President’s Perspective
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

“Change Will Do You Good”

While Merriam Webster’s 2008 word of the year may be “bailout,” I believe we can all agree unequivocally, “change,” in every sense of the word, has permeated through each and every one of our lives.

The Hosiery Association’s (THA) theme, “Adapting to Change,” has provided both staff and industry leadership the initiative and the tenacity to move forward proactively in an environment filled with economic uncertainty, a transitioning government and the onset of complex regulations. We know these issues each impact our business’s bottom lines; so I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you a few of the “changes” we have made during the past year to help you in making smarter business decisions.

Legislatively Speaking
The face of politics and methods for conducting business has transformed significantly. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), the Lacey Act Amendment, Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), Card Check, Health Care Reform, Green Marketing Claims, …these are just a few of the topics that have and will continue to change your companies’ cost structure and the way you interface with your customers. Detailed compliance roadmaps have and will be crafted, issued and reviewed with members when necessary on these and other legislative issues. Additionally, THA has updated its public policy manual and meets frequently with the various interagency groups. Now, more than ever, it is essential that the legwear business collectively remains visible on the political radar screen. THA is now actively serving on various coalitions to keep you apprised of these volatile regulations.

Knowledge is Power
We have launched monthly webinars on the hottest topics delivered by industry experts that save you thousands of dollars in travel costs and time out of the office. One conference room, one Internet line and one phone line can offer many the knowledge they need to perform their jobs effectively and efficiently…power lunch has a whole new meaning! A global legwear conference has been added to the 2009 Annual Convention program. This new forum will bring industry professionals worldwide together in one location to share ideas and strategize on how to leverage their businesses in a fluid marketplace.

Connectivity
THA’s increased involvement with the retailing community provides you additional business opportunities. More robust information housed on the member only section of the website offers an in-depth look at what’s happening in the business worldwide. On line member directory presents 24 -7 access to thousands of visitors seeking products and services. Electronic versions of Hosiery News and Insider deliver quicker and more versatile means of capturing/disseminating information to a broader audience. Boundaries and borders continue to dissipate, and THA’s goal is ensuring its members maintain a pulse on what’s happening on a variety of fronts.

Consumer Awearness
Our goal to encourage more consumers to wear more of our products more often is one that remains unchanged. THA has developed strong relationships with many types of media outlets looking for accurate information which is credible and broad in scope. Socks, tights, sheer hosiery, leggings, shapers, eco-friendly, colors, and most recently the economic factor are just a few of the topics that have splashed across the both the big/little screens, pages of consumer and trade magazines, not to mention the flurry of newspapers and internet blogs. Once again having the ability to access consumer purchasing data along with a gallery full of professional and fashion forward product images reinforces the association’s position as “the legwear” spokes entity.

Instinctively Philanthropic
Throughout our 103 years in existence, THA members have knowingly and willingly shared their knowledge, given of their products and offered their resources to others who have experienced economic strife, war, natural disasters and acts of terrorism. Bestowing blessings upon those who are less fortunate thrives within the spirit of the hosiery industry. We were pleased to formalize these ongoing acts of kindness and generosity into a non-profit philanthropic initiative entitled, NOCOLDFEET™. Our golf tournament which was once again produced with Groz-Beckert’s help attracted over 110 golfers raised over $20,000. Proceeds from this event were allocated to NOCOLDFEET. We were pleased to partner with Working Wardrobes ® and provided socks and underwear for their Men’s Day of Self Esteem. Additionally, our hosiery companies have supplied socks to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. If you haven’t already done so, please visit the site…www.nocoldfeet.org. We look forward to expanding this program in 2009!

Even though the winds of change will continue to comb through our daily lives, THA’s commitment to this industry remains certain…adapting to change in such a way that it will do us all some good.

Wishing you all the best during
this holiday season!

Best regards,