CIIRM was formed on June 15, 1999 in Chicago at a meeting of collegiate licensing industry vendors and stakeholders. The June 15 forum was hosted by GEAR for Sports® President and CEO John Menghini and attended by 11 vendors and two university bookstore representatives. CIIRM's mission is to: Address human rights issues by promoting responsible manufacturing of emblematic collegiate products, while facilitating education and cooperation among stakeholders.
CIIRM's stated short-term objectives include:
John Menghini was elected chairperson of CIIRM; Executive Committee members include: Rick Van Brimmer, Ohio State University; Marybeth Schmutz, Rutgers University; James Malseed, Champion Products (Sara Lee); Steve Jesseph, Sara Lee; Jim Koehne, Jansport (V.F. Corporation.) Inc.; Mike Mitchell, Jones & Mitchell Sportswear; Ivan Viera, Russell Athletic; Joel Friedman, Barnes & Noble; and Rick Broderick, V.F. Corporation. (An additional University will be named at a later date.)
CIIRM coordinated an historic meeting between the FLA (Fair Labor Association) and WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production) on September 8, 1999 at which industry issues were discussed. The two organizations have agreed to continue their discussions to determine whether points of intersection/collaboration exist.
A list of CIIRM participants is attached. Additional members are welcome and should contact John Joerger, Director of Human Rights and Compliance, at GEAR For Sports® via e-mail: jjoerger@gearforsports.com or phone: 913-693-3314.
CIIRM PARTICIPANTS
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