Arnold new chairwoman of manufacturing group’s board

We have to  decide if we  will allow the electronic  industry to  get into the  jewelry industry.
We have to decide if we will allow the electronic industry to get into the jewelry industry.

Ann Arnold, chief strategy officer at Buyers Intelligence Group and chief financial officer of H. Arnold Wood Turning Inc., was recently appointed chairwoman of the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America’s board of directors. Arnold joined the board in 2006 and she has also served as first treasurer and vice chair. Arnold began her career at Deloitte & Touche, where she earned her CPA, but she soon returned to her family’s bridal jewelry factory, Lieberfarb. Arnold spent more than 20 years at Lieberfarb, serving as vice president and later CEO.

PBN: What made you choose to join the jewelry-manufacturing industry after being an auditor?
ARNOLD: I actually grew up in the industry. My father owned a wedding and engagement-ring factory in New Jersey called Lieberfarb. I started going to the factory as a very small child. I used to “work” as a youngster, sweeping, cleaning and stamping postal books! I always knew that I wanted to end up in the jewelry industry. My father insisted that I get a job outside the family business first, so I decided to get my CPA and went to work for Deloitte & Touche.

PBN: How does MJSA plan to promote its mission to jewelry manufacturers and why is this becoming more important to the industry?
ARNOLD: I would like to see MJSA continue to bring its message to the manufacturing community, while understanding that the definition of “manufacturing” has evolved. It now encompasses more and more retailers, with increased growth of customization at the retail level. We will kick off promoting our message in March at the MJSA show in New York through our content-rich programs and keynote speakers, as well as our excellent source of suppliers that will be exhibiting.

PBN: What are some of the emerging trends in the jewelry industry?
ARNOLD: I truly believe that one of the biggest changes to come to our industry in a while is wearable technology. For so long, the jewelry industry has been competing with the electronic industry for consumer dollars. We are at a point now where we have to decide if we will allow the electronic industry to get into the jewelry industry, or if we will embrace what is happening and claim it as our own. This is true for both manufacturers, who will need to figure out the right partnerships, as well as retailers that need to figure out the right way to sell the product. •

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