Independent Jewellers nabs family business award
by jacquie_dealmeida | March 28, 2016 10:13 am
Independent Jewellers has been honoured with the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise’s (CAFE’s) 2016 Manitoba Family Enterprise of the Year Award (FEYA).
Founded in 1937 by John H. Epp, Independent Jewellers is now run by his grandsons, Jeremy Epp and Jonathan Klippenstein-Epp. Over the years, the company has grown with the addition of luxury brands to its offerings. Independent Jewellers currently has two locations in Winnipeg and will be building a new freestanding store this year.
“To win the 2016 FEYA for Manitoba from the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise is a great honour,” Jeremy says. “The award is as much tribute to the years of hard work put in by the previous generations as it is by Jonathan or me. We are so grateful for all that has been done for us and we will continue to do our best to continue the legacy we have taken over. We see reason for optimism with so many exciting opportunities in our industry, as it continues to change and evolve, especially around technology, access to new markets, and the ever-changing and realigning of jewellery and watch brands.
“My grandfather was an entrepreneur. While he loved jewellery, he also loved business and people. Today, the company bares those traits of caring for people, looking for opportunities, and seeking the best the jewellery industry has to offer. He would be proud to have received this award, as it speaks to the important link between entrepreneurship and family business.”
Since 1983, the Family Enterprise of the Year Award has recognized significant achievements by Canadian family businesses, acknowledging their importance in Canada’s economy.
“Manitoba family-owned businesses continue to be recognized as some of the most important and valued employers throughout Manitoba and drivers of our economy,” says Bob Spriggs of Vector Construction, the current president of CAFE’s Manitoba chapter.
“We were honoured to celebrate business success with this year’s Manitoba Family Enterprise of the Year Award finalists, which highlighted families who have shown dedication to our community and strengthening the family business footprint in Manitoba. We are very pleased to congratulate the 2016 Manitoba award recipient, Independent Jewellers, and wish them all the very best as they proudly represent Manitoba at the national award.”
Independent Jewellers represented Manitoba in the national competition. The winner and finalists have not yet been announced.
Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/news/independent-jewellers-nabs-family-business-award/