This, just in from Annie Ventura at Arc of Seneca Cayuga. It’s a party and some high-end head gear…
Public Launch Party for a new line of high-end winter headwear by the Arc of Seneca Cayuga happens on February 16th from 5:00-8:00 pm at the Vine at del Lago Resort and Casino. The new line, called Arctic Gear will be distributed nationally. The launch will be driven by a cutting-edge, multi-media campaign, including celebrity endorsements, which will feature the slogan “Redefine what it means to purchase”. Arc Executive Director, Allen Connely, stressed that 100% of the profits from the sale of Arctic Gear will be used to support programs for individuals with developmental and other intellectual disabilities, including autism.”
Every article purchased will make a real and positive difference to the community and over 60% of those who create these high quality products are individuals who have developmental disabilities. Arctic Gear will be made exclusively of 100% American materials; even the wool comes from American sheep and all manufacturing takes place in the Seneca–Cayuga Community. Arc Marketing Manager, Denise Osborne, is confident “that there is a large market for quality American made products whose purchase will provide significant social benefits by sustaining important programs in underserved areas.”
The launching of Arctic Gear is part of a $915,000 expansion of the Arc’s Finger Lakes Textile operation, which includes sites in both Auburn and Waterloo. The total workforce for both sites is almost 100 and they currently produce over 1.2 million pieces of headwear each year. Currently the majority of these pieces are purchased by the United States Armed Forces, but the costumer base is continually growing and will grow even faster with the introduction of the Artic Gear line. Arc will also be setting up its own digital fabric cutting installation by purchasing a computerized state-of-the art system from Eastman Corporation in Buffalo. Once in place, the system will substantially reduce the costs of producing Artic Gear, allowing it to be a successful competitor in the national market place.
The additional revenue created by Artic Gear will be used to compensate for continual cuts in government funding and allow Arc to continue expanding its mission to provide vital services in Cayuga and Seneca Counties to over 1,200 individuals with developmental disabilities and a support network for over 3,600 of their family members.
The Artic Gear Launch Party is free of charge and all are welcome to join in the celebration of the announcement. RSVPs are encouraged.
