Last Week To Submit Entries For JCK 2017 Industry Fund Grant Proposals

JCK Invites Entries for 2017 Industry Fund Grant Proposals

JCK opened its submission process today for its 19th annual Industry Fund. The grants, which are awarded to individuals, groups or associations whose work results in the betterment of the overall jewelry industry, exceeded $293,000 in 2016. The JCK Industry Fund was established in 1997 to foster development and research of programs that would benefit the jewelry industry. To date, this fund has awarded over $5.5 million in grants to those organizations or individuals who have created programs that enhance the industry's image. The JCK Industry Fund is underwritten by JCK. “The mission of the JCK Industry Fund is to help aid, assist and improve the jewelry industry," explained Yancy Weinrich, Senior Vice President, JCK Events. "JCK believes that it is our responsibility to help give back and support the industry through individuals, groups, or associations that continue to make a difference. “ The fund awards grants annually to projects that: (1) improve the image of the jewelry industry in the eyes of the consumer, and/or (2) aids jewelry industry organizations in addressing serious problems faced within the industry, and/or (3) assists internal organizations and associations in developing training materials. An Industry Fund Advisory Committee, consisting of representatives from JCK, in addition to retailers and manufacturers, selects fund recipients. Award Recipients are chosen based upon their synergy with the overall core goals and intentions of the Fund. For more information and to submit a proposal, please visit: http://lasvegas.jckonline.com/Press/Industry-Fund-Recipients/. All submissions are due by Thursday, December 8, 2016. Award recipients will be announced in early 2017. 2016 JCK Industry Fund Grant recipients included: Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) and their “Diamonds Do Good” campaign drove a consumer confidence building message surrounding how Diamonds Do Good by engaging the millennial consumer with positive narrative around the social impact diamonds have on communities where the industry does business. Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA) and Jewellers Vigilance Canada (JVC) teamed up to host a North American Jewellery Crime Conference in September at the Toronto Airport Marriott. Approximately 100 law enforcement and security personnel were in attendance, learning about unique insights on jewellery crime along with new tools that may assist with investigating criminals who are active on both sides of our borders. Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) published its new guide “Getting it Right – The Essential Guide to Quality Assurance and Control.” This guide makes it easy for businesses at every level of the trade to incorporate programs to check their products for compliance with the necessary legal requirements. Additionally, JVC increased its activities in government relations along with supporting activities that foster greater consumer confidence. Jewelers of America (JA) will launch their Consumer Awareness and Marketing Campaign, which will support the industry’s need for comprehensive consumer data and an industry-wide consumer marketing program. The program has begun with important consumer and trade levels of research that will be formatted into a variety of reports and tools that jewelry retailers, designers and manufacturers can use to shape their business models. Diamond Council of America will use their grant funds to support their Jewelry Career Readiness Initiative, a unique and visionary program in which DCA’s accredited courses in diamonds, colored gemstones, and fine jewelry sales are used to expand and enrich high school curriculums. The goal of this initiative is to provide high school students in the U.S. with knowledge and skills needed for employment in jewelry retailing, and to help prepare the next generation of professionals for the jewelry industry. ### About JCK: JCK is a trusted partner connecting jewelry retailers and manufacturers/suppliers with trends, news, products, education, and partners to build business. Whether attending face-to-face events, building inventory with online and onsite sourcing, or obtaining authoritative news and insights from JCK Magazine — the leading industry publication in print & online - JCK offers a suite of tools and events to deliver sound solutions, innovative opportunities, and essential information. For more information on JCK Events, visit jckonline.com.