Heimtex helps promote U.S. products

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 6/24/2002 12:00:00 AM

WASHINGTON —

A five-pronged promotional program has been developed to showcase American products at Heimtextil 2003 under the theme "Discover the Fabric and Fiber of America."

The program will support the previously announced role of the United States as the Heimtextil "partner country" for 2003 from Jan. 8 to 12. The Department of Commerce is spearheading activities that include the sponsoring of the USA Pavilions.

American fabrics and home textiles companies exhibiting outside of the USA Pavilions at Heimtex also will be invited to participate, said Lawrence Brill, director of the market expansion division, Office of Textiles and Apparel. Exhibitors in the USA Pavilions will participate in the planned activities as part of their package. Other American producers and suppliers, including carpeting, interior products, fibers, and yarns also may participate on an "in-kind services" or cash contribution.

There also will be a sample showcase in the Pavilions highlighting companies showing outside.

Throughout the fair will be showcase panels calling attention to merchandise from participating companies as well as graphics placed at strategic locations throughout the fairgrounds tied together with a common logo using the American diversity theme.

A Trends section will highlight American lifestyle exhibits and will include model rooms designed by American designers and furnished with American textiles and furniture.