National: Sept. 21, 2001
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) will accept non-U.S. companies as members, the Washington, D.C.-based trade association announced; the organization’s board of directors unanimously recommended the addition of “International Affiliate Members,” although the move required a vote by all AAFA members to change the group’s bylaws; international affiliate members of the AAFA can participate in committees concerning issues including supply-chain management, finance, human resources and information systems...American Airlines and United Airlines each laid off 20,000 employees, citing the recent hijackings of their planes that were ultimately used to attack the World Trade Center and Pentagon on Sept. 11 as the reason; Boeing announced plans to lay off 30,000 employees; the news follows recent layoffs at Continental Airlines and US Airways; the airline industry is seeking government assistance of up to $24 billion...Cincinnati-based Federated Department Stores announced plans for a 110,000-square-foot, one-level Rich’s store at the Peachtree Mall in Columbus, Ga.; the space previously housed a Montgomery Ward store; renovation is scheduled to begin this fall, with plans to open the new store in spring 2002.
