Friday, February 3, 2006

NC State University 's 2006 Continuing Education Schedule: NCSU has published their 2006 schedule of continuing education courses. “Introduction to Nonwovens Products and Processing” will be held on February 6-8 and is an excellent opportunity for you to learn about the many types of nonwovens products and what processes are used to manufacture them. Nonwovens are a leading growth industry in the US with a worldwide growth rate exceeding 7%/annum. On February 6-10 , “Textile Fundamentals” will be held and is one of the most popular core programs in NCSU's “Fundamental Series,” which will provide you with a comprehensive, in-depth study of the entire textile process from fiber formation through finishing. Most of the courses are held on NCSU's Centennial Campus. To view the entire 2006 schedule or if you are interested in registering for one of these courses, visit www.ContinuingEducation.NCSU.edu .

CHA Supplier Luncheon: The next luncheon will be held at the Hosiery Technology Center in Hickory , NC on Wednesday, February 15 . The luncheon topic and speakers will be the same as the January luncheon: “Going Global: Lessons Learned in International Business.” Join them for a complimentary lunch and an informative panel discussion, which will cover some key aspects of taking your business international. The panelists include: Dana Hicks , International Business Development Consultant; Marion Jones , Vice President of Sun Trust Bank; and Ron Reighter , Vice President of CV International. Registration will begin at 11:15 a.m., Lunch at 11:30 a.m., Panel Discussion at 12:00 p.m. with a Question & Answer Session at 12:45 p.m. (all times Eastern). If you are interested in attending this luncheon, please email Mike Austell at mike.austell@hosieryassociation.com . The deadline for registering is Friday, February 10. A special thanks goes to Regal Manufacturing for sponsoring this month's luncheon.

AL Chapter Luncheon: On Thursday, February 16 , Jim Schollaert from Made in USA Strategies will be speaking at the luncheon and discussing past victories and future challenges of domestic manufacturing. Join them at the Western Sizzlin' in Fort Payne, AL for this informative presentation and complimentary lunch beginning at 11:00 a.m. (Central time). For more information, email Jody Goggans at jgoggans@prewettmills.com . A special thank you goes to McMichael Mills for sponsoring this month's AL Chapter luncheon.

Hosiery 101 & 102 Courses: The first Hosiery 101 & 102 classes of 2006 will be held at the Hosiery Technology Center on Wednesday, March 8 and Thursday, March 9 . For more information on these courses, contact the HTC at www.legsource.com . Classes cost $60 each and the deadline for registering is one week prior to the class dates.

THA's Marketing Symposium - March 13–14, 2006 at the Charlotte Marriott Executive Park in Charlotte , NC : Speed To Market: Allowing Innovation to Drive Your Future Guest speakers include Robin Lewis , a strategic analyst and consultant, specializing in identifying opportunities and developing growth strategies in marketing, brand positioning and distribution primarily on the branded apparel and retail industries. He also writes and publishes the monthly Robin Reports . Bill D'Arienzo , who maintains extensive industry-wide contacts with manufacturers, retailers and opinion leaders. He has been featured and quoted in apparel industry trade publications and national newspapers and magazines, such as LA Times, U.S. News & World Report and The New York Times, providing analysis of retail dynamics, consumer trends and branding strategies. Bill is also a frequent keynote speaker at industry organizations and educational institutions. Molly Barker , founder of Girls on the Run International , a global program that instills healthy physical and mental principles for girls in grades 3 – 8. Molly was recognized as Charlotte 2004 Woman of the Year and is featured in the current issue of O and Hosiery News magazines. “Betwixt and Between ” panel presentation features a panel of consumers (ages 8-18) who will candidly discuss their opinions about apparel, brands, fashion and pop culture. The hotel room rate is $109. Cutoff date to make hotel room reservations is February 20, 2006 . Phone number to make reservations is 800-359-7961 or 704-527-9650.  Registration information will be emailed and posted on the website next week. For further event details, contact Sally Kay at 704-365-0913, ext. 212 or email her at sally.kay@hosieryassociation.com . 

2006 Seattle Trend Show – Show dates for 2006 have been released for the Seattle Trend Shows. This show is a regional tradeshow for the Pacific Northwest , featuring women's, children's and men's apparel and accessories. For 65 years this show has served independent retailers from Washington , Oregon , Idaho , Montana , Alaska and British Columbia . The shows will be held at the Qwest Field Event Center in Seattle , Washington . Dates are as follows: March 31-April 3 , June 10-12, August 5-7 and October (TBD). For more information about this show, contact Patricia Hodges, Executive Director, Pacific Northwest Apparel Association: T – 206-767-9200, F – 206-767-0707, E – pnaa@earthlink.net , W – www.seattletrendshow.com .

THA's 101 st Annual Convention – April 27-30 – The Mulberry Inn, Savannah, GA: Now posted on THA's website ( www.hosieryassociation.com ) are the Schedule at a Glance, Program Agenda, Speaker Biographies and a link for making Hotel reservations online. Hotel reservations can also be made by calling The Mulberry Inn directly at 877-468-1200 and specifying the “THA room block.” Room rates are $169/night (single or double). The DEADLINE for making room reservations is Monday, March 27 . So make your hotel reservations now to ensure that you get THA's special convention rate. Registration information for the convention will soon be available on THA's website and sent out via an email blast in the near future. Finalizing details before publishing registration info. Stay tuned.

Hosiery in the News: Teri Agin has written an article on tights and footless tights entitled, "Day One of New York's Fall 2006 Fashion Week" that appears on the front page of today's The Wall Street Journal. Sally Kay, THA President, was interviewed this week by Women's Wear Daily (WWD) for an upcoming legwear feature.

Prewett Associated Mills announced plans Monday to merge all its associated companies under one corporate umbrella, V.I. Prewett and Son, Inc. Companies affected by the merger are Nelson Hosiery, Davidson Hosiery, Capstone Hosiery, Henager Hosiery, Fort Payne Socks, Plainsman Hosiery, JohnCo Hosiery, Cherokee Hosiery, Johnson Hosiery, Brookwood Leasing, Prewett Hosiery Sales, McKeehan Hosiery, C.S. Bell Hosiery, Alabama Footwear, Pioneer, Lala Ellen and V.I. Prewett and Son, Inc. the merger is expected to be complete by March 31.

Many Triad Firms Set to Take Advantage of CAFTA: Though implementation of the Central American Free Trade Agreement was delayed from its planned Jan. 1 start, local companies are still gearing up to boost their presence in the six-country region covered by the agreement. "Our customers down there are seeing their businesses expand and our opportunities are growing in the region," said Jane Johnson, government relations manager at Unifi Inc., a Greensboro-based yarn maker. She estimated that about 36% of the company's exports go to the Caribbean Basin Initiative region, a 24-country area that includes the CAFTA nations.

And Tubular Textile Manufacturing Inc. in Lexington has seen an uptick in orders for finishing machines for the CAFTA region since the agreement was passed by Congress in July. "Most of the activity we've got down there is similar to what I call large-scale, U.S.-type plants ... plants that look and feel very similar to the plants in the United States," said Will Motchar, Tubular's vice president of global sales and marketing. The orders, he said, are coming from both local firms in the region and U.S. companies with manufacturing operations there.

Domestic firms resigned

CAFTA aims to bring down trade barriers between the United States and five Central American countries and the Dominican Republic . For local firms without international operations and without plans to establish them, though, the agreement means a continued focus on cost controls and creativity. "There's not a lot that, unless you're planning on moving down there yourself and joining them, you can do here," said Nim Harris, president of sockmaker Pickett Hosiery Mills Inc. in Burlington . Harris said his employees have "seen the handwriting on the wall" and are working harder in an effort to keep the business profitable, though, he said, margins are thinner.

HIP HIP HOSIERY - Three cheers to this season's bold tights for brightening the dull winter: With the possibility of rain and snow this weekend (in some parts of the US ), it's time to step out in style by keeping warm in snazzy tights. The outlook will be bright - if only from your colourful legs. Add some fun to your wardrobe by bringing bright tones and patterns to your legs - just make sure they don't clash with your clothes. If you are opting for busy prints, keep the rest of your outfit plain. The high-street stores have a variety of styles available but if you're not proud of your pins, avoid bold patterns that will draw attention to your legs. Darker shades will make your legs look slender while horizontal stripes are only for the skinniest legs - stay well clear if you're legs are a little chunky. There's everything from woolly knits to fine nylons and even footless versions in the shops this season. Brighten up this dark and dreary winter with funky bright tights for day then add glamour at night with lacy styles. (Reprinted from World News Network)

Madonna now rumored to be separated from Guy Ritchie , kept the crowds waiting at the Jean Paul Gaultier show during Haute Couture Week for over an hour. Contrary to being upset Gaultier, as well as the crowd, seemed to be delighted. Clad head-to-toe in black and wearing a pencil skirt rumored to by Versace she seemed to be mesmerized by Gaultier's Greek Isles theme. At the end of the show she joined the designer on stage who got a kick out of dumping a basket of flowers over her head.

Women are one of the Super Bowl's most valued audiences. Forty percent of viewers are expected to be female. However they represent a disproportionate influence representing 85% of household buying decisions. Savvy marketers are focusing more and more on the all important female audience. Perhaps there will come a day when cosmetic companies my start to advertise on sporting channels to specifically target women.

Moving Mannequins(tm) has created tremendous buzz in an otherwise static market. The company's talented team of master craftsmen, sculptors, finishing artists, and quality controllers ensure commitment to unparalleled realism in the finished product. Moving Mannequins was established to fill the demand for an extremely lifelike display mannequin, which when coupled with movement, stimulates emotion and draws excited attention to the display. Benefits: Drives traffic - Attracts more buyers, Sales generator - Sales motivator, Combines realism with motion, Holds Attention - Keeps shoppers at display longer, Brand awareness - Customers view products with greater interest, Value Added to the total customer experience, Redefines window shopping.

Reports Urge More Attention to National Freight Transportation Needs: Several reports issued in recent weeks sound a warning that more attention needs to be given to the national freight transportation system if it is to remain viable in the future. The reports point out that existing levels of research, development, innovation, funding, and construction will be insufficient to meet the freight transportation needs associated with, among other things, continuing growth in international trade. The reports identify various solutions to this looming problem, primary among them the development and implementation of a systems approach instead of the mode-specific mindset that currently prevails. To illustrate the situation facing policymakers, the reports cite a number of sobering statistics regarding what the Brookings Institution calls “the nation's increasingly stressed freight system.” The Transportation Research Board (TRB) asserts that the situation is likely to worsen as demands on the system continue to grow because of increased trade, population growth, and technological change. Left unchecked, these trends could lead to even more congestion, exacting economic costs that could harm US competitiveness in the global economy.

Putin Accuses US of Being Only Obstacle to Russian WTO Accession: Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the US of being the lone obstacle to Russia 's bid to join the WTO. “All our partners support us,” AFP quoted Putin as saying. “Only the US is holding out.” The Bush Administration is pressing Moscow to offer better terms on intellectual property rights (IPR) and financial services, and US lawmakers have said they want to see improvement on customs, agricultural, services, market access, and transparency issues.

Pakistan Moving Forward on Infrastructure Improvements: The Pakistan Tribune reports that in a January 28 meeting, Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz directed government agencies to “move promptly” to strengthen the logistics chain in order to make the country more competitive in the global market. As he emphasized during a recent trip to the United States, Aziz is focused on improving Pakistan's infrastructure, including roads, railways, airports, and seaports, as well as measures to facilitate trade such as accelerating customs clearance. He also continues to stress cargo security, saying that Pakistan should “look around us to improve relative performance so that we achieve global standards of efficiency and performance.” Aziz praised the progress that has been made so far, the article said, but “noted that there is no room for complacency and extra effort is required to be taken.”

ITC Requested to Initiate Annual Review of Short Supply Determinations: On January 30, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) filed a request (docket no. 2467) with the ITC to initiate the sixth annual “umbrella” investigation under Section 332 of the 1930 Tariff Act to provide advice regarding the probable economic effect of granting preferential treatment for apparel made from fabrics or yarns that are the subject of petitions filed in 2006 with the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements under the “commercial availability” provisions of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA), and/or the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA).

ITC Seeking Input on NAFTA Rules of Origin Modification: The ITC is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation (NAFTA-103-13) concerning the proposed modification of the NAFTA rules of origin for boxer shorts made from certain cotton woven fabrics. As requested by the USTR, the ITC will provide advice on the probable effect of the proposed modification on US trade under NAFTA, total US trade, and domestic producers of the affected articles. If adopted, the rule change would effectively extend duty-free and quota-free treatment to qualifying boxer shorts made from certain cotton woven fabrics in the NAFTA countries, regardless of the source of the fabrics. Written submissions are due by February 20. The ITC will not hold a public hearing in connection with this investigation. The ITC is expected to submit its advice to the USTR by April 3.

Renewed Doha Round Optimism Following Davos Meeting: There was a hint of renewed optimism about the prospects for the Doha Round talks following discussions on the sidelines of the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos , Switzerland , over the weekend. Trade ministers from about 30 WTO member countries issued a statement that “progress [in the negotiations] should be made in all areas to reach a balanced agreement,” indicating that a standoff over which country should be the first to make concessions may be coming to an end. In a press statement, US Trade Representative (USTR) Rob Portman echoed this sentiment, saying that “today it is fair to say that there was consensus for the first time that all pieces of the puzzle need to come together at once.” Ministers agreed to stick to the April 30 deadline to establish modalities and also agreed to submit comprehensive draft schedules based on modalities by July 31. Conflicts are still likely, however, as was made apparent in a tense exchange between Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim and European Union (EU) Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson over agriculture tariffs during a panel discussion.

US and Switzerland Push Back FTA Talks: According to a January 28 joint statement by USTR Portman and Swiss Economics Minister Joseph Deiss, "the United States and Switzerland have decided to establish a Swiss-US Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum as we work to strengthen our already close bilateral economic relationship.” The purpose of the forum is to pursue initiatives in specific areas where the US and Switzerland share mutual interests. The details of this forum and an initial work program will be developed in the coming weeks. The statement noted that exploratory discussions on a potential bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) provided the basis for the new forum, and that both countries remain interested in an FTA and may resume discussions at a later stage.

The contents printed in this document are informational in nature. They are gathered from various industry sources and do not necessarily reflect the views and/or actions of THA.

# # #