Footwear Plus Magazine has spent the last 20 years building our reputation as thought leaders in footwear fashion. We believe that it is no longer enough to simply mind the gate between the manufacturers and retailers of fashion footwear, but view our role as the facilitators of the conversation that is taking place around us.

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The Atlanta Shoe Market (TASM) once again witnessed record increases in both exhibitor and retailer attendance during its February edition. Specifically, increases of 15.3 percent in retailer pre- registration, 13.1 percent in exhibition space and 8 percent in attending exhibitor personnel were reported. Retailers and exhibitors came from 33 states and there was also an increase in Caribbean attendance.

The show has simply become too important to miss, notes George Mustafa, sales manager for Trimfoot Company, who was exhibiting for his 24th consecutive year.

Li Ning, a $1 billion sports brands in China, has opened a retail showroom in Portland, OR, as well as launched a retail website (www.li-ningusa.com ). Jay Li, general manager of Li-Ning USA, welcomed Portland Mayor Sam Adams (right) during the grand opening.

Over the years, Li-Ning has built a reputation of quality and value in China by providing the right products at the right place and time, states Li.

Mandee has raised close to $25,000 and donated approximately 15,000 pair of shoes in just two months for Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity dedicated to providing shoes to people in need.

New York-based sneaker brand UES (Upper Echelon Shoes) and Steve Madden have entered an official partnership and are preparing to unveil their first joint effort with UES Fall 10 collection. Each party will have an even stake in the venture, with UES designer Seth Campbell helming the brands design while Madden aids in its expansion, production and distribution.

The year 2009 marked more than any other a move of marketing and PR toward social media and with Fashion Week washign over the entire city and Bryant Park just a block away from the Footwear Plus studios, it's hard to turn a corner in New York now without bumping into a social media "expert," that is; a blogger.

Saturday night's Paper magazine bash for the grand opening of Camper's New York flagship store drew many familiar Fashion Week faces. Sean Lennon and girlfriend Charlotte Kemp spun Indie rock and Prince during the night. Camper found Lorenzo Fluxa held court and Kelly Osbourne stopped in.

The celebration was a unique grand opening.

With attendees from 33 states, 15 countries and 35 Caribbean Islands-including Haiti-The Shoe Market of the Americas' (SMOTA) initiative to support the victims of the earthquakes in Haiti is a natural step for the Miami-based organization.

During the the March 7-9 show in Fort Lauderdale, FL, SMOTA will team with the Great Commission Alliance (GCA) to raise funds and gather essential supplies, including clothing, canned goods, medical supplies and shoes. Since mid-January, the non-profit organization has concentrated its resources on earthquake relief.