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Meijer announced a $250,000 donation to the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC), a Detroit-based national nonprofit organization. ISAIC focuses on training the next generation of textile and apparel manufacturing industry talent through a curriculum that combines technical skills, soft skills and digital literacy.
ISAIC launched in 2020 to tackle two major challenges in the sewn goods industry: the shortage of skilled workers and the lack of innovation in U.S. domestic textile and apparel manufacturing. Today, the organization benefits from longtime Meijer partner Carhartt Inc., which has provided the third floor of its flagship Midtown store, spanning approximately 12,000 square feet, as a dedicated space for ISAIC’s operations. The donation from Meijer will support ISAIC’s ongoing advancement as it continues to raise capital to expand job and training programming.
“We are incredibly grateful to Meijer and their generous contribution to our mission of empowering people and transforming communities,” says Jen Guarino, President and CEO of ISAIC. “This donation will immensely help us not only expand our space but also increase our reach to connect with more individuals who are seeking new opportunities and skills in this growing sector.”
“We are proud to support ISAIC and their efforts to create access to high-quality training and employment opportunities for the Detroit community,” says Maureen Mitchell, regional vice president for East Michigan at Meijer. “ISAIC is making a positive difference in the lives of many people and contributing to the economic vitality of Detroit.”
In celebration of their continued impact, ISAIC hosted their inaugural ISAIC Honors event at The Madison Loft + Auditorium in Detroit on Thursday, May 2. Advanced Textiles Association was among the sponsors of the event.
Meijer is a privately owned, family-operated retailer that operates 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets and express locations throughout the Midwest.