IJO Adds 5 Retailers to Board

Southport, Conn.—The Independent Jewelers Organization has added five retailers to its board of directors.

The new members officially joined on Jan. 1 and will serve a three-year term.

The newly added retailers include Barbara Binkley of Cooper & Binkley Jewelers in Brighton, Michigan; Kari Johnson Smith of Champaign Jewelers in Champaign, Illinois; Janelle Mead of John Thomas Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Nathan Regan of Burnell’s Fine Jewelry & Design in Wichita, Kansas; and Daniel Widmar of Rasmussen Jewelers in Racine, Wisconsin.

“One thing that’s always impressed me is IJO listens to its members, and I’m happy to be in this position where I feel I can make a difference—help make things even better than they are,” said Smith.

The board consists of 10 retail members and three vendor members, who act as liaisons between IJO members and management.

The current board members are Elena Davis of Towne Square Jewelers in Charleston, Illinois; Sherri Erickson of Erickson Jewelers in Iron Mountain, Michigan; Jim Messier of Arthur’s Jewelry in Bedford, Virginia; Travis Piper of Piper Diamond Company in Vincennes, Indiana; and Kelly Silva of House of Silva in Wooster, Ohio.

The vendor members are Craig MacBean of Ostbye in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Jeff Wynkoop of Quality Gold in Fairfield, Ohio; and Jeff Pancis of Pancis Gems in Morris Plains, New Jersey.

“We have a very dynamic board of directors in IJO, and their input is invaluable to the workings of this organization,” said IJO CEO Jeff Roberts.

“These new appointees were chosen from among 650 retailers and 190 suppliers, which really says a lot about their leadership abilities. They all have been active, supportive members and have contributed strongly for a good number of years. I look forward to working with them in this new capacity.”

The following board members are leaving after serving their full terms: Linda Horrell of Mar Bill Diamonds & Jewelry in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania; Steve Rumanoff of Rumanoff Fine Jewelry & Design in Hamden, Connecticut; Seth Shipley of Shipley’s Fine Jewelry in Hampstead, Maryland; Billy Smith of Smith Jewelers in Franklin, Virginia; and Jim Steen of Morris Jewelry in Bowling Green, Kentucky. 

“These outgoing board members have provided outstanding service to the IJO family,” Roberts said. “Their expertise, innovative ideas and incomparable communication skills have been a great asset to all in the organization, and I’m deeply grateful for their support.”

IJO is a jewelry buying group and service organization that aims to help members increase sales and compete in the marketplace.

The group will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year at its next conference, held March 12-15 in San Antonio, Texas.

For more information about the conference or IJO membership, visit the organization’s website.