This award celebrates companies (for profit and nonprofit) for their exceptional efforts and outstanding contributions to the advancement of the textile and apparel field by strengthening partnerships and bridging the gap between academia and industry. Contributions may center on teaching, research, and professional development initiatives, aiming to support scholars and students in the textile and apparel disciplines through sharing knowledge and resources, providing professional development opportunities, or sponsoring special events.

ITAA Industry Excellence Award Evaluation Criteria:

· Collaboration with ITAA: Award nominees should either have established partnerships with ITAA or be interested in establishing new partnerships.

· Impact: The extent to which the company's contributions have resulted in tangible benefits and positive outcomes for students and faculty in the textile and apparel disciplines.

· Dedication: The company's commitment to maintaining strong partnerships with textile and apparel higher education organizations. Consider factors such as the duration of engagement, investment of resources, and initiatives undertaken to strengthen partnerships and bridge the gap between academia and industry.

· Innovation and Creativity: The company's innovative approaches and creative solutions to foster partnerships and talent development initiatives to support textile and apparel students and scholars.

Nomination Packet: An ITAA member can nominate a company/organization. If a company is an ITAA Corporate member, it is eligible to self-nominate for the award. A company must agree to be nominated and attend the ITAA Annual Conference to receive the award. The following nomination materials are required and must be submitted through the online submission site by February 1.   

1. An information sheet that includes: nominator’s name, address, telephone number, and Email address; Nominee’s name/company, address, telephone number, and Email address.
2. Letter of nomination; detailing the company's involvement in fostering collaborations or partnerships with ITAA; explaining how the company's contributions have resulted in tangible benefits and positive outcomes for students and faculty in the textile and apparel disciplines; providing a summary of activities that resulted in tangible benefits and positive outcomes for students and faculty in the textile and apparel disciples; and describing innovative approaches and creative solutions to foster partnerships and talent development initiatives to support textile and apparel students and scholars. Optional supporting documentation can be included with the nomination.
3. Minimum of two (2) letters of support, at least one must be an ITAA member. Letters should specify reasons for the nomination and highlight the significant and exceptional service of the nominee.

Compile files into one folder. Name the folder, “Industry Award-Nominee’s Name”. Compress folder into a zip file and be prepared to upload the zip file during the online submission process. Deadline for submissions is February 1. 

Industry Excellence Award Recognition:  The award includes an invitation to deliver a presentation to address the members at the ITAA Annual Conference. The recipient of the award will receive:

• complimentary Bronze Level Corporate Partnership,
• promotion on the ITAA website and social media channels,
• be provided various opportunities to engage with the ITAA members during the year,
• and an opportunity to share their appreciation for receiving the award through the ITAA newsletter.