Syosset, NY – December 17, 2013 – The Image Apparel Institute (IAI) has announced that it is opening the doors to bring peer voting into the process of its Image of the Year Awards Program! The program will now allow members of the IAI Board of Governors to have a vote in each category for the Image of the Year Awards Program!
“Our goal with the Board of Governors is to bring the industry and our peers into the voting process,” adds Ron Klepner, IAI chairman and Vice President Marketing at Superior Uniform Group, “The Image of the year Awards recognize the professionalism and innovativeness within our industry and the introduction of the Board of Governors Concept makes these awards all the more meaningful because they will have been chosen by industry peers!” Gary Schultz, President & CEO of Edwards Garment Company stated that, “As a result, of the Board of Governors program, industry members will now have a voice in determining the winners in the IOY Awards and help drive awareness and prestige for the image apparel industry.”
Since 1978, IAI’s Image of the Year Awards, remains the most prestigious and only awards program to recognize achievement in image apparel program design, creation and execution. The Program acknowledges the wearers, manufacturers and distributors who have mastered the concept of fashion and function within image and market planning bestowing the Award on the best of the best in Image Apparel. Specifically designed to assist in identifying staff and professionals, image apparel also projects a company’s brand, increases safety, enhances interior décor and improves employee morale. Winners in each category represent apparel programs with distinct purposes or functions within their industry.
“From polo shirts to custom suiting, apparel designs have a substantial impact on how a customer views a business,” said Richard Lerman, President and CEO of the IAI. “In fact, a recent study revealed that 70% of the public believe that uniforms make employees look neater and more professional. This award recognizes the businesses that have made employee appearance and guest satisfaction a priority.”
Benefits of Image Apparel Institute Board of Governors Program Membership:
Each member of the Board of Governors will receive the following privileges and benefits:
- VOTE: One (1) vote on each Image of the Year Awards Category
- Discount Ticket Price – Discounts on IOY Awards Dinner Tickets
- Discount Registration Fees: Discounted Registration Fees for the IAI Summit
- Business Networking Events: Complimentary attendance at Receptions during PPAI, ASI, and other events!
- Committee Participation: Have a voice in IAI Programs, Services and Projects
BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEMBERSHIP FEE: $199.00 (US) per year
(Membership Fee due annually – Fiscal year May 1, 2013-April 30, 2014)
NEW: JUDGING PROCESS!!
We are introducing a new judging process for the IOY Awards in four steps as follows:
- Step 1: The Nominees will be voted upon by the official judges (as listed later in this brochure) as they always have been.
- Step 2: In 2014 we are introducing the Image Apparel Institute “Board of Governors” program. Members of the industry are being invited to join the IAI Board of Governors. Each paid member of the Board of Governors will have one vote in each category! This way the Winners of the IOY Awards will now be voted upon by their peers! You may join the IAI Board of Governors and NOT be an NAUMD Member, but you must be engaged in the Image Apparel Industry in any capacity, designer, manufacturer, distributor, media, education or other area. All will be invited to join the new IAI Board of Governors and have a vote in the IOY Awards Program!
- Step 3: Nominees will present their programs in each category at the NAUMD 2014 Convention & Exposition in Las Vegas – both samples on the Expo Floor and during Panel Discussions on each category during the IAI Education Tracks.
- Step 4: The newly created IAI Board of Governors votes on the Nominees and winners are chosen by industry peers!
The Image Apparel Institute has served as the voice of the Image Apparel Industry since 1933. The organization represents the interests and needs of its 500+ members. Members of the Institute manufacture, design, produce, and or sell Image Apparel Programs and accessories or who provide products and or services to the image apparel industry.
The IAI is the producer of the Image of the Year Awards Program, the IAI Summit and is responsible for the Image Apparel Institute Education Tracks presented during the NAUMD Convention & Exposition. The group is also responsible for the Best Practices Webinars and publications focused on the needs and issues facing the Image Apparel Business community. Articles and Press Releases from IAI have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC and numerous websites and media outlets.
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