Biz Notes

Jockey International Inc.

Kenosha-based Jockey International Inc., known for men’s undergarments and women’s intimates, announced the launch of men’s and women’s casual footwear. Jockey is partnering with New York-based footwear experts The Eastman Group to design, manufacture and market casual footwear, slippers, flip flops, and Athleisure styles for men and women. Athleisure, a combination of casual and active lifestyles, will be the focus of the collection, filling what Jockey considers to be a void in the industry with “comfortable, casual and durable footwear for a variety of activity levels.” Jockey said footwear has been a long-awaited category for the brand, and it has been searching for the perfect partner with whom it can expand into the footwear space. The company said The Eastman Group, which specializes in technical fabrics and innovative techniques, is the perfect match for Jockey to provide high quality, comfortable, and innovative apparel to consumers. Jockey’s new men’s and women’s footwear collections will feature cutting-edge materials that regulate temperature, cooling in warm weather and insulating in the cold. Additionally, the shoes will include moisture-wicking fabrics with anti-microbial properties. The full collection will feature slippers in the fall months, sandals in the warmer seasons, and casual Athleisure footwear year-round. The new Jockey footwear collection will debut with a soft launch for the spring/summer 2016 season, with a full launch in fall/winter 2016.

Waukesha County Department of Parks and Land Use

The American Society of Landscape Architects recently named Pamela Linn, of the Waukesha County Department of Parks and Land Use, a member of its Council of Fellows. Linn is a senior landscape architect with the Waukesha County Department of Parks and Land Use and was one of 37 individuals from across the country to be recently deemed a member of the council. Fellowship is one of the highest honors ASLA members can receive in recognition of their professional accomplishments and service to the community. Fellowship candidates must belong to ASLA, must be in good standing with the organization for at least a decade, and must be recommended to the Council of Fellows. Recommendations are made by the Executive Committee of their local chapter, the Executive Committee of ASLA or the Executive Committee of the Council of Fellows. Linn was recommended by ASLA’s Wisconsin chapter. Each fellow will be saluted at the 2015 ASLA Annual Meeting and EXPO in Chicago in November.

The Principal Financial Group

Dan Buehrle, regional managing director for The Principal Financial Group in Wisconsin, has been honored with GAMA International’s Master Firm Award. Buehrle was one of 280 award winners this year. The GAMA International Awards Program highlights “excellence in traditional and contemporary field management throughout the financial services industry,” according to the association, which supports professional development of management in insurance and financial services. The Master Firm Award salutes agencies that have reached or surpassed $7.8 million in commissions. This year’s award selection was based on the 125 highest commission credit figures the association received for the 2014 qualifications. Honorees must be GAMA International members. Each award winner was celebrated during GAMA’s LAMP conference in Orlando, Fla., in March and will be featured in the July/August 2015 issue of GAMA International Journal. The Principal Financial Group’s Wisconsin center is located in Milwaukee.

Stan’s Fit For Your Feet

Stan’s Fit For Your Feet, which has retail locations in Brookfield, Glendale and Greenfield, has earned a Gold Medal Service Award from Footwear Insight, a footwear industry magazine. The award salutes top independent shoe stores that provide quality customer service to shoppers. The selection process was based on a mystery shopping evaluation of 100 stores across the country. Judges taking part in the evaluation relied on a set of 20 criteria. Retailers reaped points from customer service efforts, such as smiles from sales associates and the use of clean socks for try-ons. The award was sponsored by Vionic, Dansko and Waldlaufer. For a complete list of award winners, visit www.footwearinsight.com.

The Marcus Corp.

Odai Alrashedi, assistant executive housekeeper at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee was among the recipients of the 2014 Ben Marcus Humanitarian of the Year Award, which is distributed by Milwaukee-based The Marcus Corp. The award, named for the company’s founder, Ben Marcus, applauds employees who have demonstrated exceptional volunteerism in their community. Of 19 nominated employees, three were selected to receive the award. Alrashedi, a resident of Milwaukee, is a native of Baghdad, Iraq. Before his career at The Pfister, he served as a translator at a joint American-Iraqi base. After securing a Visa, Alrashedi moved to the United States and applied for a position at The Pfister. He worked as a cleaner during the overnight shift and during the day opted to volunteer at Eastbrook Church. He continues to volunteer for the church today, teaching English to members, helping them apply for Visas and assisting them with job applications. In honor of Alrashedi’s community contributions, The Marcus Corp. donated $1,000 to Eastbrook Church.

 

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