Cal Poly Pomona Students Receive Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Scholarships

Students from the Apparel Merchandising and Management (AMM) department at Cal Poly Pomona won six of the eight Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Entrepreneurial Scholarships awarded annually through the Fashion Business Inc (FBI).

Sophomores Nicole Palumbo, Lynette Salgado, Samantha Gagne and Renee Roberts split an award of $1,000, awarded to students from a four year college who can present the best written business plan, and/ or the best thought through design concept for a line of apparel or accessories.  The Cal Poly team had developed a case analysis of Target’s women’s wear business, proposing a new business plan that would enhance bottom line profitability through improved merchandising and visual display strategies, centered on the concept of ‘My Brand’.

In addition, two other AMM seniors, Trish leBarge and Allie Poon, were honored with Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer scholarships for their outstanding work.  Each received associate membership of the FBI for one year plus $600.00 credit for any of the 80 plus seminars and classes presented at the FBI.  The awards were presented by Ethan Eller, Building Manager of the New Mart.

Other Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer scholarships were awarded to Diana Cha and Sara Caterinicchia.

The Apparel Merchandising & Management department at Cal Poly Pomona is a leading provider of Bachelor of Science graduates for the apparel industry in California, with specializations in apparel production and fashion retailing.  Fashion Business Inc. provides the industry with a range of training, education, consulting and other business services to support its growth and profitability

As a relative newcomer to the world of blogging, I didn’t realize how much fun, or how difficult blogging can be. It’s fun, because I can write just about anything I want – which is also what makes it so difficult - narrowing down my ideas into one somewhat coherent stream of thought. Which is why I’m getting back to the business of fashion. Because that’s what we do here at Fashion Business, Incorporated.

And speaking of here, did you know we now have an FBI location in San Francisco? That’s right – We now have a chapter serving the San Francisco Bay Area, offering classes in multiple locations including through our partnership with the Small Business Administration. Janet Lees is directing all FBI programs in the Bay Area as well as fund raising for the SF FBI office. A native of UK, Janet has been involved with the Bay Area fashion and design industries for 16 years and is especially proud of the programs she’s developed to support entrepreneurs in fashion and the arts. In addition, she is an experienced small business owner and an active partner in her husband’s modern furniture company, Jason Lees Design, located in Oakland, where she is responsible for Public Relations and has secured ink in local, national and international press. We are so fortunate to have Janet on board and are very excited to be able to present many new and popular seminars to our Bay Area members. Check out our list of upcoming events in Northern and Southern California, Atlanta and Phoenix – open to members and non-members alike.

When most people think of fashion they think of runways filled with glamorous models, fashion magazines full of glossy advertisements, celebrities at movie premiers or awards show or maybe even “Project Runway.” At FBI we know that the finished product, what the consumer sees, is the end result of many months of design, planning, manufacturing, logistics and more. There are so many pieces to the puzzle of successful fashion businesses that it’s no wonder so many companies can’t make it in today’s economic climate. No, not just because people aren’t buying clothing, accessories or shoes. They are, just take a look at the latest retail numbers to see sales have improved greatly. It’s because business is changing. Wholesale, retail, ecommerce – it’s all changing. As a fashion business, you need to have the skills to stay on top of new retail buying and selling trends, new credit and financing issues that are affecting us all, new business and technology skills and even new ways of doing business with your vendors. That’s where the FBI comes in. Why not take full advantage of your FBI membership? Or, if you’re not currently a member, become one. Memberships start at $200 per year, but the knowledge you gain is priceless. We’re here to service the fashion communities in California as well as seminars in Atlanta, Phoenix and New York. Can’t be here in person? We have a number of classes and seminars online at very affordable prices. Contact Jacquelyn@fashionbizinc.org for more information or just stop by our offices or website. We look forward to seeing you.

Jill Mazur is an independent apparel business and technology consultant working with Fashion Business, Incorporated. Email: jill@fashionbizinc.org

What’s the Worst Thing About Twitter?…Was the first question on the topic posed by the moderator at a social media panel I attended earlier this week.

People tweeting about things like…” I just ate a taco,” the moderator laughed as did the audience full of PR and Media professionals who all knew exactly what she was talking about. We were on a mission looking for ways to use wildly popular mediums like Twitter for marketing purposes.

We want to Build our brands and Sell more goods.  Yes…we were shameless..and we did not care about other peoples tacos!

There is in fact, tweeting for business and tweeting for pleasure. In business you want to direct your tweets so although they may be fun and cutesy…they still work towards some particular goals.  Goals like… Building your brand, Aligning your company with special causes or simply communicating to your customers …It all goes back to the “Why” you’re actually taking the time to tweet..even if it is only 140 characters or less.

Besides Stella McCartney’s show above here are a few others that are using it well….

Designer Rachel Roy shares words of wisdom, style advice and forges a personal bond with her followers on her page.. http://twitter.com/rachel_roy

Designer Tory Burch gives her followers a sneak peek behind her stylish and fabulous life http://twitter.com/toryburch

Dior weaves together an intricate brand story on their twitter…filled with mystery, Parisian adventures and of course..handbags! http://twitter.com/Lady_Dior

March 1, 2009 (Los Angeles, CA)–The educational non-profit organization, Fashion Business Inc., has partnered with Microsoft Corporation to provide free apparel specific job skills training for the unemployed. This innovative educational program helps laid-off workers update their apparel related computer skills at absolutely no cost to qualified participants.

The 8 week training curriculum includes: Microsoft Office for the Apparel Industry, Tech Packs Using Microsoft Excel 2007 and, Accounting for the Apparel Industry using QuickBooks.

Also as major bonus participants will become certified in Apparel Information Management Systems AIMS, the widely used apparel management software which serves as the framework for the program.

“With Microsoft’s support we are able to help displaced workers take advantage of these slow and challenging times, helping them to come out stronger on the other side,” says FBI Executive Director Frances Harder. “People are excited about being able to re-group and strengthen their skills without any additional expense.”

The program has two new sections starting this spring.

For more information on the Microsoft Apparel Job Skills Training Program and how to enroll please email info@fashionbizinc.org.

Microsoft Free Job Skills Training Open House:

Date: Thursday, March 5, 2009

Time: 2-3pm

Location: Fashion Business Inc.

110 E 9^th Street Suite C798

Los Angeles, CA 90079

Phone: 213.892.1669

RSVP at: info@fashionbizinc.org