THE HEADWEAR ASSOCIATION HOSTS 111TH ANNUAL DINNER IN CENTRAL PARK

Industry gatherings are a great place to see, be seen, and catch up with old friends. But rarely do they present as warm a feeling of camaraderie as the assemblage that the Headwear Association gathered together last week at New York’s Central Park Boat House.

Founded in 1908, this 111-year-old organization is the oldest of its kind in the USA. With the mission of its founders to encourage friendship and fraternity in the hat trade, this goal has been achieved and maintained for more than a century.

As part of last week’s event, awards were given for three categories. Retailer of the Year was presented to Joyce Locks of Hatsationa! The Ben Rosenthal Award was bestowed upon Douglas Highsmith, President/CEO of Dorfman-Pacific Co., Inc. The final honor was awarded by S.H.Baik of Young An Hat Company who donated an FIT Scholarship of $100,000 on behalf of the Headwear Industry.  The lucky and talented recipient of this generous award was Marisa Belfiore from Long Island.

Kudos to The Headwear Association for creating a spirit of good will within its membership as the industry’s designers continue to create innovative headwear that turns heads.