Retail Math – Understanding Apparel Principles and Costing 

Presented by Henry Cherner / AIMS

12:30 P.M. 

Gain an understanding of the mark up principles applied as a retailer or manufacturer and how these principles are critical to profitability. This seminar will explain the best options for implementing costing formulas/principles to realize gross margin profitability.

Henry Cherner is President and founder of AIMS.  AIMS is an industry leader in apparel software since 1984.  Apparel Information Management System, AIMS, is a complete order and production processing system for apparel manufacturers, wholesalers, importers and distributors offering integrated products for EDI, QuickBooks GL, web-based order processing, retail shopping carts, web development and more.

Henry has been in the apparel industry 40 years and serves on the Advisory Boards and Dean’s Council at Cal Poly Pomona, Art Institute of CA, Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC), Saddleback College in OC, Textile Association of Los Angeles and is a founding board member of Fashion Business Inc.  He also is an adjunct instructor and teaches Merchandising Math classes at LATTC and Understanding Apparel Principles – AIMS Certification at UCLA Extension.

The presentation is about 60 minutes

Sourcing Solutions for Small Manufacturers 

Presented by Susan Power/ About Sources

 1:45 P.M.

Discover New Resources!

Learn about US & Canadian fabric & trim suppliers that have low minimums, providing quick turn around, and in-stock programs.  Must have, and hard to find products such as Organic/Eco-friendly fabrics & trims - plus hi-tech fabrics will be included.

Plus industry terms, and classifications including the description of mills, converters, distributors, jobbers, agents, and brokers - and how they may work with you!  Get info on finding contractors who will produce small lots and work with growing companies.

A Question & Answer session will follow the presentation.

Susan Power, AboutSources - Principal + Publisher

Since 1988, Susan Power has been providing fabric & trim sourcing information to manufacturers of apparel, accessories, and home furnishings.  To meet the needs of both small and larger manufacturers, including private label retailers, AboutSources publishes two comprehensive directories quarterly -  The Sourcer's Guide, and The Designer's Guide - and http://www.rrag.net/.  Prior to publishing in-print and on-line, Susan's experience includes marketing, sales, and design of both textiles and apparel.

This presentation is about 60 minutes.

Media Relations 101 - Using PR to Effectively Communicate Your Brand

Presented by Jessica Piha / Fashion Publicist for Blue Nile, Inc.

 3:00 P.M.

Gain an understanding of the field of public relations and the best ways to effectively message your brand to consumers through print, broadcast and online mediums. This seminar will also touch on marketing your brand through social media like Twitter and Facebook.

Jessica Victoria Piha is the owner of JVP Media & Public Relations and works full-time for Blue Nile as their Fashion Publicist. As Publicist for the leading online luxury jewelry retailer, she coordinates all media and publicity for the Blue Nile brand including but not limited to television, print, radio, movies, celebrity endorsements, strategic partnerships, and red carpet appearances.

Notable partnerships include working with the costume departments at GLEE, Gossip Girl, Mad Men, Vampire Diaries and America's Got Talent.

This presentation is about 60 minutes.

Sustainable Business Practices

Presented by Stephanie Gowing / ECOSS

4:15 P.M. 

Interested in learning how to implement sustainable practices into your apparel business? Join Stephanie Gowing to hear why sustainable companies are the most successful. Opportunities are available to help your business grow and green and ECOSS can help you get there.  ECOSS Business Assistance services are free and confidential and can help with 

•Carbon footprint reduction & energy efficiency

•Solid waste management 

•Water conservation & storm water management 

•Incentives and rebates available

Stephanie Gowing is a Sustainable Business Coordinator at ECOSS, a non-profit environmental organization. In this capacity she is responsible for assisting businesses with energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and helping businesses implement sustainable practices into their business plans. Stephanie provides technical support and education on carbon footprinting and assists businesses with locating financing, rebates and incentives that help conserve resources. Prior to joining ECOSS, Stephanie directed a green business program at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce. From 2004-2009 Stephanie worked as a project coordinator at an environmental consulting firm. She has a B.A in environmental planning and policy, and a Masters in Environmental Studies. Stephanie is a LEED AP and a Certified Sustainable Building Advisor.

ECOSS

ECOSS is a nonprofit organization that encourages urban redevelopment and a healthy environment by providing education, resources and technical assistance to diverse businesses and communities in the Puget Sound region. ECOSS services are free and confidential.

The presentation will be 40 minutes with time for Q&A