The JCK Invitational 2007 | February 4-6, 2007

PRESS RELEASES FROM THE SHOW:

Feb. 7, 2007: Conference Sessions Highlight Day Three of JCK Invitational (.pdf)

Feb. 6, 2007: Rapaport International Diamond Conference Highlights Day Two of JCK Invitational (.pdf)

Feb. 5, 2007: Jack Mitchell Shares His "Hugs" Philosophy at JCK Invitational (.pdf)

Feb. 4, 2007: The JCK Jewelry Industry Fund Announces the 2007 Award Winners (.pdf)

PHOTOS FROM THE SHOW:

Shane Decker
Shane Decker, a national diamond and jewelry sales trainer and consultant that works with both the owners and sales staff of retail jewelry establishments, addressed the ongoing Internet issue with his session “The State of the Jewelry Industry vs. The Internet.”

Shane Decker, diamond and jewelry sales trainer and consultant presents a keynote address at JCK Invitational.

RETAILERS
Retailers who attended the event included major buyers from AAFES, Amazon.com, BJ's Wholesale Club, Boscov's, Charm Diamond Centres, Costco Canada, Christian Bernard Stores, Costco Wholesale, Finlay Fine Jewelry, Friedman's Jewelers, JC Penney, Jewelry Television, Kings Jewelry, Macy's West, Mervyn's, Navy Exchange, Reeds Jewelers, Rogers LTD. Inc., Ross Simons, Retail Ventures Jewelry, Sam's Club Canada, Samuel's Jewelers, Sears, Sterling Jewelers Inc., QVC, Ultra Stores, Winners Merchants International and Zales Outlet. In addition top independent jewelry retailers including Dunkin's Diamonds, Donald Haack Diamonds, Jewels by Viggi, Madison Jewelers, Michael C. Fina, Mitchell's, Peter Lindeman, Zingale and many others also attended.

From left to right Debra Puzio, Buyer, Merchandising Jewelry for QVC and Peyton Kelley, Director of Product Development for QVC meet with executives from The Aaron Group during The JCK Invitational.

MARTIN RAPAPORT
Martin Rapaport, Chairman of Rapaport Group gathered an outstanding panel of delegates from around the world to discuss the business of diamonds in West Africa and the lives, needs and challenges of artisanal diamond diggers. Hundreds of participants gathered for the 4th annual Rapaport International Diamond Conference which took place at the New York Hilton Hotel during the JCK Invitational.

"Our goal for this one day conference was to confront the most difficult issues head on,"”" said Martin Rapaport. "We gathered leading NGO's, government development experts and leaders of the diamond trade about ethical sourcing, corporate responsibility and what the diamond industry can and should do to help the poorest people in the world. We believe remarkable things can be accomplished when industry, NGO's and government set aside their differences and work together for the common good."

Martin Rapaport addresses delegates at the 4th Annual Rapaport International Diamond Conference that was held during the JCK Invitational. The members of the panels included leading NGO's, government development experts and leaders of the diamond trade.

ED ZWICK
Ed Zwick, Film Director of Blood Diamond was part of the all day panel as well as a press conference which attracted worldwide media. When asked why as a Hollywood producer he was participating in an all day diamond conference, Zwick said, "I could not possibly pass up on the opportunity to meet with these important people who can do something about the situation in Africa. I spent years doing research and preparation for the movie and there are some very positive ideas that have been discussed today that can truly turn the situation around."

From left to right Martin Rapaport, Ian Smilie, Partnership Africa Canada and Ed Zwick, Director Blood Diamond movie address delegates at the 4th Annual Rapaport International Diamond Conference that was held during The JCK Invitational.

RETAILERS
A sampling of more Retailers who attended the second day included major buyers from BJ's Wholesale Club, Boscov's, Charm Diamond Centres, Costco, Costco Canada, Finlay Fine Jewelry, Mervyn's, Retail Ventures Jewelry, Sam's Club Canada, Samuel's Jewelers, Kings Jewelry, Ultra Stores, and Winners Merchants International, and independents Donald Haack Diamonds, Michael C. Fina, and many others.

WINNER FOR $500 GIFT CHECK
Congratulations to the $500 American Express Gift Check. Sunday's WINNER, Carolyn Yost, Estate Jewelry, Stonington, CT.

JACK MITCHELL
Today's featured keynote included Jack Mitchell, CEO of Mitchells of Westport, Richards located in Greenwich, CT and his newest store, Marsh's located in Long Island. Plus Jack is also author of the best-selling book; "Hug Your Customers," the proven way to personalize sales and achieve astounding results. Jack shared his business philosophy based on "hugs" highlighting his personal touches that impress and satisfy customers. His dynamic, anecdotal presentation, explained how to adapt his hugging philosophy to your business to attract a great staff, lower marketing costs, and maintain high gross margins and long-term revenues. At a time when customer service can make the difference between success and failure, Jack's one-of-a-kind philosophy gave attendees new ways to get the results their looking for.

Press release: Jack Mitchell Shares His "Hugs" Philosophy at JCK Invitational (.pdf)

Jack Mitchell, CEO of Mitchell's of Westport and Richards in Greenwich, CT addresses JCK Invitational attendees during the opening day keynote address.

RETAILERS AT THE JCK INVITATIONAL
Retail buyers see the latest jewelry designs during meetings with exhibitors at The JCK Invitational.

Retailers who attended the first day included major buyers from AAFES, Amazon.com, Christian Bernard Stores, Costco Wholesale, Friedman's Jewelers, JC Penney, Jewelry Television, Macy's West, Navy Exchange, Reeds Jewelers, Rogers LTD. Inc., Ross Simons, Sam's Club Canada, Sears, Sterling Jewelers Inc., QVC, and Zales Outlet. As well as top independent jewelry retailers including Dunkin's Diamonds, Mitchell's, Jewels by Viggi, Madison Jewelers, Peter Lindeman, Zingale and many others.

WINNER FOR $500 GIFT CHECK
Congratulations to the $500 American Express Gift Check Winner: B. Ersenberg from Willmington, DE.

Left to right - John Tierney, JCK Events, B. Ersenberg, Winner, Desireé Hanson, JCK Events, Stacey Huzi, JCK Events

INDUSTRY FUND WINNERS
JCK Events and JCK Magazine are pleased to announce the winners of grant monies from the annual JCK Jewelry Industry Fund. The Jewelry Industry Fund, now in its ninth year, was established to enhance the image of the jewelry industry and to foster development and research of programs that would benefit the industry. This year, grants from this Fund were presented to five groups who have demonstrated programs that work towards the betterment of the overall industry. Since 1998, over $3.2 million has been awarded in grants from the Industry Fund. The 2007 winners are the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America, Jewelers' Security Alliance, American Gem Society, and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.

Press release: The JCK Jewelry Industry Fund Announces the 2007 Award Winners (.pdf)

Shown here from left to right are Dave Bonaparte, Group Vice President of JCK Events; Industry Fund award recipients Amy Greenbaum, Marketing/Development Director for Jewelers Vigilance Committee and John J. Kennedy, President of the Jewelers' Security Alliance; and Mark Smelzer, Publisher of JCK Magazine.

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PRESS RELEASES FROM THE SHOW: Feb. 7, 2007: Conference Sessions Highlight Day Three of JCK Invitational (.pdf) Feb. 6, 2007: Rapaport International Diamond Conference Highlights Day Two of JCK Invitational (.pdf) Feb. 5, 2007: Jack Mitchell Shares His "Hugs" Philosophy at JCK Invitational (.pdf) Feb. 4, 2007: The JCK Jewelry Industry Fund Announces the 2007 Award Winners (.pdf) PHOTOS FROM THE SHOW: Shane Decker Shane Decker, a national diamond and jewelry sales trainer and consultant that works with both the owners and sales staff of retail jewelry establishments, addressed the ongoing Internet issue with his session “The State of the Jewelry Industry vs. The Internet.” Shane Decker, diamond and jewelry sales trainer and consultant presents a keynote address at JCK Invitational. RETAILERS Retailers who attended the event included major buyers from AAFES, Amazon.com, BJ's Wholesale Club, Boscov's, Charm Diamond Centres, Costco Canada, Christian Bernard Stores, Costco Wholesale, Finlay Fine Jewelry, Friedman's Jewelers, JC Penney, Jewelry Television, Kings Jewelry, Macy's West, Mervyn's, Navy Exchange, Reeds Jewelers, Rogers LTD. Inc., Ross Simons, Retail Ventures Jewelry, Sam's Club Canada, Samuel's Jewelers, Sears, Sterling Jewelers Inc., QVC, Ultra Stores, Winners Merchants International and Zales Outlet. In addition top independent jewelry retailers including Dunkin's Diamonds, Donald Haack Diamonds, Jewels by Viggi, Madison Jewelers, Michael C. Fina, Mitchell's, Peter Lindeman, Zingale and many others also attended. From left to right Debra Puzio, Buyer, Merchandising Jewelry for QVC and Peyton Kelley, Director of Product Development for QVC meet with executives from The Aaron Group during The JCK Invitational. MARTIN RAPAPORT Martin Rapaport, Chairman of Rapaport Group gathered an outstanding panel of delegates from around the world to discuss the business of diamonds in West Africa and the lives, needs and challenges of artisanal diamond diggers. Hundreds of participants gathered for the 4th annual Rapaport International Diamond Conference which took place at the New York Hilton Hotel during the JCK Invitational. "Our goal for this one day conference was to confront the most difficult issues head on,"”" said Martin Rapaport. "We gathered leading NGO's, government development experts and leaders of the diamond trade about ethical sourcing, corporate responsibility and what the diamond industry can and should do to help the poorest people in the world. We believe remarkable things can be accomplished when industry, NGO's and government set aside their differences and work together for the common good." Martin Rapaport addresses delegates at the 4th Annual Rapaport International Diamond Conference that was held during the JCK Invitational. The members of the panels included leading NGO's, government development experts and leaders of the diamond trade. ED ZWICK Ed Zwick, Film Director of Blood Diamond was part of the all day panel as well as a press conference which attracted worldwide media. When asked why as a Hollywood producer he was participating in an all day diamond conference, Zwick said, "I could not possibly pass up on the opportunity to meet with these important people who can do something about the situation in Africa. I spent years doing research and preparation for the movie and there are some very positive ideas that have been discussed today that can truly turn the situation around." From left to right Martin Rapaport, Ian Smilie, Partnership Africa Canada and Ed Zwick, Director Blood Diamond movie address delegates at the 4th Annual Rapaport International Diamond Conference that was held during The JCK Invitational. RETAILERS A sampling of more Retailers who attended the second day included major buyers from BJ's Wholesale Club, Boscov's, Charm Diamond Centres, Costco, Costco Canada, Finlay Fine Jewelry, Mervyn's, Retail Ventures Jewelry, Sam's Club Canada, Samuel's Jewelers, Kings Jewelry, Ultra Stores, and Winners Merchants International, and independents Donald Haack Diamonds, Michael C. Fina, and many others. WINNER FOR $500 GIFT CHECK Congratulations to the $500 American Express Gift Check. Sunday's WINNER, Carolyn Yost, Estate Jewelry, Stonington, CT. JACK MITCHELL Today's featured keynote included Jack Mitchell, CEO of Mitchells of Westport, Richards located in Greenwich, CT and his newest store, Marsh's located in Long Island. Plus Jack is also author of the best-selling book; "Hug Your Customers," the proven way to personalize sales and achieve astounding results. Jack shared his business philosophy based on "hugs" highlighting his personal touches that impress and satisfy customers. His dynamic, anecdotal presentation, explained how to adapt his hugging philosophy to your business to attract a great staff, lower marketing costs, and maintain high gross margins and long-term revenues. At a time when customer service can make the difference between success and failure, Jack's one-of-a-kind philosophy gave attendees new ways to get the results their looking for. Press release: Jack Mitchell Shares His "Hugs" Philosophy at JCK Invitational (.pdf) Jack Mitchell, CEO of Mitchell's of Westport and Richards in Greenwich, CT addresses JCK Invitational attendees during the opening day keynote address. RETAILERS AT THE JCK INVITATIONAL Retail buyers see the latest jewelry designs during meetings with exhibitors at The JCK Invitational. Retailers who attended the first day included major buyers from AAFES, Amazon.com, Christian Bernard Stores, Costco Wholesale, Friedman's Jewelers, JC Penney, Jewelry Television, Macy's West, Navy Exchange, Reeds Jewelers, Rogers LTD. Inc., Ross Simons, Sam's Club Canada, Sears, Sterling Jewelers Inc., QVC, and Zales Outlet. As well as top independent jewelry retailers including Dunkin's Diamonds, Mitchell's, Jewels by Viggi, Madison Jewelers, Peter Lindeman, Zingale and many others. WINNER FOR $500 GIFT CHECK Congratulations to the $500 American Express Gift Check Winner: B. Ersenberg from Willmington, DE. Left to right - John Tierney, JCK Events, B. Ersenberg, Winner, Desireé Hanson, JCK Events, Stacey Huzi, JCK Events INDUSTRY FUND WINNERS JCK Events and JCK Magazine are pleased to announce the winners of grant monies from the annual JCK Jewelry Industry Fund. The Jewelry Industry Fund, now in its ninth year, was established to enhance the image of the jewelry industry and to foster development and research of programs that would benefit the industry. This year, grants from this Fund were presented to five groups who have demonstrated programs that work towards the betterment of the overall industry. Since 1998, over $3.2 million has been awarded in grants from the Industry Fund. The 2007 winners are the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America, Jewelers' Security Alliance, American Gem Society, and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee. Press release: The JCK Jewelry Industry Fund Announces the 2007 Award Winners (.pdf) Shown here from left to right are Dave Bonaparte, Group Vice President of JCK Events; Industry Fund award recipients Amy Greenbaum, Marketing/Development Director for Jewelers Vigilance Committee and John J. Kennedy, President of the Jewelers' Security Alliance; and Mark Smelzer, Publisher of JCK Magazine.			February 4-6, 2007 Hilton New York New York, NY, USA Visit Our New Online Product Gallery! Managed and produced by: