And the winners are…
4th Annual UNIVATOR Awards
Honors 12 Programs

By Jackie Rosselli

The work of eight companies has been recognized by the judging panel of this year’s UNIVATOR Awards. Some entrants were honored twice, bringing the total number of winning innovations to 12.

The UNIVATOR Awards was created four years ago by UniformMarket to showcase the best programs, ideas and innovations that the industry has to offer. And while we recognize there are many awards programs out there, we know of no other that honors the manufacturers and distributors of uniforms and their contributions to further their company’s bottom line.

This year’s competition saw a record number of entries and, hence, the largest number of awardees in the program’s history. In a departure from previous years, categories have been reconfigured to better reflect the quality and content of UNIVATOR recipients.

Any company doing business in the industry was eligible to win a Univator, whether national or international. A call for entries went out in summer, and the staff at UniformMarket also studied company websites to determine if any program or ideas might be award-worthy and thus included in the judging process.

The 2008 UNIVATOR Awards
are presented to...

Flame Resistance – Keeping the Flames Away
	Aramark Uniform Services Website Design & E-Commerce Read Award Here>>
	5.11 Tactical Fabric Development Read Award Here>>
Dressing up – Making Clients Look Better
	Rezenate! by Cherokee Program Design - Red Roof Inn Read Award Here>>
	Cintas Program Design - Read Award Here>>
	Rezenate! by Cherokee Program Design - Motel 6 Read Award Here>>
	Cintas Program Design - Jack in the Box Read Award Here>>
Bottoms up – Innovation in Pants
	Edwards Garment Co. Product Innovation Read Award Here>>
	Chef Works Product Innovation Read Award Here>>
	Aramark Uniform Services Product Read Award Here>>
Hard Work Helpers – Safety-First Measures
	5.11 Tactical Product Innovation Read Award Here>>
	Fechheimer Brothers Product Innovation Read Award Here>>
	Perfection Uniforms Product Innovation Read Award Here>>

Vested Interests

By Debra Hindlemann Webster

This month’s edition of Uniform Market takes a look at the timeless vest as it continues to re-invent itself and have greater presence in the uniform industry. It is without question one of the most economical, yet outstanding ways for any organization to make a definitive statement about itself.

If you go back far enough, it can be argued that the first vest-like garment was worn by a caveman, made from animal skins and worn for protection against the environment. Simply put, the vest (Latin for clothing) is that which covers the upper part of the body but omits the sleeves. [Add sleeves and it can be called a “jacket—” the two are interchangeable; a coat is too large and bulky to do this—take out its sleeves and it could never be a vest.]

In addition to its existence as an open bolero style in warmer climates, or as a quilted more padded affair in northern Europe and Asia, the vest has been a familiar and mandatory part of dress for centuries. When made from metal, it even served as armor during the Middle Ages. Various sleeve openings, lapel preferences, lengths, and closures have evolved with cultures and time. Usually worn as a complement to an already existing outfit, the fabric, colors, and/or cut of a vest can reveal a person’s job description and social standing; the garment has been so specifically designed.

Full Story

UniformMarket Store System Welcomes New Users

The following companies have launched new web sites using the UniformMarket Store System:

	MP Uniforms www.mpuniforms.com
	Uniform Junction www.uniformjct.com
Sites Coming soon....	Lark Uniforms, WI Global Uniforms, NJ ID By Landau, MS J.A. Uniforms, FL Low Country Uniform Corp, SC and others...

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