ISAIC Annual VIP Event Celebrates 3rd Year of Advancing Innovation and People in the Apparel Manufacturing Industry

The Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC), a Detroit-based national resource for soft goods manufacturing, recently celebrated its third year of convening solutions to transform both industry and lives.  

The event brought together local and national industry supporters for a cocktail reception at The Carhartt Workshop in the Cass Corridor of Midtown Detroit, followed by a fireside chat between ISAIC CEO Jen Guarino, Steven Alan, Founder of his namesake brand, and David Lee, CEO of KD Knit. The discussion centered around the evolution of U.S. design and manufacturing.  

ISAIC's event was attended by over 50 representatives from organizations such as MEDC, Urban Manufacturing Alliance, Ford Motor Fund, Song Foundation, New Economy Initiative, Michigan Manufacturer's Association, Detroit Is It, and Gilbert Family Foundation. During the fireside chat, Alan and Lee covered a variety of topics, from reshoring production to upskilling workforce using innovative tools. Lee explained that domestic manufacturing offers control over inventory and expenses, fixing problems, and innovation in retail, while Alan highlighted technology that provides information about inventory and supports efficiency in restocking and updating stores with real-time data. 

Guarino also announced the expansion of the organization's VIP annual event in 2024. The event will grow into a Fashion Manufacturing Honors celebration to recognize national leaders across fashion, focusing on manufacturing, innovation, and workforce development.  

The event closed with remarks from Michael Tyson, Chair of the ISAIC Board, emphasizing the importance of continued industry support to help advance the hardworking ISAIC team and the organization's mission of advancing solutions that are redefining industry while promoting the upward trajectory of people through training.