On October 25, PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE, and Director of Professional Development Jennifer Crowfoot visited supplier Bella + Canvas (PPAI 304892) in Los Angeles, California. Their visit was an opportunity to learn more about the company and its outlook on the industry, and how the Association can work to better meet their needs.

Bellantone and Crowfoot met with Bella + Canvas Executive Vice President Chris Blakeslee (right), and Wholesale Director Sabrina Villa Del Toro (left), who gave them a tour of the supplier’s campus, including an up-close look at everything from the laser-cutting and sewing of t-shirts, to a warehouse that at any given time contains 25 million units.

“This visit gave us a chance to see firsthand their operation and ask questions,” says Crowfoot. “And on the flipside, they provided us with valuable insights on the opportunities were they see a need for education in the industry.”

They were also guided through the company’s online education program by Summer Barry (second from left), the creative marketing director. Bella + Canvas has been working on an online learning program to share with the industry that covers a variety of topics. An example shown included a training module on creative ways to screen print t-shirts to have a retail fashion look. The conversation also explored how participants can earn CAS or MAS credits toward their industry certification in PPAI’s professional development program.

Crowfoot adds, “It was evident while visiting them they are a progressive organization all the way from how they design and produce their product to how they engage their employees. They have Yoga classes, a Zen garden and even a dog-friendly campus.”