Tom is right. I got a very polite reply from Masters of Design saying that they had sold their fraternity division to Herff Jones a couple of years ago. So now HFGreek includes all of their previous competitors: Burr-Patterson, Balfour (legacy), Pollack, & Masters of Design. And Herff Jones won't respond to my email requests for information. (Granted, we're a small organization but I expected at least a professional response!)
In a way, I guess I'm lucky. Since they have eliminated the competition, apparently their quality standards have become lax.
Fortunately, I did discover a company that was originally focused on developing corporate awards programs that has recently gotten into this business: Award Concepts. The owner of this growing Chicago company called me personally to discuss what we had in mind and he seemed extremely flexible and eager for our business. I think this will work out well, but.... I still need to get two other bids to fulfill the requirements of our financial process.
I like the idea of seeking bids from national jewelers, but I'm not sure how to approach a company who doesn't already deal with this market segment. It seems awkward to be discussing member pins and chapter guards and alumnae recognition programs with a major jewelry company whose bread and butter business is diamond engagement rings. Any ideas?