In Brief
In case you missed it - ApparelStats and ShoeStats 2016 now available: AAFA has released its latest ApparelStats and ShoeStats reports for AAFA members. ApparelStats 2016 and ShoeStats 2016 provide snapshots of U.S. apparel and footwear industry market trends for 2015. The reports are the most comprehensive and authoritative sources for U.S. apparel and footwear industry statistics for data through 2015. Comprised of data drawn from a variety of sources, the reports contain information on imports, retail sales, retail prices, consumption, employment, exports, and domestic production. To access these reports, click here (member login required). For questions, contact AAFA’s Nate Herman.

National Defense Authorization Act update: Last week the House approved a $619 billion Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to articulate defense policies and funding levels for the coming year. Among the provisions is an AAFA-supported requirement that the military source its athletic shoes using the Berry Amendment. Senate action is expected this week. For more information, contact AAFA’s Steve Lamar.

Meet AAFA’s Government Contracts Committee: AAFA’s Government Contracts Committee (GCC) keeps members apprised of developments that bear on the needs and requirements of the U.S. military and other parts of the U.S. government with respect to the procurement of clothing and shoes. AAFA will soon begin sending weekly alerts advising of domestic sourcing opportunities. If you’re looking to increase your U.S. manufacturing footprint, this will provide you a regular way to identify U.S.-based production capabilities. If you’re looking for more business for your U.S. manufacturing facilities, this service will link you up with individuals in our industry looking to find such business. To discuss how you can plug in to this exciting new opportunity, please contact Steve Lamar. More information will follow.

Last week in NYC: AAFA hosted the Fall 2016 Environmental Committee Meeting to discuss the latest in environmental and sustainability issues facing the apparel and footwear industry. AAFA also hosted the Fall 2016 Social Responsibility Committee Meeting for updates on social compliance issues facing the industry. Both were hosted at the Infor offices in New York - thank you Infor! For more on how to join these committees, contact Nate Herman or visit our committee descriptions page here. 

Improving implementation of the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act: On November 29, AAFA signed onto a joint letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy in conjunction with the American Alliance for Innovation (AAI). The letter outlines several areas the group would like EPA to evaluate regarding the Agency’s efforts to implement the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act (LCSA). Under LSCA, the EPA is required to evaluate the safety of existing chemicals in commerce, starting with those most likely to cause risks, possibly resulting in a reduction of state level chemical management initiatives. AAFA will continue to engage with the EPA to ensure decisions regarding the implementation of LSCA are based on the best available science and promote a sound chemicals management policy.

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

Congress and government agencies solicit comments on a range of issues that may affect your business – find a list of comment opportunities here.