Northeastern Fine Jewelry founder and Rotterdam native appointed chair of the board of directors of The Chamber of Schenectady County
SCHENECTADY, NY, – Northeastern Fine Jewelry founder and 32-year veteran of the Schenectady business community Ray Bleser has been appointed chair of the board of directors of The Chamber of Schenectady County. The two-year leadership term began in January 2012.
In his role, Bleser will help guide the mission of the Chamber to serve as a catalyst for economic growth within Schenectady. Additionally, Bleser will serve as an advocate for the more than 1,000 local and regional businesses that are members of the Chamber.
During his tenure as chair, Bleser hopes to increase membership by 15 percent; organize and host interesting and unique events for members; and elevate the Chamber’s profile within the greater Capital Region.
“I believe in Schenectady County and think the future for this region is incredibly bright, largely in part due to the dedication of its residents and the commitment of those who contribute to the success of the local business community,” said Bleser. “I am honored to help play a role in our city’s ongoing revitalization efforts and look forward to my new leadership position with The Chamber of Schenectady County.”
Bleser is recognized as a longstanding fixture within the Schenectady County business community. A Rotterdam native and graduate of the Albany College of Pharmacy, Bleser founded his flagship store on Upper Union Street in 1980 as the Northeastern Coin Gallery. Five years later, Bleser turned his focus to fine jewelry and rebranded the business to its current incarnation as Northeastern Fine Jewelry.
The business has since expanded into two additional locations in Albany and Manchester, Vt., and is the largest, family-owned jeweler in the Capital Region. Later this year, Northeastern Fine Jewelry will double the size of its current showroom after completing a major expansion at its Union Street flagship store.
“We are fortunate to have Ray’s leadership for the next two years,” said Schenectady County Chamber of Commerce President Chuck Steiner. “Not only is he an expert in running a business, but he is someone to whom our members can relate and from whom they can learn.”
Bleser’s world has truly come full circle in a number of ways. In addition to now serving as head of The Chamber in the city where he planted his roots as a business owner, Bleser also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Albany College of Pharmacy, from which he graduated in 1981. Bleser earned his five year pharmaceutical degree, but did not spend a day practicing his craft, instead turning to the coin and then jewelry industries as a small business entrepreneur.
Voted five consecutive years the “Best Jeweler of the Capital Region” by readers of the Times Union, Northeastern Fine Jewelry is widely acclaimed for its original and inviting neighborhood storefronts; its award-winning customer service and support; and its extensive offering of premier jewelry brands, including Cartier, Breitling, Hearts on Fire, Lagos, Kwiat, Simon G, John Hardy, Roberto Coin, Mikimoto, Lazare Kaplan and many more.
The company currently employs 37 full- and part-time associates, including 17 staff members at its Schenectady location.
Bleser’s community endeavors also include his role as a Board member of Proctors Theatre in downtown Schenectady; Hildene, the historic summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln in Manchester, VT; and Living Resources, which provides programming and group housing throughout the Capital Region for individuals with developmental disabilities. He is a longtime partner and advocate of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society/Upstate New York-Vermont Chapter; the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region; and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Bleser lives in Schenectady with his wife, Val. The couple has a son, Ricky, and daughter, Val, who works in the marketing division of Northeastern Fine Jewelry. His son-in-law, Gregg Kelly, was recently appointed company vice president.
About Northeastern Fine Jewelry
Northeastern Fine Jewelry is the largest independently owned jeweler in the Capital Region. Northeastern Fine Jewelry is recognized as one of the Leading Jewelers of the World® and in 2007-2011 was voted “Best Jeweler” of the Capital Region due to its reputation for quality jewelry and customer service as well as its charitable and civic involvement. For more information about Northeastern Fine Jewelry, visit its newly redesigned website www.nefj.com or call 518-372-3604.
