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

  • Jun
    8
    Jun 8-Jun 9, 2025 | Michigan, United States

    Metro-Michigan Women's Wear Market

  • Jun
    10
    Jun 10-Jun 13, 2025 | Dallas, United States

    Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market

  • Jun
    16
    Jun 16-Jun 18, 2025 | LA, United States

    LA Market Week

  • Jun
    18
    Jun 18-Jun 20, 2025 | Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

    Outdoor Retailer

Related Organizations

  • USRA - United Shoe Retailers

    USRA - United Shoe Retailers

    United States
  • The Atlanta Shoe Market

    The Atlanta Shoe Market

    United States
  • PLC - Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design

    PLC - Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design

    United States
  • FFANY - Fashion Footwear Association of New York

    FFANY - Fashion Footwear Association of New York

    United States