Executive Officers
- President: Tony Cruz, JWR JEWELERS, Athens
- Vice-President: Mark Butler, K.E BUTLER, Vidalia
- Treasurer: Chris Spencer, SPENCER’S JEWELERS, Athens
- Secretary: Kat Bennett, HODGES JEWELRY, Camilla
- Executive Director: Ivy Doss, GEORGIA JEWELERS ASSOCIATION
- Immediate Past President: Christine Thorton Randall, THORTON’S FINE JEWELRY, Athens
Board of Directors
- Jeff Alexander, ALEXANDERS OF ATLANTA, Lawrenceville
- Lacey Fincher, TENA’S, Elberton
- Kim Spencer, SPENCER’S JEWELERS, Athens
- Krista Womack, FORD, GITTINGS & KANE, Rome
Associate Directors
- Stark Harbour, ASSURED PARTNERS, Atlanta
- Gene Lambert, APOLLO MANUFACTURING, ARTISTRY LTD , Tampa. Florida
- Jeff Koch, BULOVA, Gainesville
- Allan Cagle, BRILLIANT ELEMENTS, Easley South Carolina
Georgia Jewelers Association
January 15, 2024
Dear Georgia Jewelers and Jewelry Vendors,
A new year is upon us. As we look back at 2023 there are many things that were good, some great and some not so good. Despite the national press’ prediction of a down year and slow buying, we saw just the opposite. People are still buying, and they are buying jewelry. No one really knows what this year will bring but our goal is to continue to do what we do best and that is to provide our customers with the best products, product knowledge and customer service that we are known for.
Georgia Jewelers Association is here to serve you the jewelers and vendors to achieve these goals. Our organization’s goal is to help the retail jeweler in Georgia maintain its place as an essential, efficient service in the distribution of jewelry goods and services to the customer. GJA does this by standing for the highest business standards and ethics, knowledge of all phases of the industry, efficiency of procedure in business operation, economy in all phases of the industry, and any other factor that will help the retail jeweler in Georgia. These goals are shared and implemented to our membership through annual meetings and quarterly newsletters.
Each year we have a convention where we meet as an organization for two days. This year’s convention will be at Jekyll Island, Georgia on April 19-21. This is an idyllic place that lends itself to relaxation and a chance to step away from the day-to-day task of running a business. Not only is it a chance to relax but it is also the chance to focus on learning and networking.
The convention is a time to renew old acquaintances, start new relationships, and provide education on current topics that apply to our industry. The convention enables networking among jewelers across the state and the vendors that supply them. These opportunities are invaluable to create a network that serves our industry on the individual level as well as the state level. It is also a time to have fun with your family and friends.
The seminars have included the latest in security, trends of product production and sales, use of current point of sale products, business transitions from generation to generation and retirement, as well as other areas. Ample time is given to ask questions and offer personal insight. This year’s convention will continue and build on the tradition of excellence that has been established over the years.
Attached to this newsletter is a registration form for the convention with the details of how to book a room and the schedule. Also, you will find sponsorship forms that will enable you or a vendor you work with to become a partner in providing the convention. I encourage you to consider partnering with the Georgia Jewelers Association in providing the best convention to date. Please feel free to contact me or any of the other officers or directors if you have any questions.
Tony Cruz, President GJA