Our home state of Massachusetts has deep roots in the footwear industry, dating back to the cobblers and cordwainers of the colonial days. The first shoe factory in the country, circa 1760, was in Massachusetts. By the 19th century Lynn was a key player in the global production of shoes. In the mid 1950’s our own Walter Draper worked with the team of suppliers the military put together to develop a new boot after the Korean War to prevent injuries to warfighters’ feet from the extreme cold. We still make the wool cotton fleece he designed for the Extreme Cold Weather Vapor Barrier boot over 70 years later. For decades Draper ran tens of thousands of yards of footwear materials for rubber boot linings, footbed linings for moccasins and we still have some loyal customers in the fire service market that use of fabrics in boots. But the business has drastically changed, today 99% of the shoes sold in the U.S.A are made overseas. We need to protect what is left of this industry here in the states, it is critical to preserving manufacturing in the U.S. , including the textile industrial base that faithfully develops new materials to meet the challenges todays military faces. It is a matter of national security and a matter of pride! The United States Footwear Manufacturers Association is working to help in this mission. Draper joined 3 years ago, after attending the Spring Meeting in Washington, DC and observing all that they are doing to assist our industry, which helps support our local communities. If you want more information on what this organization does, send Bethany an email, she can answer questions or put you in touch with the team at USFMA [email protected] #storiesfromthemiddleofthesupplychain #americanmanufacturing #draperknitting #smallbusiness
USFMA's annual Spring Meeting will be here before you know it. We are all set for March 24 and 25 in Washington and we need you there. Don't miss this unique opportunity to interact with lawmakers and decision-makers about the critical issues impacting the domestic footwear industry. The more members who can offer their perspectives the more we can expand political support for the policies and investments we need to keep our resurgence going and growing. Keep an eye out for a comprehensive agenda in the coming weeks. In the meantime, learn more and save your spot by emailing LB Fullerton at [email protected] and Karlee Popken at [email protected]. Let's put our best foot forward!