AAFA announces new board of directors leadership: AAFA announced its 2019-2020 leadership for the Board of Directors following the conclusion of the AAFA Executive Summit last week. In addition to confirming 16 new and re-elected Board members, the following individuals were confirmed as officers:

Chairman: Gary Simmons, Intradeco Apparel, Inc.
Vice-Chairman: Colin Browne, Under Armour, Inc.
Secretary: Sarah Clarke, PVH Corp.
Treasurer: Kurt Cavano, Infor
Past Chairman: Thomas Glaser, VF Corporation

Additional highlights from the AAFA Executive Summit can be found in Footwear News, Sourcing Journal, and Women's Wear Daily, as well as in the news section above.

Flame retardant bill in Connecticut: On March 13, AAFA submitted comments to the Connecticut Public Health Committee, expressing concerns with a proposed flame retardant bill that would result in additional labeling requirements and limit the ability to use safe flame retardants in children's products.

AAFA joins letter regarding business interest deductions: AAFA joined a March 11 letter to Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Director Larry Kudlow, urging the modification of a provision in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. As currently written, the provision would make it more expensive for businesses to finance capital equipment purchases starting in 2022.

House Ways and Means review of U.S.-China Trade policy: AAFA submitted comments to the House Ways and Means Committee, as part of its review of recent U.S.-China trade policies. The Association emphasized that while the industry is pleased to see a dialogue between the Administration and China, it is essential that any deal not come at the expense of U.S. workers, U.S. companies, U.S. consumers, or U.S. communities.

Supporting apprenticeship opportunities to ease trucking shortage: AAFA joined a March 6 letter to Representatives Hollingsworth and Cuellar, supporting the DRIVE-Safe Act (HR1374), which would provide younger drivers with the opportunity to join the nation's commercial truck force through an apprenticeship program. Estimates suggest that the nation is currently in need of 50,000 additional truck drivers to meet demand.

See all of AAFA’s latest letters, comments, and testimony here.