For Immediate Release
Press Contact: Brenda Gamba
(401) 274-3840
April 29, 1999
Jewelry Industry Summit to Take Place on May 13th*
(Providence, RI) On May 13th, David J. Larkin, Executive Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer of Jostens will be keynote
speaker during the forthcoming Southeastern New England Jewelry
Industry Summit. The Summit will be held at the Rhode Island
Convention Center in Providence, RI.
Mr. Larkin joined Jostens in February 1998 following a 30 year
career with Honeywell, where he held positions in sales,
marketing and operations. Most recently he was Chairman,
President and Chief Executive of Honeywell Limited. Mr. Larkin
is a graduate of Harvard College. Jostens recently announced its
decision to increase its investment in its Attleboro, MA, ring
manufacturing plant after pursuing manufacturing in Mexico.
The all day summit is open to industry, education, and
community leaders from Rhode Island and Massachusetts. One third
of the US jewelry manufacturing base is clustered in Rhode Island
and Southeastern Massachusetts. Overall, this cluster has been
losing market share. As a result, MJSA and the
Attleboro-Providence Jewelry Network partnered with Southeastern
Massachusetts Manufacturing Partnership and the Rhode Island
Manufacturing Extension Services to develop a regional strategy
for the industry and the communities that depend on it.
This Summit is part of a project supported by the US Department
of Commerce=92s Economic Development Administration. The region=92s
Congressional delegation, including Massachusetts Congressman
Jim McGovern have been actively involved.
Who Should Attend?
=95 CEO=92s and senior managers of area jewelry companies
=95 Industry Association & Chamber of Commerce Leaders
=95 Economic Development Officials
=95 Representatives of Educational Institutions
=95 Elected Officials from various levels of government
What Is the Purpose of this Summit?
Objective: to review and develop a consensus strategy to
strengthen the competitiveness of the industry in Southeastern
New England. A prospectus and preliminary Action Items will be
discussed and developed by and for industry leaders together with
other stakeholders from government, education and the community
at large.
How Can I Participate?
To attend, contact Joyce Graham at the Southeastern
Massachusetts Manufacturing Partnership. Deadline to register is
May 7th. For questions further telephone (508)
824-3600.