Friday, April 13, 2007

This edition of the Hosiery Insider is sponsored by Wellman Inc. & CNR

Tuesday, April 24 - CHA Chapter Supplier Lunch - New Sales Opportunities Would you like to increase your sales with paying sales commissions?

The Hosiery Technology Center will present the success stories from the February MAGIC Show as well as sharing information on how to expose your company to European, Middle and Far East sales opportunities. Plan to be at this important meeting to help grow your company’s sales! Join us at The Hosiery Technology Center located in Hickory, NC for this informative presentation and complimentary lunch. Directions to the HTC can be found on their website at http://www.legsource.com/HTC/directions_to_the_hkyhtc.htm To register, email Linda York at travelqueen@legsource.com. If you have any questions, please call 704-365-0913 or 828-327-7000 4265. Registration deadline is April 20.

THA Annual Meeting Notice: The THA Board of Directors at its November 2, 2006 meeting set Friday, April 27, 2007 as the date for the Association’s Annual Meeting. The meeting will be held at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina in Charleston, SC. The members will meet to transact such business as may properly come before the meeting. The Secretary of the Corporation sends this notice to you pursuant to a call of the meeting.

THA’s 102nd Annual Convention April 26 – April 29, 2007

Convention Attendee List will be posted to THA’s website by the end of next week. If you are interested in who is planning to attend, download your copy from the Convention section of the website.

Attendee confirmation letters were mailed out yesterday to all those registered. Please keep an eye out for yours. Look forward to seeing everyone in Charleston!

THA ANNUAL CONVENTION SPONSORSHIPS: Available on THA’s website at http://www.hosieryassociation.com/102AC/sponsors.htm is a flyer with a list of sponsorship opportunities. THA would like to thank the following companies for their sponsorships:

EVENTS
Asahi Kasei Spandex America – Sponsor of Chairman’s Reception & Banquet
Parkdale Mills – Sponsor of Bar at Chairman’s Reception
Arch Chemicals – Sponsor of Bar at Chairman’s Banquet

GOLF TOURNAMENT
R.L. Stowe Mills – Hole-in-One Competition
Groz-Beckert USA – Longest Drive Competition
Frontier Spinning Mills – Closest to the Pin Competition
RadiciSpandex Corporation – Hole Sponsor
Wellman Inc. – Hole Sponsor

If interested in sponsoring an event at THA’s Annual Convention, please contact Vicki Camp at vicki.camp@hosieryassociation.com or call 704-365-0913 Ext 216.

EXHIBITS:THA extends a Special Thank You to the following 17 companies who have reserved their booths: Arch Chemicals Inc. (Booth #8), Asahi Kasei Spandex America (Booth #14), Caribex Worldwide (Booth #7), CIT Commercial Services (Booth #17), DeSales Trading Company (Booth #15), Dynamic Quest (Booth #18), Globe Express Services (Booth #13), Groz-Beckert USA Inc. (Booth #20), Jimtex Yarns (Booth #5), Lang Ligon Co. Inc. (Booth #11), Nilit America Corp. (Booth #12), PAM Trading Corp. (Booth #9), PrimaLoft (Booth #19), RadiciSpandex Corp. (Booth #10), Sunrise Technologies (Booth #16), and Unifi Inc. (Booth #6), Wellman Inc. (Booth #3).

Save the Date: Environmental Seminar June 27th- THA is working with AAFA to offer its members a discounted rate on this timely program which will be held on June 27th at FIT in New York City. Topics will include a chemical management system which is available along with REACH and the necessary steps to take in order to be in compliance. More details to follow.

 

Special Thanks to Evans Hosiery (riding boot socks) and Crescent Inc. (kid socks) for their donations to the 4th Annual Charlotte Jumper Classic which is being held at the Bobcat arena April 13-15.

Bob Johnson, owner of Charlotte Bobcats and founder of CJC at Riders Welcoming Reception >>>

<<< Laura Kraut, Olympic rider aboard “Panic” 2006 winner of CJC Grand Prix

 

Sales up at Gap, Limited Brands and A&F - Three US-based global clothing brands reported this week increased retail sales for March 2007. Gap Inc., reported net sales of $1.56 billion for the five-week period ended April 7, 2007, a 16% increase on the corresponding period a year ago. Comparable store sales for March 2007 increased by 6% versus a 13% decline in March 2006. Limited Brands, which owns the Victoria’s Secret lingerie brand, reported net sales of $892.3 million for the five weeks to Apr. 7, 2007., versus $788.2 million in 2006. Comparable store sales increased by 8% March net sales from Lifestyle brand Abercrombie & Fitch Reports increased by 29% to $331.2M. March comparable store sales increased 7%, while company direct-to-consumer net sales increased 47% to $17.7M.

French luxury goods company Pinault-Printemps-Redoute (PPR) has made a take-over offer for sporting brand Puma that values the business at approximately (euro) €5.3 billion.

Raymond Ltd., India, has unveiled the 350th store in its ‘The Raymond Shop’ (TRS) chain. The landmark store was opened by company chairman, Mr. Gautam Hari Singhania. The landmark store is located at the upmarket Atria Mall in Worli, Mumbai. As part of its aggressive retail expansion strategy, Raymond envisages a roll out of TRS and exclusive brand stores across the country. By 2010, the company will have a network of over 950 stores, with over 2 million sq.ft of retail space.

3D Scanning Applications Seminar - [TC]² is offering a custom seminar on 3D body scanning technologies for Apparel Product Development and Sizing Research. In this two day program, April 17-18, 2007, [TC]² will share its learnings and methodologies for conducting sizing surveys using 3D body scanning technology, survey data analysis for apparel applications, and technologies for 3D product development. Included will be one-half day on [TC]²’s automatic shape and measurement extraction software for 3D body scans. The small class size guarantees individualized attention, resolution to questions, and student interaction. Classroom exercises will be conducted using [TC]²’s measurement extraction software. Computers will be provided for each student to maximize learning opportunities. For more details, or to register, email contact@tc2.com.

Global Trade Finance, Incoterms & New UCP 600 Rules Affecting L/C's- The Commercial Services Division of the NC DOC invites you to join them on May 1 at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, NC. This is a Professional Development opportunity with a focus on several trade finance components that include International Commercial Terms(Incoterms), L/C's for importers and exporters, and the new UCP 600 rules affecting L/C's. Our presenters are well known throughout the North Carolina international business network and are considered "trade experts" in their craft. The program agenda direct link is http://www.ncwta-triad.org.

The US Department of Commerce US Commercial Service is pleased to announce its Signature Trade Event of 2007: Trade Winds Forum: Africa, Europe and India – Profitable Crossroads of Trade – All in One Location on May 15-16 at the Hyatt Regency in Crystal City, VA. The Trade Winds Forum will feature 33 U.S. Senior Commercial Service Officers from U.S. Embassies across Europe, Africa and India. Each of these Commercial Officers is in a unique position to deliver the most up-to-date information on developing opportunities for U.S. business. While at the conference you will have the opportunity to meet privately with the U.S. Senior Commercial Officers to discuss business opportunities for your company. Private appointments are on a first come, first served basis, so register today while space is still available. Visit www.buyusa.gov/southcarolina/tradewinds.html.

American Apparel and Footwear Organization is conducting an Ergonomics Training Seminar May 16, 2007 in Charlotte, NC. THA members offered same price! This is a half-day of comprehensive ergonomic training from industry safety and health experts and trainers. Highlights of the ergonomic training will include: Do we need an ergonomic process? Making a business case for an ergonomic process. Developing and implementing an ergonomic process. Several actual ergonomic case studies. Toolbox for manufacturing, warehouse and office. Training will run from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm. Material will be geared for anyone dealing with health & safety in the industry, such as plant managers, supervisors, safety coordinators, industrial engineers, plant engineers, warehouse managers and corporate safety staff. Note to retailers and apparel brands: This seminar will be especially valuable for internal compliance auditors as well as facility managers responsible for distribution centers.

Inaugural Americas Competitiveness Forum Announced
US Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez will host the inaugural Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF) on June 11–12, 2007, in Atlanta. The ACF will provide a venue for government ministers from the Western Hemisphere to come together with leaders from the private sector, academia, and nongovernmental organizations, to explore cutting edge ideas and best practices in several key areas of competitiveness.

The ACF’s main tracks are:

• sparking and sustaining innovation
• creating solutions in education and workforce development
• designing successful global supply chain strategies
• fostering small business development and growth

For more information, visit the website, http://trade.gov/competitiveness/ACF/index.asp

ASAPSHOW – Why Exhibit at ASAP? ASAP gives the apparel companies the best chance to meet top US retailers and brands who are seeking alternative sourcing options. ASAP’s reputation in the apparel industry boasts the highest number of attendees, and a diverse number of countries. ASAP receives the most endorsements from overseas governments and works directly with them to organize their respective country pavilions that represent the “Best of…” each country and buyers know this. The next show will take place on August 26-29 at the Venetian Grand Ball Room in Las Vegas, NV. For additional information, go to www.asapshow.com or email info@asapshow.com.


 

Secure Freight Initiative Testing Underway in Honduras and Pakistan - The Department of Homeland Security announced this week that operational testing under the Secure Freight Initiative is underway in Honduras and Pakistan. The DHS is testing the ability to scan shipping containers for nuclear and radiological materials before they are allowed to depart for the U.S. These tests represent part of the initial phase of the SFI, which involves the deployment of nuclear detection devices to six foreign ports.

Bush Nominates Peter McKinley to be U.S. Ambassador to Peru - President Bush announced this week that he has nominated Peter Michael McKinley to be U.S. ambassador to Peru. McKinley, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, currently serves as deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Mission to the EU. Prior to this, he served as deputy assistant secretary of the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration at the Department of State and as deputy chief of mission at the Bilateral Embassy in Brussels.

U.S., Brazil Take Step Toward Double Taxation Treaty
Last month the U.S. and Brazil signed in Brasilia a Tax Information Exchange Agreement that could serve as a precursor to an eventual treaty to eliminate double taxation on companies that do business in both countries. The TIEA establishes the means by which the tax authorities of the two countries may exchange information for the purpose of facilitating the administration of their tax systems. The signing follows months of informal discussions on issues such as transfer pricing, permanent establishment, taxation of income from services and mutual agreement procedures.

Textiles and Apparel Aid Economic Recovery in Argentina
According to one of Argentina's top trade officials, the domestic textile and apparel sector is playing a vital role in the robust recovery of the country’s economy after the economic meltdown of 2001-2002. Néstor Stancanelli, deputy secretary of state for international economic negotiations, said increasing exports despite high tariffs abroad have helped the domestic industry generate substantial new employment. This has been a major contributor to the Argentine economy, he added, which has posted 17 straight quarters of growth and an estimated 40.2 percent increase in gross domestic product since the worst depression in the country’s history. Even so, Stancanelli added, the performance of the textile and apparel sector has much room for improvement. Argentina still has a significant trade deficit in this sector, with imports running close to $800 million and exports around $100 million. Much of the blame, he said, lies with the high duty rates imposed by many countries on imported textile and apparel goods. For example, while average applied tariffs for industrial goods are around 9.9 percent for WTO members, the rates for textiles and apparel average 25.5 percent. Duties can reach as high as 35 percent for some products, including carpets; woven, knitted or crocheted fabrics; and certain apparel, accessories, textiles and footwear.

U.S. and Brazil Sign Strategic Biofuel Partnership Agreement
The United States and Brazil, the two largest biofuel producers in the world, signed March 9 a new energy partnership agreement that they hope will encourage more countries throughout Latin America to get involved in the production and consumption of ethanol. The two countries will share technology and work to foster global standards with the aim of creating an internationally tradable commodity. The new alliance is an opportunity for the U.S. and Brazil, which have often been at odds regarding the liberalization of global trade in agriculture, to cooperate on a key aspect of that issue.

Boom in U.S. Exports to Venezuela
Total trade between the U.S. and Venezuela reached $46.2 billion in 2006, an increase of 14.3 percent from 2005. An analysis by the Latin Business Chronicle found that while U.S. imports grew a healthy 9.4 percent to $37.2 billion, exports jumped by a whopping 40.3 percent to $9.0 billion.

Maine Legislature Opposes TPA Extension
The Maine State Legislature unanimously passed a resolution calling on Congress not to renew presidential trade promotion authority, which is set to expire June 30. According to a statement from the Maine Fair Trade Campaign, the resolution is a message to Congress that TPA has enabled bad trade deals that limit opportunity for working families and undermine state legislatures’ ability to govern.

Retail Groups Team Up with FBI to Launch Crime Database
The Retail Industry Leaders Association and the National Retail Federation, in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, recently announced the launch of the Law Enforcement Retail Partnership Network, a secure, Web-based computer database that will allow retailers to share with each other and law enforcement agencies information relating to organized retail crime, theft, counterfeiting and other major criminal incidents.

Schwab to Travel to India to Discuss Bilateral Trade, Doha Round
U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab will lead a high-level delegation to New Delhi April 12-15 for strategic trade talks with senior Indian officials. Schwab will co-chair the fourth ministerial-level meeting of the U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Kamal Nath. At the Trade Policy Forum, Schwab plans to discuss initiatives to strengthen bilateral trade ties and achieve progress in the areas of agricultural trade, investment, trade in services, reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, and boosting innovation and creativity. While in India, Schwab will also hold in-depth discussions on the Doha Round and attend brief gatherings of the G-4 and G-6 trade ministers to take stock of progress in the negotiations. According to the USTR, the U.S. and India maintain one of the world’s fastest growing bilateral trade relationships and are committed to a goal of doubling two-way trade to approximately $60 billion by 2008.

 

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.

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