewelry. We bring together the best vendors and jewelers in the industry, allowing them to network and discuss best business practices.  We want all of our members to have the tools to be good business people in each of their communities.”

Along with the networking opportunities, the show provided members with amazing seminars and continuing education opportunities on several topics including business and economic trends, marketing effectively and implementing and/or maintaining an Internet presence in today’s retail environment, among others.

Lastly, RJO members helped raise over $2500 for the American Red Cross to assist in the Haitian relief efforts.  With the Haiti earthquake tragedy on the minds of many attendees, collection jars were placed throughout the show floor and the RJO members’ generosity was overwhelming. The Retail Jewelers Organization is extremely pleased to donate to such a worthy cause.

In 1966, RJO was founded by a small group of independent jewelers who joined together to command better vendor prices by buying collectively. Since that time, RJO has added hundreds of members, essential support programs and marketing services while remaining owned by its jeweler members.

For more information about the Retail Jewelers Organization, please contact the RJO office at 800-247-1774 or visit online at www.rjomembers.com. For more pictures of all the fun had at the RJO Savannah Buying Show, please visit the “I’m a fan of Southern Jewelry News” page on Facebook.

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