It is a pleasure to address the Canadian jewellery industry as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA).
Since my appointment nine months ago, your association has been quite involved with several government-related issues facing our industry, such as free trade with India, ‘Product of Canada’ regulations, and the Kimberley Process (KP). To that end, we have set up committees with industry and government experts to represent our members’ interests.
These issues are extremely important to our industry’s future and thus, we will continue to keep you informed of our progress as we meet with each of the government agencies involved.
Soon after joining CJA as president and CEO, I began developing enhanced strategic relationships with the international jewellery industry. I have had the opportunity to speak with representatives of the Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA), Jewelers of America (JA), British Jewellers Association (BJA), several international and national mining companies, and the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). All these contacts will help us develop a stronger alliance and share our best practices, allowing the association to run more efficiently, both from a time and cost perspective. Further, these collaborations may also provide opportunities for joint ventures and access to research material or surveys that can help in the development of educational programs.
Your association will also be working on the development of several regional educational and networking workshops that will further assist our retail members in their day-to-day business operations and strengthen working relationships with our supplier members.
On the communications front, we will make a committed effort to reach out directly to the consumer through the development of social media, a revamped website, and traditional media outlets. We are also investigating the possibility of a national branding campaign to educate the consumer of the benefits of dealing with a respected CJA member.
In January, the CJA board will meet for its second strategic planning session with specific goals and timelines to move our association to the next stage. These endeavours will be designed to provide members with products and services they need to grow and prosper in the Canadian jewellery marketplace. To date, my travels have allowed me to meet in person with a large number of our members, as well as recruit new ones in Ottawa, Calgary, and Toronto. Their comments and suggestions have been very helpful and appreciated. I plan to visit as many members and potential members in other cities as time permits.
I welcome you to contact me anytime with your comments and suggestions. Please drop by the CJA office to meet your excellent team.
Best regards, J. David Ritter President and CEO, Canadian Jewellers Association
The Canadian Jewellers Association, a national trade association established in 1918, serves as the voice of the Canadian jewellery industry, providing leadership in ethics, education, and communication. The CJA promotes consumer trust and assists its members to follow best business practices. CJA liaises with all levels of the government to ensure fair and equitable treatment. The association builds trust, awareness, understanding, and desirability for Canadian jewellery products. Visit the Canadian Jewellers Association website at www.canadianjewellers.com. Ritter can be contacted via e-mail at david@canadianjewellers.com or (416) 368-7616, ext. 229.
