
The Hosiery Association:
http://www.hosieryassociation.com
Overview:THA is the only national trade association representing the manufacturers of more than 85 percent of the hosiery produced in America.
Associate members? Yes, you can join as a supplier. “B-“
Public membership directory? Yes, it provides an excellent directory by product and supplier and includes contact information and a clear, useful description of the company and its products. “A”
National conference? Yes and non-members can attend for a bit more money. The agenda is available online and gives a good idea of the issues and key people involved in the industry. The material is downloadable as separate word documents which is a bit clunky. “B+”
Chapters? Yes, but detailed information is available only to members. “C+”
Industry news or reports? They produce a periodical and back issues are available for free on the website but the most recent is from 2007. Its not clear if members have access to more recent issues. They also provide press releases as well but I didn’t find any overview of the industry; basic facts and statistics. “B-“
Glossary: Yes and its very good and detailed. “A”
Provides a sense of the industry? Yes, the membership directory is very useful as is the breakdown of various sectors within the industry. The back copies of the trade publication are also helpful as is the glossary and other pieces about different product lines. I wish there was more about the industry itself but that’s a small quibble. “B+”
Overall: Lots of good information but the site is difficult to navigate. Different information is provided based on who you are and that is confusing and counterproductive. “News and events” is just events and contains no links to the event agenda or brochure and “news” is actually found in the press release section under the media tab. “B-“
PDF version of report card available here: