AAFA's New Committee Focuses on Supply Chain and Product Innovation
In this competitive world, where more apparel and footwear is produced overseas, the American Apparel & Footwear Association is merging two committees into one to streamline its product innovation and supply-chain strategy.
The new Supply Chain & Product Innovation Committee was formed during a joint meeting April 27–29 in Las Vegas of the Supply Chain Leadership Council and the Product Innovation Council, which have merged. The committee will be chaired by Andrea France of SAP.
“Through a more cohesive committee composition, the SCPI will be better equipped to advise the industry on supply chain and innovation best practices,” France said.
The new committee’s goal is to identify and disseminate information on innovation concerning every aspect of the product cycle, from design to distribution. This includes consumer insight, design, merchandising, product development, pre-production, demand management and the alignment of activities with sourcing and production, throughout the supply chain.
The committee will assist, advise and educate the AAFA’s membership about apparel and footwear throughout the product cycle. The AAFA is a trade organization whose members are some of the largest apparel and footwear manufacturers in the United States. Members include Jones Apparel Group, VF Corp., Liz Claiborne Inc., Hanesbrand Inc., Levi Strauss & Co. and Columbia Sportswear Co.
“With this committee merger, AAFA will be able to better understand the industry’s supply chain and innovation needs in order to keep our industry competitive in the global market,” said Mary Howell, AAFA’s vice president of industry relations and SCPI staff liaison.
Members of the committee are Vice Chair Tim Shelton of Landau Uniform, Secretary Phil Edlin of Carhartt, Treasurer Walter Meck of Fessler USA, Membership Chair Kevin Schwartz of PRTM and past Chair Amanda Starling of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.—Deborah Belgum
