The name Sterling Jewelers Inc. may not be all that familiar to you, but the brands it operates will be: Kay Jewelers, JB Robinson Jewelers and Jared The Galleria of Jewelry.
All told, Sterling is the largest specialty retail jeweler by sales in the U.S. and has more than 1,400 stores across all 50 states.
This leadership position in the jewelry industry also gives Sterling the opportunity to lead the way in philanthropic efforts in the communities it serves. On a national level, it has a partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Locally, it focuses on three areas for community giving:
Children. The company supports education, health, safety and the well-being of children in grades K-12. Programs that address health services, disease research, mentoring and at-risk students and families that reflect the diversity of its work force and customers are given special consideration.
Arts and culture. Sterling supports organizations or programs that encourage cultural understanding, promote education and economic growth, and enhance the quality of life in the area.
Civic programs and community development. Sterling — along with President and CEO Mark Light — positions itself as an example for other businesses to follow as it becomes involved in efforts to enhance the quality of life for those in need. The giving programs serve as a way to build engagement for team members by providing the opportunity to work with people outside of their department, serve on planning committees and take leadership roles.
One of the things the company has discovered is that the more giving options you have, the better the success rate. For example, Sterling has a “Denim Week” where the option is given to make a monetary donation or a tangible donation, such as a canned food item, to wear denim. By giving employees multiple ways to give, participation and total donations both increased.
Employees also get to participate in focus groups every two years to determine which charities should be supported or what should be changed in the programs. A two-year giving plan is created from the feedback of these groups.
How to reach: Sterling Jewelers Inc., (330) 668-5000 www.sterlingjewelers.com