Chicago IL in the deep freeze of winter was the setting of the recent IFA winter board meeting. Chicago winters are known to be brutal, but negative temps and vicious winds cut to the bone last week. Horrible weather or not, every January the board of directors meets to go over details for the coming year. The plans are laid for the convention, regional shows, and promotional ideas. The amount of effort, passion for the industry, and even personal expense it takes to bring all of those together is surprising to witness.

As the editor of the newsletter I was included in the meeting and it occurred to me that some people like myself may have a great curiosity as to what these guys do and why! The board of directors is made up a group of volunteers. They are from all over the country involved in the formal wear industry as specialists, wholesalers, consultants, and manufacturers. This group is made up of people whose businesses must continue to run in their absence. One member flew in just for the day due to commitments in his business! The pledge to serve on the board includes the guarantee to attend at least 2 of the 3 meetings per year. Each board member is responsible for their own expenses to attend the meeting, including transportation, meals, and lodging.

The meeting was held all day last Tuesday from 10-6. The board members present were:

President: Rod Benbrook from Portland OR
First Vice President: Ken Pendley from CSS Chaplin, Denver CO
Secretary Treasurer: Chris Brown from Tuxedo Fashions, San Jose CA
Past President Wayne Griner from Daytona Beach FL
Manufacturer Board Member Doug Black from Black Gold, New York NY
Manufacturer Board Member Chuck Fields H. Field & Sons, Chicago IL
Board Member Dennis Schmidt from Milroy’s, Waterloo IA
Board Member Steve Davis from Jim’s FW, Trenton IL
Board Member Diane Peters from Ducky’s, Galesburg IL
Second Vice President Tom Deitte from Edith’s, Fond Du Lac WI
Board Member Sam Carlson from Black Tie, Oaklawn IL

Putting together the self management team last year when the organization left Smith Bucklin was a monumental task for the board. Some of the first things the board did to pull themselves up and dust themselves off was to assemble a team of people who like themselves had the best interest of the organization at heart. This organization was formed to promote formalwear and unite the people who earn a living in the industry. The board screened and found independent businessmen to fill the roles Smith Bucklin had played in the past. Steve Burger CPA was hired for accounting. Also, Brian Glasgow of William T. Glasgow trade show event planning was hired to execute the expo plans. Both of these gentlemen have a great interest in the success of the organization, and were present at the meeting, to give their input on upcoming events.

The agenda of the meeting:
Welcome
Approval of Minutes
Financials with Steve Burger CPA
Regional Shows: Results, locations, financials
Committee Reports: Membership
Convention 2009 with report from Brian Glasgow
Public Relations
Nominating
IFA Mission and Purpose
Succession
Review of goals and timeframe assignments

Each point in the agenda involved detail discussion on past and future goals. As all the points were covered throughout the day, the overwhelming consensus was onward and upward and how can I help? All the flowery praise still would go nowhere without a plan of action. Plans were set forth for upcoming regional shows, website changes, and especially the Expo. I will tell you that last years hotel rate at the Hilton in Vegas was the lowest ever for an IFA expo. Well, this year is going to be even BETTER!

Plans will continue to unfold in the weeks ahead. We promise to keep you informed! Please know everyone of the board members welcome your thoughts and invite you to contact them with any questions or requests. One of the topics on the agenda was nominating and the board was fielding names of potential future members. Would you be willing or know someone you would like to see representing the industry? The board members would greatly welcome your input or you can email us here and we will pass it along! editor@formaltimes.com

Hollywood’s Golden Glamour
Hollywood stepped out recently at the 66th annual Golden Globe awards in very traditional style. The more classic white shirt and bow tie on many of Hollywood’s leading men was a refreshing change from the open collars of the past. Ashton, Brad, Mario, Tom, Jon Voight and Buzz Aldrin, Diddy, Steven Spielberg, and more a few fine examples:

Industry News

2005 Marietta Road NW * Atlanta GA 30318
Phone: 404-691-4141 / 800-678-7463 * Fax: 404-691-7663
E-mail:info@fredericoleone.com * Website: www.fredericoleone.com

*** PRESS RELEASE ***
ATLANTA, GA – January 5, 2009

Frederico Leone LTD. has announced Brian Sharp as the company’s Director of Marketing. Sharp, son of the company’s owner, Greg Sharp, adds a new generation to Frederico Leone LTD. Today it is very unusual for a company to secure it’s future this early on which gives this company a competitive edge.

Previously Sharp was with the Alabama Press Association handling print placements for clients throughout the United States. Prior to his position at APA, Sharp worked in advertising for Comcast Spotlight and Crawford Broadcasting.

Sharp, a native of Florence, Alabama, earned his B.A. in Public Relations at the University of Alabama. When contacted, Sharp said “I am very excited with the growth opportunities we have at Frederico Leone LTD. All of the resources and the professional, knowledgeable staff gives us a solid base to build on. Frederico Leone already enjoys a reputation for excellent service and quality, now we can move forward with better communication with our customers and by promoting our products in a broader spectrum of venues.”

Sharp grew up in the menswear industry working as the third generation at Shanky’s Men’s Wear, a northwest Alabama clothing store. Being immersed in the sales/service industry at a young age has given Sharp a unique perspective on meeting customers’ needs and expectations.

Wants and Offerings

Does anyone know who sells the "Lady Edwards " vests?
Tom Malvino, Owner Louis Thomas formal wear
louisthomas@earthlink.net

We are selling the following Vest sets in many
colors: Embers (Mfg. Lord West), Citilites (Mfg. Lord
West), Impressions and Phaze (MFG Raffinatti/After
Six).

We are looking to buy additional Protocol Collection
full back vest sets/windsor ties in the Wheat Color
that was first offered then discontinued within a
year.

Thank You,
Becky Afendoulis
Afendoulis Cleaners & Tuxedos.
Grand Rapids MI
Becky@afendoulistuxedos.com

For Sale

CALVIN KLEIN TUX COAT & PANTS $15 COAT, $5 PANT, 70 3-B, 60 2-B THESE WERE MADE BY FCGI
Black "jaguar" by after six, like new condition, 39 coats @$25, 34 pants @$10, excellent range of sizes, free shipping.  Lord West "claiborne" citi-edge coats, 39 units, $25 per coat or best offer, mint condition
IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO PURCHASE ANYTHING...PLEASE E-MAIL ME

COLEMAN'S TUXEDOS
IRA COLEMAN
1-973-568-5238
IRATUX@AOL.COM

Paul Morrell Formalwear of Little Rock, Arkansas is looking for the following items:

Out of Style, Slightly Damaged, Worn or Old Merchandise:
Backless and Fullback Vests in Red and Black.
Tailcoats of any make, color and model…Framed Edge and Regular Full Satin in Peak, Notch, Shawl and Fashion Styling. Non-Pleated, Single, Double and Triple Pleated wool Trousers including Flexo and any other waist model.
We are interested in the merchandise you no longer rent and want out of your backroom or warehouse. Very Low Prices Only.

Please contact: 

Justin or Dean at Paul Morrell…
info@paulmorrell.com
501.374.8256
800.643.8345
fax: 501.374.7564

120 S. Victory
Little Rock, AR 72201

Offered For Sale Brand new Belize shawls by Fabian. $20 per coat all sizes available. This is a stock reduction, these are brand new with tags.

Offered Black Satin Joseph Abboud vests. $7 per vest brand new all sizes available. This is also a stock reduction, not a closeout.

Offered Brown Pierre Cardin one button notch tuxedos. Full size scale 50 plus coats 70 plus pants $800 for the lot. Excellent condition!

Offered Perry Ellis Vail coats. Great condition 30 coats for $500. Good size range.

Andrew Fezza Cannes aprox 40 plus coats in excellent condition $600. All sizes available.

Wanted Calvin Klein Browns, Grey, or Black and White pinstripe tuxedos and accessories. Sounds like a silly request but you never know!

Maria Russo
Russo’s Tux Shop
Boston MA
russotux@hotmail.com

Looking to buy used white wing shirts and smaller sizes and black wool adjustable pants
Sal Saputo
J&L Formalwear
New Orleans LA

For Sale
Black Gold Sienna Paisley Windsors
Original Price $9.95 each Asking $5.00 each

Black 48
Bali Lavender 24
Silver 30
Cornflower 24
Platinum 24
Celedon 30
Rivera Cafe 30
Candlelight 18
Petal Pink 24
Kiwi 24
Chocolate 24
Spice Red 30
Royal 24
White 18

Lord West Double Trap Shoes New in Boxes
Approximately 150 Pr. $1500.00

Ascot LLC Nova Striped Shirts $7.00 each
Approximately

200 White
170 Ivory
130 Black

Thanks again!

Sam Carlson
Black Tie Formalwear
708-423-3530
Fax 708-423-3533
sam@blacktietuxes.com

Here's my list to sell at this time: hope that these will be good "meat" sizes for who can use them...
Black ECKO I, coats, 38R, 40R, 40R, 46R, 42L..pants, (3) 34RA, (1)37RA...$300. for all only, please.
Black JAG Seven, coats..39R,40R,42R...$60 each or $150 for all.
Black Apollo 7-button coats...42R, 52R ..$95.each or $170. both
shipping is extra, call for the price to you.
We can take charges over the phone, or checks by mail, check needs to clear before we ship,
thanks,

Mary Gray, Ducky's Formalwear
Champaign, Ill, 61820
217-356-5822 fax 217-356-5049

Thoughts for the Week
In honor of the Inauguration a couple of political quotes!

John F. Kennedy: Quotes: “All of this will not be finished in the first one hundred days, nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days, nor in the life of this administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.”

Abraham Lincoln: “Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength To Love, 1963: “Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true.”

Chicago IL in the deep freeze of winter was the setting of the recent IFA winter board meeting. Chicago winters are known to be brutal, but negative temps and vicious winds cut to the bone last week. Horrible weather or not, every January the board of directors meets to go over details for the coming year. The plans are laid for the convention, regional shows, and promotional ideas. The amount of effort, passion for the industry, and even personal expense it takes to bring all of those together is surprising to witness.

As the editor of the newsletter I was included in the meeting and it occurred to me that some people like myself may have a great curiosity as to what these guys do and why! The board of directors is made up a group of volunteers. They are from all over the country involved in the formal wear industry as specialists, wholesalers, consultants, and manufacturers. This group is made up of people whose businesses must continue to run in their absence. One member flew in just for the day due to commitments in his business! The pledge to serve on the board includes the guarantee to attend at least 2 of the 3 meetings per year. Each board member is responsible for their own expenses to attend the meeting, including transportation, meals, and lodging.

The meeting was held all day last Tuesday from 10-6. The board members present were:

President: Rod Benbrook from Portland OR
First Vice President: Ken Pendley from CSS Chaplin, Denver CO
Secretary Treasurer: Chris Brown from Tuxedo Fashions, San Jose CA
Past President Wayne Griner from Daytona Beach FL
Manufacturer Board Member Doug Black from Black Gold, New York NY
Manufacturer Board Member Chuck Fields H. Field & Sons, Chicago IL
Board Member Dennis Schmidt from Milroy’s, Waterloo IA
Board Member Steve Davis from Jim’s FW, Trenton IL
Board Member Diane Peters from Ducky’s, Galesburg IL
Second Vice President Tom Deitte from Edith’s, Fond Du Lac WI
Board Member Sam Carlson from Black Tie, Oaklawn IL

Putting together the self management team last year when the organization left Smith Bucklin was a monumental task for the board. Some of the first things the board did to pull themselves up and dust themselves off was to assemble a team of people who like themselves had the best interest of the organization at heart. This organization was formed to promote formalwear and unite the people who earn a living in the industry. The board screened and found independent businessmen to fill the roles Smith Bucklin had played in the past. Steve Burger CPA was hired for accounting. Also, Brian Glasgow of William T. Glasgow trade show event planning was hired to execute the expo plans. Both of these gentlemen have a great interest in the success of the organization, and were present at the meeting, to give their input on upcoming events.

The agenda of the meeting:
Welcome
Approval of Minutes
Financials with Steve Burger CPA
Regional Shows: Results, locations, financials
Committee Reports: Membership
Convention 2009 with report from Brian Glasgow
Public Relations
Nominating
IFA Mission and Purpose
Succession
Review of goals and timeframe assignments

Each point in the agenda involved detail discussion on past and future goals. As all the points were covered throughout the day, the overwhelming consensus was onward and upward and how can I help? All the flowery praise still would go nowhere without a plan of action. Plans were set forth for upcoming regional shows, website changes, and especially the Expo. I will tell you that last years hotel rate at the Hilton in Vegas was the lowest ever for an IFA expo. Well, this year is going to be even BETTER!

Plans will continue to unfold in the weeks ahead. We promise to keep you informed! Please know everyone of the board members welcome your thoughts and invite you to contact them with any questions or requests. One of the topics on the agenda was nominating and the board was fielding names of potential future members. Would you be willing or know someone you would like to see representing the industry? The board members would greatly welcome your input or you can email us here and we will pass it along! editor@formaltimes.com

Hollywood’s Golden Glamour
Hollywood stepped out recently at the 66th annual Golden Globe awards in very traditional style. The more classic white shirt and bow tie on many of Hollywood’s leading men was a refreshing change from the open collars of the past. Ashton, Brad, Mario, Tom, Jon Voight and Buzz Aldrin, Diddy, Steven Spielberg, and more a few fine examples:

Industry News

2005 Marietta Road NW * Atlanta GA 30318
Phone: 404-691-4141 / 800-678-7463 * Fax: 404-691-7663
E-mail:info@fredericoleone.com * Website: www.fredericoleone.com

*** PRESS RELEASE ***
ATLANTA, GA – January 5, 2009

Frederico Leone LTD. has announced Brian Sharp as the company’s Director of Marketing. Sharp, son of the company’s owner, Greg Sharp, adds a new generation to Frederico Leone LTD. Today it is very unusual for a company to secure it’s future this early on which gives this company a competitive edge.

Previously Sharp was with the Alabama Press Association handling print placements for clients throughout the United States. Prior to his position at APA, Sharp worked in advertising for Comcast Spotlight and Crawford Broadcasting.

Sharp, a native of Florence, Alabama, earned his B.A. in Public Relations at the University of Alabama. When contacted, Sharp said “I am very excited with the growth opportunities we have at Frederico Leone LTD. All of the resources and the professional, knowledgeable staff gives us a solid base to build on. Frederico Leone already enjoys a reputation for excellent service and quality, now we can move forward with better communication with our customers and by promoting our products in a broader spectrum of venues.”

Sharp grew up in the menswear industry working as the third generation at Shanky’s Men’s Wear, a northwest Alabama clothing store. Being immersed in the sales/service industry at a young age has given Sharp a unique perspective on meeting customers’ needs and expectations.

Wants and Offerings

Does anyone know who sells the "Lady Edwards " vests?
Tom Malvino, Owner Louis Thomas formal wear
louisthomas@earthlink.net

We are selling the following Vest sets in many
colors: Embers (Mfg. Lord West), Citilites (Mfg. Lord
West), Impressions and Phaze (MFG Raffinatti/After
Six).

We are looking to buy additional Protocol Collection
full back vest sets/windsor ties in the Wheat Color
that was first offered then discontinued within a
year.

Thank You,
Becky Afendoulis
Afendoulis Cleaners & Tuxedos.
Grand Rapids MI
Becky@afendoulistuxedos.com

For Sale

CALVIN KLEIN TUX COAT & PANTS $15 COAT, $5 PANT, 70 3-B, 60 2-B THESE WERE MADE BY FCGI
Black "jaguar" by after six, like new condition, 39 coats @$25, 34 pants @$10, excellent range of sizes, free shipping.  Lord West "claiborne" citi-edge coats, 39 units, $25 per coat or best offer, mint condition
IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO PURCHASE ANYTHING...PLEASE E-MAIL ME

COLEMAN'S TUXEDOS
IRA COLEMAN
1-973-568-5238
IRATUX@AOL.COM

Paul Morrell Formalwear of Little Rock, Arkansas is looking for the following items:

Out of Style, Slightly Damaged, Worn or Old Merchandise:
Backless and Fullback Vests in Red and Black.
Tailcoats of any make, color and model…Framed Edge and Regular Full Satin in Peak, Notch, Shawl and Fashion Styling. Non-Pleated, Single, Double and Triple Pleated wool Trousers including Flexo and any other waist model.
We are interested in the merchandise you no longer rent and want out of your backroom or warehouse. Very Low Prices Only.

Please contact: 

Justin or Dean at Paul Morrell…
info@paulmorrell.com
501.374.8256
800.643.8345
fax: 501.374.7564

120 S. Victory
Little Rock, AR 72201

Offered For Sale Brand new Belize shawls by Fabian. $20 per coat all sizes available. This is a stock reduction, these are brand new with tags.

Offered Black Satin Joseph Abboud vests. $7 per vest brand new all sizes available. This is also a stock reduction, not a closeout.

Offered Brown Pierre Cardin one button notch tuxedos. Full size scale 50 plus coats 70 plus pants $800 for the lot. Excellent condition!

Offered Perry Ellis Vail coats. Great condition 30 coats for $500. Good size range.

Andrew Fezza Cannes aprox 40 plus coats in excellent condition $600. All sizes available.

Wanted Calvin Klein Browns, Grey, or Black and White pinstripe tuxedos and accessories. Sounds like a silly request but you never know!

Maria Russo
Russo’s Tux Shop
Boston MA
russotux@hotmail.com

Looking to buy used white wing shirts and smaller sizes and black wool adjustable pants
Sal Saputo
J&L Formalwear
New Orleans LA

For Sale
Black Gold Sienna Paisley Windsors
Original Price $9.95 each Asking $5.00 each

Black 48
Bali Lavender 24
Silver 30
Cornflower 24
Platinum 24
Celedon 30
Rivera Cafe 30
Candlelight 18
Petal Pink 24
Kiwi 24
Chocolate 24
Spice Red 30
Royal 24
White 18

Lord West Double Trap Shoes New in Boxes
Approximately 150 Pr. $1500.00

Ascot LLC Nova Striped Shirts $7.00 each
Approximately

200 White
170 Ivory
130 Black

Thanks again!

Sam Carlson
Black Tie Formalwear
708-423-3530
Fax 708-423-3533
sam@blacktietuxes.com

Here's my list to sell at this time: hope that these will be good "meat" sizes for who can use them...
Black ECKO I, coats, 38R, 40R, 40R, 46R, 42L..pants, (3) 34RA, (1)37RA...$300. for all only, please.
Black JAG Seven, coats..39R,40R,42R...$60 each or $150 for all.
Black Apollo 7-button coats...42R, 52R ..$95.each or $170. both
shipping is extra, call for the price to you.
We can take charges over the phone, or checks by mail, check needs to clear before we ship,
thanks,

Mary Gray, Ducky's Formalwear
Champaign, Ill, 61820
217-356-5822 fax 217-356-5049

Thoughts for the Week
In honor of the Inauguration a couple of political quotes!

John F. Kennedy: Quotes: “All of this will not be finished in the first one hundred days, nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days, nor in the life of this administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.”

Abraham Lincoln: “Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength To Love, 1963: “Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true.”

The opinions expressed by the authors do not reflect necessarily of the Association of  International Formalwear, its officials, directors or personnel. Each author is the unique person in charge of her or his content.

The opinions expressed by the authors do not reflect necessarily of the Association of  International Formalwear, its officials, directors or personnel. Each author is the unique person in charge of her or his content.