Industrialization of the textile industry and use of a large variety of chemical treatments and dyes has resulted in a public health threat created by pollution. 17 -20% of industrial freshwater pollution is caused by textile dyeing and treatment. Estimations state that 10-15% of total dyestuffs (equivalent to 280,000 tonnes of dyestuffs) used during the manufacturing of textile products is released into the environment worldwide annually.
The reaction was swift, and uncompromising when it was discovered that the uniforms to be worn by the athletes of the U.S. Olympic team were made in China. The Ralph Lauren press machine went into crisis communications mode issuing the statement,
Ralph Lauren promises to lead the conversation within our industry and our government to address the issue to increase manufacturing in the United States. We have committed to producing the Opening and Closing ceremony Team USA uniforms in the United States that will be worn for the 2014 Olympic Games.
But will they? Will this be a tipping point in the increasingly nationalistic rhetoric towards reinvesting in U.S. based apparel manufacturing? Will Americans, outraged by this perceived slap in the face, be willing to pay higher prices for goods manufactured with the ‘Made in USA’ label? Will our political leaders finally stop playing partisan games and put actions behind their words by working together?
All of this remains to be seen, but just maybe this most current Public Relations blunder will benefit those organizations that have been working for years to accomplish these things. Small, regional business incubators have been active for years in the shadows trying to help create U.S. jobs with in the fashion and apparel cluster in cities like Chicago, Washington D.C., Seattle and more.
These regional incubators have recently organized a National Coalition of Fashion Incubators, and have been advocating the issue of ‘Made in USA’ apparel jobs for over three years. Both individually and collectively. Perhaps this national spotlight will help propel their coalition to the forefront and help them affect real change with jobs creation in our great nation?
If you would like to support their efforts you can make a tax deductible donation to DCFashionFoundation.org, and note the National Fashion Incubator Coalition as recepient.
For Immediate Release: May 17, 2012
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA) and Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) introduced legislation to increase exports and create jobs. One out of every three jobs in Washington state is tied to exports, and the McDermott-Reichert bill would make simple, no-cost changes to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the United States’ export promotion efforts.
“What we’re doing here is just good government work – there are 20 federal agencies promoting U.S. exports, but their work overlaps and they don’t have a clear annual plan that’s laser-targeted at what businesses need,” said Congressman McDermott, who is the Ranking Member of the U.S. House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee. “There is also a data problem – we need to make sure that businesses and government are getting accurate data so we have the best possible information to assess how our economy is performing and what policies are and aren’t working, especially when it comes to growing exports and American jobs. We can work across party lines to fix these issues.”
Congressman Reichert, who is also a member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, said, “As a member of the President’s Export Council, I’m pleased to co-author this no-cost, bi-partisan legislation. I am happy to help American exporters in this economical way, recommended by the Council.”
The McDermott-Reichert bill, the “Efficient Export Promotion to Help American Businesses Act,” would require the Office of Management and Budget to coordinate export efforts and eliminate inefficiencies among the different agencies’ export promotion activities. The legislation also requires an annual report that assesses the effectiveness of the U.S.’s export promotion efforts. Finally, the bill would allow the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) to use data from the international trade in services by partnerships and sole proprietorships so the BEA can provide much more accurate reports on U.S. trade activities like imports, exports, GDP, GNP, Balance of Payments and other economic statistics.
Last week we had the pleasure of participating in the Greater Washington D.C. Fashion Chamber of Commerce’s 2012 State of Style Advocacy Day on the Hill. The purpose of this annual event is for leaders in the fashion and creative economy community to come together to raise awareness and advocate issues the affect the fashion and apparel industry on Capitol Hill.
In 1973, there were more than 2.4 million textile and apparel workers employed in the United States; by 1996, that figure had dropped by 40% and has intensified in the last decade.
Jennifer Fisher, Director of Advocacy, GWFCC
Our President and Co-Founder of the Seattle Fashion Incubator, Steven Paul Matsumoto, was invited to participate in a panel discussion held at the Rayburn House Office Building. The panel discussed President Obama’s small business agenda, and significant pieces of legislation currently in committee, and the importance of business incubators to the creative economy.
The distinguished panel of industry leaders moderated by Lauren Rothman, Huffington Post Style Contributing Editor also included:
The panel urged attendees to voice their support for H.R. 2275 American Textile Technology Innovation and Research for Exportation (ATTIRE) Act, and H.R. 1418/S.509 Small Business Lending Enhancement Act of 2011. In addition to discussing how Fashion Incubators from across the country are assisting small businesses in their markets, and the formation of a National Coalition of Fashion Incubators. There are currently 13 identified incubators which have expressed interest in coalition membership. We’ll forego any historical references to the original colonies.
We would like to personally thank Mr. Alan Lee, and Representative Jim McDermott’s (D – WA) office for taking time to meet with both Mr. Matsumoto, and Mr. Daniel Arthur Done regarding these important jobs creation issues. Please click the links above and let your legislators know that you support the passage of the above bills. With your help we can revitalize the industry, and create ‘Made in the USA’ jobs.
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