This important information is about our relationship with (JA) Jewelers of America and comes from our entire TJA Board of Directors.

As you may know, Jewelers of America (JA), which is based in New York, has “redefined” the relationship with all state affiliate associations such as Texas. Though the Texas Jewelers Association (TJA) and JA will remain associated partners, TJA will no longer be an affiliate of JA.  In fact, TJA will now be operating as an INDEPENDENT ASSOCIATION.

Though JA gave us very short notice, the timing couldn’t be better.  TJA had already begun working on a new strategic plan to ensure that we are serving the unique needs of the jewelry industry in Texas. This new opportunity will allow TJA to focus on Texas legislation and retail trends that will provide our members with even MORE benefits.

In the past, you received ONE membership dues invoice from JA to belong to both associations, TJA AND JA.  JA retained a $20 processing fee. Beginning now and in 2010, JA will solicit its own membership dues of $95 per store.  Their JA billing will NO LONGER INCLUDE  YOUR MEMEBERHIP TO TJA and JA will be in effect competing with Texas and TJA for the same memberships.  Note: You can still join both.

Since TJA (who has the major host of jeweler member benefits) will no longer be paying the JA $20 processing fee, we are passing that savings on to you in 2010.  TJA is reducing your membership fee from $150 to $125.  And, it is only $50 for each additional store.

Your TJA Board of Directors and staff are committed to providing you excellent customer service by continuing to be the “Resource Center” for all of your questions and requests. 

Your New TJA & Benefits

• TJA will be partnering with other Texas trade organizations to bring you more services and opportunities in state legislation issues via email and mail.
• TJA’s website will soon have more social media components that will provide more information, communications, education, and networking opportunities.  TJA members will be able to provide input on our upcoming web presence via Facebook and other blog sites.
• TJA’s first class quarterly glossy magazine and newsworthy information is the best in the nation. 
• TJA now has expanded into the television medium and offers a very cost effective TV media plan via Baby Face Productions on our website for only $500.
• TJA will continue to partner with service providers to offer TJA members exclusive discounts on business services.
• TJA will continue security alerts through the Jeweler’s Alert e-mail blast system from Jeweler’s Mutual.
• TJA offers members and their employees benefit programs such as dental, vision and even hearing plans not available through JA.   

The Texas Jewelers Association has a long legacy of leadership and innovation, and continues to be one of the largest state jewelers associations in the country because we remain committed to serving the needs of our members. We ask for your continued support to serve your needs—the needs of the jewelry industry in Texas.

Sincerely,    

TJA Officers and Board

We hope you will continue to support your State Association and designed to support Texas jewelers.