American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) president and CEO Steve Lamar issued the following statement in response to the news that former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris have been elected as President and Vice President of the United States of America.

"The American Apparel & Footwear Association congratulates President-elect Joe Biden and”¯Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on this historic election.”

"We welcome their message of unity and inclusion, as well as the recognition that the mandate of this election is to foster cooperation with all Americans. We celebrate that Americans engaged in our political process in record numbers, despite enormous challenges, and we look forward to a peaceful and predictable transition to honour that unprecedented participation.”

"We applaud Mr. Biden for making COVID-19 management and relief priority number one and commend his efforts to build a COVID-19 Task Force focused on science, the health and well-being of all Americans, and the strengthening of the U.S. economy. We look forward to working with the Biden administration on these priorities in 2021.”

"Until a reliable vaccine is widely available, and the economy can regain the strength necessary to sustain itself, fighting COVID-19 using all our health and economic tools must be our top priority – both for the rest of 2020 and into 2021.”

"We are proud of the AAFA membership and our four million American workers as they have pivoted to supply critical PPE during the past nine months. We look forward to protecting their safe operations and keeping doors open this fall, winter, and into 2021, while we continue to provide everyday essentials safely to families around the globe."

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is a US based trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. Representing more than 1000 world famous name brands, AAFA is a trusted public policy and political voice in the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its nearly four million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $400 billion in annual US retail sales. AAFA provides exclusive expertise in trade, brand protection, and supply chain and manufacturing to help our members navigate the complex regulatory environment and lower costs. Members gain unparalleled access to information and exclusive insights on regulation and policy, and premier opportunities for networking and collaboration.

American Apparel & Footwear Association Website