The two leading organizations have announced a strategic partnership to elevate JA’s Political Action Committee and advocacy efforts that shape the industry

(New York) – Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, announces a strategic partnership with The Plumb Club that aims to elevate the Jewelers of America Political Action Committee (JAPAC) and increase the voice of JA’s advocacy and lobbying efforts on behalf of the jewelry industry.

“Jewelers of America believes that now, more than ever, the jewelry industry needs to come together to support shared goals that can create a stronger, more unified voice. As advocacy remains a top strategic initiative for Jewelers of America and benefit for Jewelers of America Members, we welcome The Plumb Club to our efforts and know that our collective voice will ensure JAPAC continues to be part of meaningful change in Washington, D.C. and at the local level,” says David Bonaparte, Jewelers of America President & CEO. “We are grateful for the foresight from Michael O’Connor, Lawrence Hess, Steven Lerche, Roger Forman and the Plumb Club Board to support the jewelry industry through this partnership.”

Steven Lerche and Roger Forman were recently elected to the Jewelers of America Political Action Committee (JAPAC) Board. Jewelers of America’s JAPAC is the only PAC that supports the entire fine jewelry industry in Washington, D.C.  The Plumb Club’s executive director Lawrence Hess joined Jewelers of America leadership and members in Capitol Hill for the association’s annual Fly-in on September 15 to lobby on issues that impact the jewelry industry.

“Earlier in 2026 The Plumb Club augmented our strategic direction to broaden and heighten the club’s value to the jewelry industry overall. This meant that we were able to add initiatives that grow the Club’s vision of shaping the future of the industry. One key element in that was to be a more important voice in governmental affairs that impact everyone across the board from manufacturers, to suppliers, to retailers. Therefore, we chose strategic partners who could work with us in these areas. We were thrilled to be able to work with Jewelers of America and join their JAPAC initiatives to do exactly this. A stronger and more unified voice is beneficial to the entire jewelry industry,” says Steven Lerche, president of The Plumb Club.

Jewelers of America and The Plumb Club will collaborate in the areas of events and education in spaces where their collective reach can better serve their members.

“The Plumb Club and Jewelers of America share many goals such as educating the industry, providing retailers with information that helps them build stronger businesses, and promoting the highest ethical standards. Our organizations have worked together for years to benefit the jewelry industry, so joining forces on these initiatives that reflect our shared values was a natural next step. We welcome the ability to advance these important goals alongside another strong and respected organization,” says Lawrence Hess, executive director of The Plumb Club.

For more information, visit www.jewelers.org or contact JA’s Member Services at (800) 223-0673.