2012 JCK Industry Fund awards five trade associations

The JCK Industry Fund, established to award organizations and individuals whose work benefit the industry, has recognised five industry associations as recipients this year. The winners include - Diamond Development Initiative (DDI); Jeweler's Security Alliance (JSA); American Gem Society (AGS); Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) and Jewelers of America (JA).

According to Dave Bonaparte, Senior Vice President, JCK brands, said, “Through the JCK Industry Fund, we highlight those industry's associations and organizations whose programs and initiatives impact the industry for years to come. We are proud to support these five organizations whose works are of critical importance to the industry."

The five industry organizations have been awarded grants in support of the following initiatives:

Diamond Development Initiative: Dorothee Gizenga, Executive Director of the Diamond Development Initiative International (DDI) said, " Through our projects, communications and outreach efforts, we are able to work to enhance the beneficial impact of artisanal diamond mining on all of the key stakeholders."

Jewelers' Security Alliance (JSA) President John Kennedy, said the Fund would support "JSA to broaden its crime prevention efforts to include greater cooperation with Western Europe” and “will allow JSA to help fight U.S. jewelry crime more effectively, as well as to fight jewelry crime on a more global basis."

American Gem Society (AGS): CEO and Executive Director, Ruth Batson said, the grant would "enables The Society to maintain a high caliber of educational programs each year at Conclave".

Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) President CEO and General Counsel, Cecilia Gardner, said the Fund would help it fulfill its mission and also that “In 2012, JVC will continue to provide FREE seminars, products and services to assist the industry to comply with the regulations that govern our day-to-day business practices”.

Jewelers Association: " Matthew A. Runci, President and CEO of Jewelers of America said, "Thanks to the generosity of the JCK Industry Fund, our respective organizations will be able to empower a growing number of jewelers to speak out on legislative issues that impact their businesses."

Since its inception in 1998, the JCK Industry Fund has awarded several million dollars in grants to worthy organizations and individuals and has supported critical needs, educational programming and advocacy programs. Grant applications for the Fund are reviewed basis various criteria including: improving the image of the jewelry industry in the eyes of the consumer; addressing problems and challenges facing the industry or assisting organizations and associations in providing funding to develop training materials for its membership or industry-at-large.