As a proud member of Jewelers of America, I have experienced firsthand the invaluable support and advocacy that this esteemed organization provides its members. My colleagues and I understand the unique challenges we face, from fluctuating market conditions to rising crime rates that threaten our livelihood and even more so for small business owners such as myself. 

The impactful advocacy that JA does on behalf of its membership in Washington, D.C, is crucial for safeguarding the future and viability of our industry.

At the heart of our advocacy efforts for 2024/2025 are several key legislative priorities that resonate deeply with my experience as a small business owner:

1. Protecting Our Supply Chain: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to significant changes in how we handle diamond imports. JA is actively working to ensure that smart policies are in place to keep Russian diamonds out of the U.S. supply chain. This is not just about ethics; it’s about protecting our businesses from unnecessary burdens that could arise from proposed regulations, such as those requiring all G7/U.S.-bound diamonds to funnel through a single import channel in Antwerp. Such measures could severely impact our operations and cost us dearly.
2. Combating Rising Crime: Retail crime has become a pressing issue for jewelers across the nation. The statistics are alarming, with jewelry businesses reporting substantial losses and ever rising insurance, security and risk mitigation costs. I wholeheartedly support JA’s push for the Organized Retail Crime Act (HR 316), which aims to enhance coordination among law enforcement and provide our industry with the necessary resources to tackle this growing threat. The safety of my employees and customers is paramount, and having robust support from Congress is essential.
3. Credit Card Reform: The support of JA membership advocacy in combating Increasing credit card swipe fees which unduly squeeze our margins which negatively impact our customers is the impetus for our support of the Credit Card Competition Act. The enactment of this Act is vital for ensuring that median and small businesses can thrive without exorbitant transaction costs.
4. Defending LIFO Accounting: The last-in, first-out (LIFO) accounting method is a lifeline for many small jewelry businesses like mine. This method accurately reflects the realities of our inventory management, where precious metals and gemstones can remain in stock for years. I stand with JA in the efforts made to educate, inform and urge lawmakers to oppose any attempts to repeal LIFO, as doing so could put many businesses small and large in fiscal jeopardy. As I reflect on my participation in Jewelers of America’s recent D.C. Fly-In, I am reminded of the importance of our rights, the importance of advocacy and the import of the governance process. Meeting with lawmakers and advocating for our industry is not just a duty; it’s a necessity. I had the opportunity to share my story and the unique challenges we face with representatives from New York, Oregon and Texas. It was a powerful reminder of how our voices matter and how JA amplifies those voices to effect real change.

Our conversations focused on maintaining a supportive economic environment for jewelers, protecting the integrity of our diamond supply, and ensuring that safety measures are in place to combat retail crime. It’s clear that when we come together as an industry, we can advocate effectively for policies that benefit not just our businesses, but our communities as well.

In closing, I urge my fellow jewelers to engage with Jewelers of America and consider participating in future Fly-Ins. Our strength lies in our collective voice, and together, we can ensure that the jewelry industry continues to thrive for generations to come. Let’s continue to protect our businesses, support our communities, and advocate for smart policies that safeguard our future.