A note from AAFA President and CEO Rick Helfenbein: Here is a short video of the two-days we shared in Washington at the AAFA Executive Summit earlier this month. Take a look and spot some familiar faces!

If you like what you see, mark your calendars for the 2019 Executive Summit, March 13-15 at the MGM National Harbor. Please also know that our door is always open at 740 6th St. NW, and our committees - including our very busy Government Relations (GR) Committee - welcome your participation! The GR Committee will meet in Washington, D.C. alongside the upcoming Supply Chain Innovation: The Key To Success In The New Retail Dynamic conference this April.

Pushback on potential tariffs: As you will see under the Trade news segment, AAFA has been incredibly busy with vocal efforts around our industry’s collective dissatisfaction with potential punitive tariffs on imports from China. AAFA has requested that the administration not move forward with the plans that have been reported in the press. This morning, AAFA joined with several ally organizations to send a letter to the President expressing our views. Earlier in the week, we signed onto a major association letter to the President and helped organize a letter from retailers on the same subject. We encourage all members to engage with your elected officials by sending this pre-drafted letter, and by contacting Steve Lamar and Nate Herman to share your company’s input.

Additional advocacy updates: Over the past week, AAFA urged the Cambodian government to take immediate action to promote labor rights and human rights; praised the Senate for the confirmation of Kevin McAleenan as Commissioner of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); and testified about possible new labels for micro-fiber pollution.

Proposed changes to California workers' compensation classification: The Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) has proposed changes to classifications contained in the California Workers’ Compensation Uniform Statistical Reporting Plan –1995 (USRP). The changes would affect California wholesalers – not manufacturers or designers. The proposed changes can be reviewed here.