WASHINGTON — October 1, 2018 — The United States, Mexico and Canada have concluded negotiations on a trade agreement to replace NAFTA. The text of the deal, now referred to as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, was released by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative last night.

“The U.S. textile industry is pleased the United States, Mexico and Canada have reached an agreement because Canada and Mexico are its largest trading partners,” said National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Auggie Tantillo as he noted that products from the textile and apparel supply chain accounted for nearly $12 billion in U.S. exports to Canada and Mexico in 2017.

“Unlike the original NAFTA, the new agreement includes a separate textile and apparel chapter. This outcome is a tangible recognition by all three parties of the importance of textile manufacturing to the regional economy,” Tantillo added as he explained that NCTO would not be making any further comment with respect to the deal until the substance of the agreement could be carefully analyzed by NCTO.

NCTO is a Washington, DC-based trade association that represents domestic textile manufacturers, including artificial and synthetic filament and fiber producers.

• U.S. employment in the textile supply chain was 550,500 in 2017.
• The value of shipments for U.S. textiles and apparel was $77.9 billion in 2017.
• U.S. exports of fiber, textiles and apparel were $28.6 billion in 2017.
• Capital expenditures for textile and apparel production totaled $2.4 billion in 2016, the last year for which data is available.

Posted October 1, 2018

Source:  National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

WASHINGTON — October 1, 2018 — The National Retail Federation issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay after the U.S., Canada and Mexico reached a deal updating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

“We are pleased a deal has been reached that preserves NAFTA’s trilateral framework, which is critical to protecting North American supply chains that support millions of American jobs. The administration, as well as officials from Canada and Mexico, should be applauded for months of hard work aimed at modernizing NAFTA for the 21st century —  a goal retailers have shared from the start. We will carefully review all the details of the agreement to ensure it promotes U.S. economic growth and maintains access to the products American families need at the prices they can afford.”

Posted October 1, 2018

Source:  The National Retail Federation (NRF)

PLANO, Texas — September 27, 2018 — J. C. Penney Co. Inc. today announced that Jeffrey Davis has informed the company that he is resigning from his position as executive vice president and CFO effective Oct. 1 to pursue another opportunity. Jerry Murray, senior vice president of finance, will assume the position of interim chief financial officer, reporting directly to the Office of the CEO.

“On behalf of our board and leadership team, I want to thank Jeff for his service to JCPenney,” said Ronald W. Tysoe, chairman of the JCPenney board. “His leadership has been instrumental as both the Company’s chief financial officer and as a member of the Office of the CEO. We wish him much success in his future endeavors, and we thank Jerry for stepping in to assume this leadership role.”

Murray joined the company in Feb. 2016 after serving as chief financial officer for Valassis, a multimedia marketing firm. As interim CFO, he will report into the Office of the CEO members Therace Risch, chief information and digital officer, and Mike Robbins, executive vice president of private brands and supply chain. The company will commence a formal search for Davis’ successor, reviewing both internal and external candidates.

“I am grateful for my time with the company, leading some of the most talented teams in retail during a time of transition. I have every confidence that JCPenney has the experience and determination to persevere and strengthen its position as one of America’s leading retailers,” said Davis.

Posted September 28, 2018

Source:  J. C. Penney Co.

BOZEMAN, Mont. — September 27, 2018 — In celebration of Manufacturing Day, U.S.-manufacturer, West Paw will open its doors on October 5 to students, parents and community members. As part of an ongoing effort from the manufacturing community, this event is designed to change people’s perceptions about today’s manufacturing environment and draw attention to the outstanding opportunities that a career in manufacturing can provide. Planned activities include school group tours and open houses.

Manufacturing Day is an annual national event executed at the local level supported by thousands of manufacturers as they host students, teachers, parents, job seekers and other local community members at open houses, plant tours and presentations designed to showcase modern manufacturing technology and careers.

For over 22 years, West Paw has been a proud manufacturer of dog toys, beds, leashes and collars. West Paw is excited to showcase our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to the members of our community as well as be a part of this important national event.

“There is an increasing demand for highly skilled professionals in the manufacturing sector who can design, program and operate technology,” said Spencer Williams, CEO and president of West Paw. “The average age of a manufacturing employee is 56, and between now and 2020 there will be an unprecedented shortage of skilled workers who will need to be replaced.”

Posted September 27, 2018

Source: West Paw

WORCESTER, Mass. — September 27, 2018 — Vystar® Corp. today launched a new era of pillow indulgence with the Vytex® Cloud Super-soft Plush Collection of 100-percent all natural latex pillows in four sizes and two levels of support.

“You’re going to love the new Vytex Cloud pillows for life,” stated Steve Rotman, CEO of Vystar. “You’ll sleep better on the heavenly delight of super- and ultra-soft eco-friendly latex whose light, natural breathability and resilience provide cool, supportive comfort for years. A better sleep means more energy for life.”

While pillow experts recommend replacing your pillows every year due to loss of resilience and contamination from sweat, bacteria, and dust mites that other pillow materials harbor, Vytex latex foam is naturally anti-microbial and odor free, and repels dust mites. Because Vytex latex is deproteinized to remove allergy and odor causing proteins and impurities, it is virtually allergy free and naturally whiter. Vystar’s patented technology gives the Vytex Cloud pillows a stronger latex bond that means Vytex foam stays springier over the long-term. You can enjoy Vytex Cloud pillows for years and appreciate that they are completely biodegradable at the end of useful life.

Consumers have their choice of super soft 45 density or ultra-soft 55 density for the ultimate personal comfort. Vytex Cloud Pillows have an organic cotton zip-close cover for natural airflow. Vytex Collection Cloud Pillows are now available on Amazon.com in choice of  Super Soft  and Medium firmness in Standard, Queen, King, and Body sizes.

Vytex is vastly different from traditional latex. Rubber sap that is tapped from the tree contains less than 40 percent actual rubber content, with the rest comprised of impurities (proteins, carotenoids, etc.) and waste product from the tree. Vystar’s multi-patented process removes virtually all the allergenic latex proteins and other waste to create a stronger, purer, naturally fresh smelling foam with the added advantage of years of buoyant, 90-percent-more resilient latex. Vytex has natural anti-microbial properties without the dangerous off-gassing and relatively short usable life of petrochemical laden memory foams and polyurethane foams.

Posted September 27, 2018

Source: Vystar® Corp.