The organization’s political action committee held its annual D.C. fly-in

The Jewelers of America Political Action Committee (JAPAC) held its annual fly-in on June 15.

The trip marks the sixth year that JAPAC reps have gone to Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers about issues important to the industry.

“Jewelers of America’s annual trip to Washington, D.C., is a critical piece of our overall efforts to give a strong voice to the industry, because decision makers on Capitol Hill have power to influence issues that are core to jewelry businesses, like sales tax fairness,” said JA president and CEO David Bonaparte in a statement.

This year the meetings focused on proposed changes to the FTC’s Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries. JAPAC is opposed to a measure that would allow the use of “cultured” to describe synthetic diamonds.

Reps also discussed sales tax fairness with leaders.

“We are hopeful that the tide is turning on sales tax fairness,” says JAPAC board chair Jenny Caro, owner of Jewelry by Designs in Woodbridge, Va. “However, we need the jewelry industry to come together and really push this to the finish line.”

The delegation included industry representatives from throughout the U.S., including Bonaparte, Caro, JA director of public affairs and education Susan Thea Posnock, JA executive administration manager Sharie Fogarty, and several other JA members.

More information about JAPAC and advocacy is available at jewelers.org/ja/advocacy. 

JCK