In Brief

Urging Congressional approval of Outdoor Act: On January 2, AAFA sent a letter to the Senate sponsors of the Outdoor Act (S. 1719) to urge its swift enactment to lower duties on outdoor apparel and support research programs for the industry. This important piece of legislation will help lower business costs for companies across the United States that produce or sell recreational performance apparel. Learn more.

AAFA joins forces with partner organizations to support GSP and infrastructure: AAFA joined several hundred trade associations and companies, including many AAFA members, in a January 4 letter to Congressional leadership, urging the quick renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. AAFA also signed onto a January 3 letter to Congressional leadership with more than 100 other associations representing all sectors of the economy, encouraging the passage of a comprehensive infrastructure package in 2018.

Meet the Government Contracts Committee - and join us in Savannah this spring! Each year, AAFA’s Government Contracts Committee (GCC) Meeting allows apparel and footwear manufacturers, along with their textile and trim suppliers, to hear directly from government procurement officers and policy makers. It also provides a forum to discuss the Berry Amendment and share feedback on how policies impact their "Made in USA" supply chains. This year the group will convene April 30-May 2 in Savannah, GA with keynote speaker Lieutenant General Darrell K. Williams and a special tour of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, SC! Learn more about the Committee here and register for the meeting here. 

Did you know AAFA maintains a list of members with U.S. manufacturing capabilities? See our Made in USA Directory.

Know a great intern candidate? AAFA is offering fantastic, hands-on internship opportunities this spring and summer in our Government Relations and Communications & Marketing departments. Looking for incredibly organized, ambitious, creative thinkers! Apply here.

Awards awarded! We are pleased to announce a 2017 MarCom Award for AAFA’s American Image Awards! The MarCom award celebrates elevating the legacy industry gala and infusing renewed excitement with celebrity participation, focused social media, and press outreach. The American Image Awards, about to celebrate its 40th year, honors those who have exemplified leadership, excellence, and outstanding achievement in all sectors of the apparel and footwear industry, including education, design, manufacturing, and retail. Congratulations to our friends at The Bromley Group for this award! AAFA will present the next American Image Awards on Monday, April 16, 2018 in NYC.