WASHINGTON, D.C., April 19, 2024 – The United States Footwear Manufacturers Association is pleased to welcome La La Land Production and Design, a premier leather footwear maker based in Los Angeles, as the association strengthens the collective voice in Washington for domestic footwear manufacturers and suppliers.
“USFMA is intensifying its efforts as the leading hub for domestic footwear innovation, networking, and collaboration,” said executive director Bill McCann. “That means elevating for policymakers the historic opportunities to build a more robust supply chain for footwear and other critical textiles here at home to reduce our dependence on foreign sources. Having La La Land on board to drive that conversation will be critical to achieving our goals.”
Founded by CEO Alexander Zar in 2005, the maker of custom leather shoes, sandals, sneakers, and handbags, currently employs 78 people. But it has a big vision for collaborating with the federal government, expanding domestic manufacturing, and growing its skilled workforce.
“I’ve never had a voice in Washington and USFMA has the on-the-ground experience and track record,” said Zar. “My goal is to significantly increase domestic production capacity in order to serve larger brands here in USA. With technologies like 3D bonding, direct injection soleing, and robotics, we can achieve a competitive price point domestically and train a new generation of footwear manufacturers.”
La La Land participated in USFMA’s recent spring meeting in Washington, where more than two dozen footwear manufacturers and suppliers heard from Sen. Susan Collins, vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and held face-to-face meetings with members of Congress and their staff.
“Continuity, consistency, and commitment are essential to supporting manufacturing in the United States and making it thrive,” said Zar. “We need to focus on footwear and other consumable products with investments to create sustainable and well-paying jobs.”