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Monthly Archives: August 2011
It Can Be Easy to be Green
Hey, Kermit, it can be easy to be green. That’s what we at The Kingswood Company have learned in the last five years, as we have embraced efforts to achieve greater environmental sustainability. We were environmentally aware back before it was cool; most of our products have been non-toxic and biodegradable for more than fifty years! But we knew there was more we could do to help Mother Earth, so we redesigned our jars in 2006. By doing so, we reduced the amount of plastic we use by more than 25,000 pounds every year. Our customers still get the same fantastic jewelry care products, just in a lighter jar. The lighter jar reduces the amount of fuel required to ship to our customers too, so reduced shipping costs are nice side benefit for us all.
We have been able to reduce fuel usage in other ways too. One hundred percent of our suppliers are based in the United States, so the cost of shipping raw materials to our facility in Columbus, Ohio is much less. Whenever possible, we use local and regional suppliers, especially for heavy materials such as corrugate and chemicals. Less road to travel; less fuel used. When we must use suppliers outside of the region, we work to ensure that inbound shipments are consolidated and use backhaul shipping lanes to conserve fuel. It takes a little more planning on our part, but Mother Earth is worth it!
We also use as much recycled materials as possible when manufacturing our jars, caps, brushes and baskets. And many of those same materials can be recycled by the end-consumer of our products. We encourage our end-consumers to recycle, but we aren’t asking them to do anything we don’t do ourselves. In 2009, we introduced a new recycling program in our facility that has reduced manufacturing and office waste by more than 65 percent. Plus we do the little things, like making sure all lights, computers and heating and cooling systems are turned off when we aren’t there; they are little things that when combined with the efforts of others add up to big changes. Each of these changes reaffirms our commitment to environmental sustainability. We’ll keep looking for more ways to reduce our impact on the environment. Really, Kermit, it’s easy being green.
Posted in Newsletter
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Trade Secrets from the Queen of Clean…
During the last week of July, I had the opportunity to travel to NYC for work (and for fun – how can you be in New York and not have fun?). The week began early Monday morning with the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) National Board meeting. This wonderful organization supports women in the jewelry industry by offering mentoring, scholarships and networking opportunities throughout the world. I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of this organization.
The WJA Board meetings are always stimulating for me, and this time was no exception. As I looked around the table, I saw friends, acquaintances and talented women from across the country. I saw women with vision for the organization and women with the skills to execute that vision. I saw doers and leaders; mothers and daughters; entrepreneurs and corporate CEOs. I saw women who inspire others to participate, to give, to lead, to mentor, to serve and to grow.
And as I took in all the talent and dedication in the room, I also recognized the gift of time. In a world where everyone is so, so, so, so, so busy, the commitment of these women to serve others, to give selflessly of their time and talent, was and is inspiring.
That evening, the annual WJA Awards of Excellence dinner was held on Chelsea Pier in Manhattan. Widely recognized as one of the best networking events in the industry, the dinner brings together established executives, successful entrepreneurs and aspiring women and men from all aspects of the retail jewelry industry nationwide. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit with customers, both new and old, to see long-time friends, and make a few new ones. It was a wonderful evening that celebrated the successes and hard work of many women across the country, and it was a delight to share in the success. The team effort required to pull off such a successful event with such style and power was awesome.
Congratulations to all of the winners celebrated that evening, and to all of the other nominees in each of the categories. And, kudos to the women of the WJA for establishing an event that not only celebrates the success of women throughout the industry, but which creates an opportunity for new relationships to flourish – all while raising many thousands of dollars for scholarships. For more information about the WJA, visit http://www.womensjewelry.org.
More on the rest of my trip later…
Cleaning Up a Hot Trend
The Kingswood Company Urges Customers to Use Gentle Cleaning Formulary for Bead Cleaning
Columbus, OH – With jewelry trends running heavily toward fashion pieces featuring beads and pearls, The Kingswood Company is launching a campaign to remind customers that The Kingswood Company’s Gentle Jewelry Cleaner and polishing cloths are the perfect products for cleaning beads, pearls and other stones requiring gentle care.
“The popularity of bead lines today is unbelievable,” explained Kristie Nicolosi, President & CEO of The Kingswood Company. “The trend has exploded in the market, and many jewelers we work with are being asked by their customers how to properly clean their beaded jewelry.”
Part of the popularity of bead charm bracelets and the like is that they are appropriate for everyday wear. But such routine wear means that beads are exposed to things like sunscreen, hairspray, lotions and more. At the same time, many women are afraid to clean their beads and pearls for fear of damaging them.
Certainly many cleaners, particularly household cleaners like ammonia, are too harsh; beads and pearls should be cared for with a non-ammoniated cleaner specifically formulated for cleaning jewelry. The Kingswood Company’s Gentle Jewelry Cleaner formulary removes dirt, hairspray, oils and more without damaging the bead or stone. And periodic wiping with a soft polishing cloth will keep beads and pearls looking beautiful.
Jewelers who are finding great success with the sale of today’s popular bead lines also find The Kingswood Company’s Gentle Jewelry Cleaner an excellent add-on sale.
“We at The Kingswood Company strive to work with our customers to integrate cleaning products into their stores,” added Nicolosi. “Jewelers who are riding the trend with beads can build better relationships with their clients by educating them on proper care of their bead purchase. And our gentle cleaner and polishing cloths are the perfect products to use.”
For more information on The Kingswood Company’s private label jewelry cleaning products, visit www.thekingswoodcompany.com.
Posted in As Seen In
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