The General Discussion Group is where you can post information, announcements, and questions. You will even be encouraged to introduce yourself by including where you reside and what you do. SUGGESTION: Bookmark this group, that way when you log on, you will be able to read the latest discussions.

***Private, but anyone here can join!*** This group is designed for those with a need to have a competitive advantage. There are many ways to set yourself apart in a positive light. It does not matter if you are a business owner, or an employee. Having a competitive advantage will increase your perceived value and add to a secure position in the marketplace. There will also be food for thought, such as conducting a self analysis to get rid of any competitive disadvantages. These disadvantages are hard to admit to, and even harder to get rid of. Join the group today and start your path to prosperity.

Want to discuss current events affecting the industry as a whole or your store in particular? Here's the place to do it.

A group to connect user's of the Matrix CAD program and plan social and professional gatherings.

Here's the place to celebrate your successes. Shout it out to your fellow jewelry salespeople! Share what you think you did right so others can benefit. Hopefully your good luck will rub off on everybody else!

Founded in 1874, the Chicago Jewelers Association (CJA) is the Midwest's oldest and most prestigious jewelry industry group. The CJA provides a forum for retailers, wholesalers, sales representatives and manufacturers to exchange vital information and new ideas. This networking opportunity has been found to be invaluable by some of the industry's most successful professionals. Benefits: The CJA Crime Alert Network Have you or someone you know been the victim of a crime? Has someone tried to run a scam on you? If so, please contact the Chicago Jewelers Association Crime Alert Network. We will send out an alert so that we help maintain a safe environment for the jewelry community. If one jeweler is being preyed upon it is likely that others are going to fall victim to the same perpetrators. We need to maintain a collective shield of information to the community to help make it a safer environment to work in. To be successful we need to share information and let everyone know. _____________________________________________ Parking Discount Members of the Chicago Jewelers Association will have the opportunity to have either a deeply discounted monthly or daily rate. In addition there will be a discount voucher available to be given to customers. These rates also apply to the employees of association members. ___________________________________________ CJA Newsletter Stay on top of jewelry industry activities, business and issues. Read the association’s quarterly newsletter. Members are encouraged to submit articles, information, opinions, advertisements for your business, and items of interest for publication. ___________________________________________ Professional Networking All professionals agree that networking is an important element of success. You need to network to advance yourself and your business. The CJA is an excellent resource for both men and women to interact with their peers. Expand and strengthen your resources through the CJA. Active membership in the association facilitates meeting new industry professionals, solidifying acquaintances and learning new information and ideas. The CJA will help you enhance your professional goals and expand your scope of associates within the industry. _______________________________________________ Educational Programs Knowledge is power! Increase your knowledge and your own professional development. Broaden your understanding of a variety of industry topics through the association’s seminars, workshops and round table discussions. Please visit our website for more information. www.chicagoja.org

The Young Jewelers Association is an association that was started in 2006 for young professionals that work in the jewelry industry. Most younger professionals work for someone else and because of this it's hard to meet some of the people within the industry unless you're doing direct business with them. YJA provides an atmosphere where you can do face to face social networking fostering new friendships, and business partners for the future improvement of the jewelry industry.

Exploring the latest craze on the net? Need some understanding what it's all about? This group is a support group for everyone who has info on Social Media or wants to know more about it.

This group is for people who will be going to The Smart Jewelry Show by INSTORE and INDESIGN, to be held at Chicago's gorgeous Navy Pier from April 24-26. By joining, you'll get the latest news and can set rendezvous times with manufacturers, experts and fellow retailers.