TALA Extends Hand to Korean Community
The Textile Association of Los Angeles is reaching out to the Korean textile community locally and overseas.
“This is our year of expansion and visibility,” TALA President Brian Thaler said at an April 8 press conference where members of the textile association met with representatives of the local and Korean press.
“It’s a competitive market, and we’re reaching out to every country to see how they can work with TALA,” Thaler continued, adding, “Manufacturers are [acknowledging] the integrity of the product coming out of Korea.”
The TALA board is working with member Stan Ha, a former representative of KOTRA, a Korean trade organization, on outreach to the Korean business community.
Thaler outlined TALA’s activities, which range from social events such as its June 6 TALA Play Day golf outing to its scholarship awards for local design students and its annual holiday party for local children. TALA is also a resource for companies looking to source fabric and trim from local suppliers. The group is currently compiling its annual piece goods and trim directory.
The organization is also kicking off an education program this year, starting with an “Introduction to the Industry” seminar geared to designers and start-up companies, according to TALA member Terrence Chermak. A trade seminar for established manufacturers looking to grow globally is also in the works.
TALA will once again host a hospitality suite during the Los Angeles International Textile Show. TALA representatives, including Thaler, will be on hand at the show in suite 19 in the 13th-floor penthouse to answer questions and take orders for the 2008 resource book. —Alison A. Nieder
