The Jewelers' Security Alliance

Frank Dallahan, Publisher -- JCK Online, 1/1/2002 2:00:00 AM

The December issue of JCK recognized John Kennedy as our first annual Person of the Year. JCK's editorial staff selected Kennedy after considering a number of individuals who made significant positive contributions to the industry in 2001.

Security is a key issue for everyone in the jewelry industry. From storeowners, to chain store executives, to manufacturers and wholesalers or anyone who provides merchandise and services to retail jewelers, security is a necessary consideration.

Every section of the country has experienced losses at the hands of individuals and gangs who view merchants and traveling salespeople as easy pickings to support their drug habits or other equally unattractive lifestyles. At the other end of the spectrum is the Jewelers' Security Alliance, an industry organization that is doing important work to fix the crime problems we face.

Unfortunately, fighting crime is like pushing on a balloon: Push on a particular spot, let it go … and it snaps right back into place. It's a never-ending battle, and one that requires the ongoing support of everyone in this business. Fighting crime is everyone's responsibility. It simply is a matter that cannot be delegated or neglected. Your support of the JSA and its mission is critical if we are to keep the pressure on the evildoers in every state.

In addition to amassing crime data to support the industry's requests for law enforcement assistance at the local, state, and federal levels, the JSA also provides security manuals, update bulletins, and consulting services to retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and trade show organizations. All of these efforts are aimed at helping each of us avoid the possibility of a confrontation with an armed robber.

JCK will honor John Kennedy at a special dinner in connection with The JCK Show ~ Orlando in February. This dinner gives us and the members of the industry an opportunity to come together and recognize a very nice man for his hard work and accomplishments. Through his leadership of Jewelers' Security Alliance, Kennedy has helped make our industry "a safer place."

Please join us as we honor John Kennedy and the JSA staff for their good work and valiant efforts in fighting crime throughout the year. The dinner will be held at the Peabody Hotel directly across the street from the Orange County Convention Center on Friday, Feb. 1, 2002. A cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. with dinner following at 7 p.m. For information and reservations, please call Kathy Ellis at (610) 205-1110.