Personally and through Vows I’ve endorsed and continue to endorse a number of organizations whose primary goal is support of our industry, whether through education, networking, community building, lobbying, or in response to misinformed media coverage about brides and the bridal and formal retail industry.
(All are listed at bottom of home page with links to their individual info and membership pages.)
I’m sometimes asked why we provide coverage, publicity and recognition at minimal or no expense to these groups and associations, though at times it costs us.
The answer is simple… working together with such a common goal achieves so much more than individually or as a singular effort. For 30+ years we have shared information, and information has been shared with us. To the betterment, I believe, of all.
And I can’t stand on the sidelines waiting for others to do the work that ultimately benefits me and us all.
Which is the underlying reason for my support of the NAFAA (North American Formal Apparel Association).
(In full transparency, VOWS is a dues-paying member. And I am a member of its board of directors.)
Formed just three months ago in June, NAFAA was established to primarily address the turmoil of tariffs through a lobbying effort at reclassifying formal wear into a more specific, appropriate and identifiable import classification.
Then, once accomplished, petition for an exemption of tariffs for the full category due to several important reasons:
-formal wear can not be domestically mass produced;
-the added costs of tariffs may strain Americans’ budgets for their milestone events thereby providing an additional opportunity for direct-from-factory non-US based sellers to put retailers and industry at risk.
A long shot you say?… possibly. Worthy of the effort? Definitely.
In a short time it has accomplished much, including formal person-to-person meetings with Customs and Treasury departments, and elected officials, who all are receptive to this reclassification effort.
So... to those generous few who have answered the call I thank you.
I ask now that you take an additional step to further the impact of your support:
Talk to your peers and industry friends who may still be on the sidelines watching and waiting. The NAFAA is rapidly reaching a critical conjuncture where their support is critical for its continuing efforts.
And by the way… with retailer Sandra Gonzalez joining the board, and recent boutique memberships, the NAFAA is truly an industry association.
NOTE: NAFAA fees are $5000 for designer/manufacturer; $2500 for accessory manufacturer, and $250 for boutiques.
