TALA Relaunches Expanded Web Site
The Textile Association of Los Angeles (TALA) has relaunched its Web site [www.talausa.com] with several new features and products, including free classifieds, a new CD-ROM version of its 49-year-old directory and an expandable database of manufacturers and contractors.
The site will also feature an online directory of the organization’s members. The member directory will include descriptions of reps’ lines, lead times, price points, fiber content and finishes.
The site was redesigned to enable designers and manufacturers to conduct “a more precise search under specific categories rather than just generic [fabric listings],” said TALA executive director Len Horowitz, who explained that the expanded categories will make the Web site more useful for sourcing fabrics and supplies.
The site’s manufacturer database will help TALA members target potential customers. “We’ve loaded all the manufacturers lists we had and we’re encouraging them to update their categories,” Horowitz said.
TALA’s Web site was originally launched in 1998, but the group decided to retool the site at the beginning of this year, hiring Peter Jacobsen, owner of the Web development firm Cyber Concepts to design the site using TALA’s concept and content. Jacobson is also the owner of California Mart showroom, Creative Concepts.
Jacobson said listed members could easily update member product information. “I expect within a couple of weeks there will be a substantial amount of data available, but already they can use it to find fabric qualities, names and addresses of affiliated members.”
Information about TALA’s current and past “members of the year” and current as well as current and past “friends of TALA” are also listed on the site. The organization’s product information is also available online. There is a pricing list for the group’s directory, the CD-ROM version and access to the Web site itself. TALA is also offering mailing labels, which can be ordered by category, area or product classification. The hard copy of the TALA directory will be available in about 6 weeks, Horowitz said. —Alison A. Nieder
