The North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD) announced the winners of its annual Image of the Year (IOY) Awards, a competition honoring excellence in both the design and wear of image and corporate apparel programs. The award is the industry's highest achievement, and is sponsored by the Image Apparel Institute, a division of the NAUMD. The 16 winning programs, which will be presented during a reception in Orlando this evening, were selected by an independent panel of judges representing a cross section of the fashion industry's most celebrated designers, journalists and fashion authorities.
"In fact, a recent study revealed that 70 percent of the public believe that uniforms make employees look neater and more professional. This award recognizes the businesses that have made employee appearance and guest satisfaction a priority."
"From polo shirts to custom suiting, apparel designs have a substantial impact on how a customer views a business," said Richard Lerman, President and CEO of the NAUMD. "In fact, a recent study revealed that 70 percent of the public believe that uniforms make employees look neater and more professional. This award recognizes the businesses that have made employee appearance and guest satisfaction a priority."
Since 1978, NAUMD's IOY Awards has honored the wearers, manufacturers and distributors that have mastered the concept of fashion and function within image and market planning. Specifically designed to assist in identifying staff and professionals, image apparel can also extend a company's brand, increase safety, enhance interior décor and improve employee morale. Winners in each category represent apparel programs with distinct purposes or functions within their industry.
