Established in 1905, the Wisconsin Jewelers Association was formed by leading jewelers throughout the state who wanted to have a means of communicating and networking with other jewelers to help advance the jewelry industry and create meaningful relationships to help one another become better business leaders. In 1906, the Minnesota-North Dakota Jewelers Association was formed with the same goal in mind.
Over the years both associations have had many successes, including memberships of well over 300 jewelers in each association, successful seminars and tradeshows. After combining the tradeshows over 425 exhibitors supported their combined efforts.
In 2016 the two associations combined to form the Midwest Jewelers Association (MJA) hoping they could provide increased membership services, education, communication and collaboration to its members that could not be accomplished individually. While this goal was successful, it is no longer sustainable. Membership between the two former associations has decreased to around 100 store fronts total.
“With store closings, social media, technology and the ability to get information instantaneously, the MJA Board feels the present ‘association’ model has run its course,” stated MJA President John Barnes. “The MJA Board has made the difficult decision to cease operations [effective] January 1, 2022.”
Remaining funds will be distributed to educational programs and Jewelers for Children. “We are working with Jewelers Mutual Group to transition the GIA Lab Classes to another source. More information will be provided at a later date,” he added. “We thank our members for their support in the Midwest Jewelers Association.”
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