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
    11
    Sep 11-Sep 13, 2025 | Billings, Montana, United States

    Billings Market Association

  • Sep
    14
    Sep 14-Sep 16, 2025 | New York, United States

    Magic New York

  • 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

Related Organizations

  • The Atlanta Shoe Market

    The Atlanta Shoe Market

    United States
  • AAFA - American Apparel & Footwear Association

    AAFA - American Apparel & Footwear Association

    United States
  • USRA - United Shoe Retailers

    USRA - United Shoe Retailers

    United States
  • L&HCA - Leather & Hide Council of America

    L&HCA - Leather & Hide Council of America

    United States