AAFA Announces 2017 American Image Awards Partner -- FMI, Council of Fashion Designers of America
August 4, 2016 |WASHINGTON, D.C.
Rick Helfenbein, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) today announced the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI) — part of the Council of Fashion Designers of America Foundation, Inc. (CFDA) — as its beneficiary for the 2017 AAFA American Image Awards.
Established four years ago, FMI in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) funds grants for advancements in manufacturing and training, design innovation, and production intelligence. This platform, which continues to expand, connects design and production for all apparel, footwear, and accessory products covered by AAFA. FMI has already awarded more than $2 million in grants. Among the many beneficiaries of FMI are emerging businesses that are incubating new products and processes to advance professional development and strengthen the industry’s workforce for the future.
“AAFA is deeply honored to partner with the CFDA and support its Fashion Manufacturing Initiative as our 2017 American Image Awards grant partner,” said AAFA President and CEO, Rick Helfenbein. “We are committed to advancing the people, policies, and processes that are imperative for our industry to grow and profit in a rapidly evolving economy.”
“The CFDA Fashion Manufacturing Initiative is an important program to preserve garment manufacturing in New York,” said Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA. “With the support of the AAFA, we are able to continue and expand those efforts.”
Recognizing outstanding achievements throughout the apparel and footwear industry, the awards will feature Person of the Year, Retailer of the Year, Company of the Year, Designer of the Year, and Fashion Maverick. First awarded in 1977, the American Image Awards stands as an emblem of honor for those who have exemplified leadership, excellence, and outstanding achievement in all sectors of the apparel and footwear industry, including education, design, manufacturing, and retail.
The American Image Awards will take place on April 24, 2017, at the historic 583 Park Avenue venue in New York City.
About AAFA:
Representing more than 1,000 world famous name brands, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its four million U.S. workers, and its contribution of $361 billion in annual U.S. retail sales. AAFA stands at the forefront as a leader of positive change for the apparel and footwear industry and delivers a unified voice on key legislative and regulatory issues. AAFA enables a collaborative forum to promote best practices and innovation. AAFA’s comprehensive work ensures the continued success and growth of the apparel and footwear industry, its suppliers, and its customers.
About FMI:
The Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI) is a program within the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Foundation. The Foundation is a 501©3 organization. The FMI Grant Program is a partially matching grant fund to allow fashion production facilities to grow and elevate their businesses through the acquisition of innovative equipment, advanced technology, workforce training, business consulting services, relocation costs and capital improvements.