SourcingDec 17, 2021
IDCA Elects New Board, Executive Committee for 2022IndependentsJan 26, 2022
IJO Adds 5 Retailers to Board
The organization is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
IJO has added five new retail members to its board of directors.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
More on Independents
The Latest
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut DiamondModel Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
ICA Names 2025 Board of DirectorsThe board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring GiveawayThree winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRFJD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.
Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, RubiesThe new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50MAcquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump SaysPresident Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the ThunderbirdThe “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better HeadshotColumnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado JewelerPeter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2025
Bethenny Frankel to Give Keynote at CBG’s Experience ShowThe Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple YearsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of FundraisingThe organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown GemstonesThe catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird CharmsThe company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami JewelerOmar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane KatrinaThe New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of CoverageLilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.
