Americas Apparel Producers' Network

05/15/2026

A powerful evening celebrating the women helping shape the future of the Western Hemisphere textile and apparel industry at the Women’s Reception during the Americas Apparel Producers' Network pro:Americas Annual Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The reception brought together women from across every corner of the supply chain — from manufacturing, sourcing and logistics to sustainability, product development, retail, technology and executive leadership — for an evening focused on connection, mentorship and shared experiences.

As the industry continues to evolve, the growing presence and leadership of women throughout the textile and apparel sector was unmistakably evident throughout the room. The event created space not only for networking, but for meaningful conversations around leadership, career growth, collaboration and the importance of supporting the next generation entering the industry.

One of the most encouraging takeaways was the diversity of experience represented — from longtime industry veterans to emerging professionals — reinforcing the strength that comes from building relationships across generations and throughout the Americas supply chain.

An inspiring reminder that the future of the industry is being shaped by strong, collaborative and innovative women leaders across the region.

09/17/2025

Americas Apparel Producers' Network (AAPN) member COBMEX® Honors National Uniform Day with Expanded Scholarships for Future Designers

https://naumd.com/cobmex-strengthens-commitment-to-future-designers-with-expanded-scholarships-at-george-brown-college/

Toronto, ON – COBMEX®, a global leader in uniform knitwear, is proud to announce the expansion of its scholarship program with the George Brown School of Fashion. Now in its second year, the program grows from two awards to three, marking a continued commitment to supporting emerging designers an...

09/09/2025

A study conducted by Dr. Sheng Lu of the University of Delaware in conjunction with the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) revealed that Mexican apparel imports, on average, face a small tariff compared to their Central American counterparts. The study relays that this discrepancy in effective tariff rates represents an immense economic opportunity for Mexico, while cautioning that infrastructure in Mexico is still developing.

🇲🇽 Do you think Mexico is a winner? Let us know in the comments 👇

Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/ezG8Ek7X

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

08/26/2025

Welcome Holly Williams to the AAPN Team!

We’re excited to announce that Holly Williams has officially joined the Americas Apparel Producers' Network (AAPN) as Events, Marketing and Operations Manager!

Holly has already jumped right in and begun contributing to our work. With her leadership, we’re looking forward to taking our events, marketing and operations to the next level.

Holly brings over 15 years of experience producing high-impact events and driving strategic growth across industries. She most recently served as Conference Management Director at the Advanced Textiles Association, where she led the successful revitalization of post-pandemic events and developed innovative programming tailored to the textile industry.

Her background spans global and consumer-facing events – including the 2010 PGA Championship, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the Nicolet Bank Tall Ships Festival – demonstrating a unique ability to blend creative vision with operational excellence. With deep expertise in marketing strategy, cross-functional leadership and delivering measurable business results, Holly is a dynamic addition to the AAPN team.

Originally from Ohio and a proud graduate of The Ohio State University, Holly now lives in Green Bay, Wis., with her husband James and their two sons, Fritz (12) and Creighton (10).

Please join us in giving Holly a warm welcome to the AAPN family! We are thrilled to have her onboard and excited about the value she will bring to our growing network!

08/21/2025

World Emblem Constructing Factory in the Dominican Republic

https://tinyurl.com/3sy55we3

ProAmericas

Leading custom patch and emblem manufacturer World Emblem is constructing a new factory in the Dominican Republic to grow business

08/21/2025

Leadership Evolution at COBMEX® Reflects Long-Term Vision: Jon Edberg Named President and Chief Operating Officer

https://tinyurl.com/5n7a6pym

ProAmericas

COBMEX® Apparel has announced a key leadership transition that strengthens its executive structure and supports the company’s continued focus on growth, customer-driven solutions, and strategic partnerships. Jon Edberg has been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of COBMEX®. He...

08/21/2025

Allbirds accelerates reuse with Remix styles

Pioneering partnership with Blumaka and Circ gives second life to manufacturing waste

Read: https://tinyurl.com/3auzsd3p

Latest news on new fibres and yarns developments for technical textiles as well as latest innovations in fabrics for technical textiles applications.

08/21/2025

U.S. Rep. Tim Moore tours global thread maker and Americas Apparel Producers' Network (AAPN) member American & Efird

MOUNT HOLLY, N.C. – Freshman U.S. Rep. Tim Moore (R-NC) on August 15 visited American & Efird (A&E), a leading textile manufacturer, to meet with company executives and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing North Carolina’s textile industry.

A&E, part of the Elevate Textiles group of companies, is a manufacturer and distributor of premium industrial and consumer sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles for the apparel, automotive components, home furnishings, medical supplies, footwear and other industrial sectors. With a global footprint boasting dozens of manufacturing facilities and service centers, A&E’s products are manufactured in more than 22 countries, distributed in some 50, and sold in more than 100 nations worldwide. The company employs more than 10,000 people directly and in joint ventures.

The meeting, attended by A&E’s leadership team, focused on local job creation, global competition and the impact of federal policy on manufacturing. During the visit, Rep. Moore – whose district includes several major textile companies – toured A&E’s historic Dyeing & Finishing facility and heard from Elevate Textiles CEO Jeff Pritchett and other executives about the company’s 134-year legacy, recent investments in revitalizing local operations and ongoing workforce needs. A&E leaders emphasized their commitment to local manufacturing, sustainability and ethical business practices while also highlighting the need to hire at least 50 more people to meet growing demand.

08/12/2025

News from Americas Apparel Producers' Network (AAPN) member Crowley Corporation:

Crowley's Fourth Avance Class Vessel, Torogoz, Begins Maiden Commercial Voyage

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Crowley's latest Avance Class ship, Torogoz, began its inaugural commercial service on Tuesday, departing from Port Everglades, Florida, to serve Central America. The vessel's commencement is a capstone on the company's initiation of the four-vessel, Avance Class containership fleet.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/bddzt2ju

/PRNewswire/ -- Crowley's latest Avance Class ship, Torogoz, began its inaugural commercial service on Tuesday, departing from Port Everglades, Florida, to...

08/11/2025

Americas Apparel Producers' Network (AAPN) Executive Director Lynsey Jones will be attending the Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala this week – August 12-14 – will you?

She will be walking the floor on Tuesday, August 12 and Wednesday, August 13. Lynsey will also have the honor of sharing the stage with our longtime AAPN friend Carlos Arias on Wednesday, August 13 at the Discussion Forum: "Guatemala & U.S. Tariffs: Challenges and Opportunities for the Apparel and Textile Sector." They’ll be joined by a representative from Guatemala’s Ministry of Economy (to be announced), along with Natalie Hanson, an international trade expert. Together, they’ll help lead a discussion on the impact of new U.S. tariffs, strategic opportunities for Guatemala, and how buyers are navigating recent trade policy changes.

If you’re attending the Apparel Show, be sure to connect with Lynsey!