Great people. Great Conference. Great industry.
We are fortunate to have had the privilege to sponsor and attend the Annual North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD) Conference and Exposition this year in San Diego, California. It was great to see our customers and partners feeling the positive energy of the industry in-person once again.
Video calls and virtual meetups have been a great alternative throughout the pandemic, but as the world reopens, we are getting back to what matters most – developing and strengthening relationships.
Setting up for a memorable evening to celebrate professionals in the uniform industries.
The NAUMD Conference and Exposition is an indicator of the reopening and growth of the uniform industry. This year’s theme, “HEROES WEAR UNIFORMS,” highlights the fact that we have the privilege of serving the heroes throughout the pandemic – Emergency Management workers, First Responders, Law Enforcement, Security workers, Transportation workers, Hospitality workers, and many more. We’re grateful for their service and are proud to manufacture knitwear for our heroes in action.
We are happy to have met many of our friends, customers, and colleagues at our booth to discuss how COBMEX® knitwear is specifically created for the unique demands of the uniform trade. The three-day conference included networking events, education breakout sessions, and guest speakers, including our very own Vice-President, Jon Edberg, and Pricila Neal, Director of Product Development and Technical Design. They participated on a panel discussing, How to Prepare for Success When it comes to Safety and Sustainability in your Next Uniform Project.
“Our OEKO-TEX® Certification has opened the door for innovation and it is a starting point for conversations about sustainability in the uniform industry,” says Pricila. “Our panel was very lively because of the interaction between the audience and the panelists. We had a great exchange of information to the point where NAUMD is planning to create a summit to continue the conversation about sustainability. The takeaway message is that we need to start from somewhere. Every initiative is valuable, and it counts for the betterment of the whole industry. We also must be aware of greenwashing policies; educate yourself, connect with others, and share the knowledge. By supporting one another we can certainly make meaningful changes.”
After attending his first NAUMD Conference with the team, COBMEX® Sales Manager, Chi Dam, shared his first impressions. “I felt so welcome in this great community, and everyone had so much knowledge that they were excited to share. People want to know who you are and want to have a real conversation. Once you get into the industry, you don’t want to leave. There is a sense of hope for the future, coming out of COVID.”
Pricila echoed Chi’s sentiments. “The industry has so much passion and everyone truly supports each other. People really appreciate the work that we do. I heard from multiple customers that they work with COBMEX® because of the quality and the customer service.”
NAUMD Awards Banquet – Announcing the 2021 Awards-Winners!
The NAUMD concluded with a celebratory Awards Reception and Banquet that COBMEX® was proud to sponsor! This was a memorable opportunity to commemorate excellence within specific categories of the uniform industry. We congratulate each of the winners of the Image of the Year Awards®, Best Dressed Public Safety Awards®, and Innovation Awards! COBMEX® is proud to work closely with many of these recipients who have helped to advance the importance and vision of the uniform industry. Phil Newman, COBMEX® President, got to share his pride for the industry on stage.
COBMEX® President Phil Newman, sharing his pride for the industry on the podium.
Rick Levine and Steve Zalkin from the NAUMD Leadership Team (Left)
Rick Levine, James Bottoms, Steve Zalkin, Kathy Zalkin, and Phil Newman, from the NAUMD Leadership Team (Right)
We would like to give an honorable mention to Rick Levine, NAUMD’s Executive Director. We would also like to thank Kathy and Steve Zalkin for their support and contributions to NAUMD and the industry.
Thank you for organizing this successful conference and for the work that you do to advance the uniform industry. The next NAUMD Convention and Exposition is scheduled for May 22-24, 2022, in Reston, Virginia with the theme, Innovate, Integrate, Motivate. You can be sure to see COBMEX® there! Secure your attendance and register today.
Emerging from the pandemic, the uniform sector is revitalizing. Being reunited after 1.5 years, it’s clear that every person in this community shares their excitement for growth in our industry. We are thankful to have been together in the same room again, celebrating passion, design, innovation, sustainability, and our uniformed heroes. There is much to look forward to, and COBMEX® is proud to help pave the way.
