World Footwear

World

US industry bodies planning to merge

Oct 5, 2018 United States
US industry bodies planning to merge
At their joint annual meeting, the US Hide, Skin and Leather Association (USHSLA) and Leather Industries of America (LIA) have agreed to seek a merger
Two US leather industry bodies announced their plans to merge to form one organisation. At their joint annual meeting, the US Hide, Skin and Leather Association (USHSLA) and Leather Industries of America (LIA) have agreed to “seek a merger” prompted by “overlapping membership, increasing alignment of purpose and interests and a strong desire to secure the future of the hide, skin and leather industries in the US”.

A final decision will depend on the approval by the members of each organisation. It is expected that once the merger is concluded, USHLA’s President, Stephen Sothmann, becomes Chief Executive of the newly combined entity. John Wittenborn, current president of LIA, should retire by the end of 2019.


Each organisation elected a new chairman at the meeting, with USHSLA choosing Jay Jensen of Southwest Hide Company, and LIA electing Bob Hawley of SB Foot Tanning Company.

USHSLA's representatives commented saying this combination of efforts "will position the new entity to be the premier voice of the entire leather supply chain, both in the US and abroad.”

Related Events

  • Sep
    29
    Sep 29-Sep 30, 2025 | Indiana, United States

    The Indy Show

  • Oct
    4
    Oct 4-Oct 6, 2025 | Palm Beach, Florida, United States

    Palm Beach Trendz

  • Oct
    6
    Oct 6-Oct 8, 2025 | LA, United States

    LA Market Week

  • Oct
    14
    Oct 14-Oct 17, 2025 | Atlanta, United States

    Atlanta Apparel

Related Organizations

  • FIT - Fashion Institute of Technology

    FIT - Fashion Institute of Technology

    United States
  • FDRA - Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America

    FDRA - Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America

    United States
  • FFANY - Fashion Footwear Association of New York

    FFANY - Fashion Footwear Association of New York

    United States
  • NSRA - National Shoe Retailers Association

    NSRA - National Shoe Retailers Association

    United States