United States

U.S. President Barack Obama urged members of Congress to approve the pending Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement during his recent State of the Union address. Mr. Obama noted that the TPP would open additional overseas markets for U.S. goods and help the U.S. compete with other major economic powers like China, who so far has not joined the agreement. While the text of the TPP has been finalized, it still must receive legislative approval from each signatory country before coming into effect. (Politico)
 
The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) has named Rick Helfenbein as its new President & CEO. Helfenbein, who currently chairs the AAFA’s Board of Directors, will succeed current president Juanita Duggan, who is leaving the AAFA to take on a leadership role at a new organization next month. In addition to his time at the AAFA, Helfenbein has also held leadership positions with several prominent apparel companies, including Hong Kong-based Luen Thai. Helfenbein will officially take over on February 15. (Fibre2Fashion) (AAFA)