Leather and Hide Council of America Officially Launched

Washington, DC, January 6, 2020 – Effective January 1, 2020, the Leather Industries of America (LIA) and the U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association (USHSLA) joined forces, launching the Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA), a new, stronger industry association for the U.S. leather sector that combines the membership, expertise and resources of its predecessor organizations. With the formation of LHCA, the U.S. leather industry is better positioned to be a leader in the global leather sector with one collective voice.

The merger was the result of a year-long effort to bring the two associations together.

Former USHSLA President Stephen Sothmann assumes the helm as president of LHCA.  Former LIA President John Wittenborn retired at the end of 2019, following 15 years leading LIA and more than 34 years working on behalf of the leather industry.  The new organization, like its predecessor associations, is based in Washington, DC.

“The formation of the Leather and Hide Council of America represents an exciting and historically significant turning point for the U.S. leather industry,” said LHCA President Stephen Sothmann.  “The new LHCA establishes a strong, cohesive and vibrant association that will serve as the premier voice of the entire leather supply chain, both in the U.S. and abroad.”

LHCA’s strength is drawn from the experiences and expertise of its diverse membership of approximately 75 companies representing nearly every facet of the leather supply chain, including meatpackers, hides and skins processors, traders, leather tanners, finished leather goods producers, footwear companies, chemical suppliers, machinery producers, trade media and market reporters and more.

LHCA is also now better-equipped, thanks to its integrated membership, to confront existing and emerging challenges to the industry, and to seize new opportunities.  This includes lending additional resources to the organization’s preeminent global marketing campaign, “Real Leather. Stay Different.”, that celebrates the versatility, beauty and sustainability of U.S. leather.

A new LHCA website, housing comprehensive information about the industry and helpful resources, is forthcoming.

About LHCA

Formed by the 2020 merger of the United States Hide, Skin and Leather Association (USHSLA) and Leather Industries of America (LIA), the Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) is a full-service industry trade association representing the entire U.S. leather supply chain, including meatpackers, hides and skins processors, traders, leather tanners, finished leather goods producers, footwear companies, chemical suppliers, machinery producers, trade media and market reporters, freight forwarders, transportation service providers, financial institutions and more.  The association provides its members with government, public relations, and international trade assistance and support.  LHCA is a cooperator organization under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s foreign market development programs, assisting U.S. firms develop new markets for U.S. agricultural exports. LHCA is at the forefront of the industry’s needs, providing members with education and technical information to compete in today’s global marketplace.