For AAFA members ready to showcase member status on business materials, websites, and other collateral, download the new logo variations and usage guidelines here (member login required).

A glance back at the #AmericanImageAwards: In case you missed it, here’s a 3-minute look back at the 39th AAFA American Image Awards celebrated on April 24. The event celebrated innovation and leadership throughout the apparel and footwear industry and benefited the Council of Fashion Designers of America Foundation’s Fashion Manufacturing Initiative. Read more here.

Important GSP footwear bill introduced: Last week, Congress introduced the bill H.R.2735 "To make certain footwear eligible for duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences, and for other purposes." Under the proposal, certain footwear would be added to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program for the first time since the program was enacted more than 40 years ago. If Congress approves this legislation and the Trump Administration formally adds the subject footwear to GSP, U.S. imports of certain footwear from GSP-eligible developing countries — countries like Indonesia, India, Brazil, and Cambodia (but not China or Vietnam) — would enter the United States duty-free. This change to the program will result in significant duty savings for U.S. footwear companies, estimated at approximately $57 million per year. AAFA has long supported the GSP program and pushed for this development on behalf of AAFA members. For additional details, see our press release here.