Keith Kaplan to Head Fur Information Council of America

FUR COMMISSION USA PRESS RELEASE, JULY 11, 2001
Keith Kaplan to Head Fur Information Council of America
(Plus: What Is FICA?)
Keith Kaplan, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Fur Information Council of America (FICA) is no stranger to the fur industry. For the past eight years he has worked with FICA heading the Hollywood Project, placing furs on television and in film as well as on celebrities for photo shoots and personal appearances. This past season his efforts can be seen on some of television’s top-rated shows including “Will & Grace”, “Sex and The City”, “ER”, “The Sopranos” and “The West Wing”.
Kaplan was a leader in efforts to defeat the 1999 Beverly Hills fur-labeling campaign which was backed by several well-financed animal rights groups. His work resulted in a huge victory for the industry as the broadest coalition in the history of Beverly Hills politics assembled to battle the misleading labels proposed for fur garments.
The Kaplan Group, his public relations and marketing agency, has served fashion and lifestyle clients since 1993, providing integrated marketing services including the development of strategic market plans, copy and artwork development, media planning and buying, public relations, product placement, event planning and sponsorship management and promotional marketing.
With a strong background in advertising, Kaplan has enjoyed a successful history at companies such as Horlick/Levin Advertising, where he acted as vice-president, director of Client Services, Foote, Cone & Belding/LA, and J. Walter Thompson/Chicago.
As executive director of FICA, Kaplan’s primary goal is to promote fur product and fur retailers and build awareness and comfort for the fur industry’s broad client base.
“I will open lines of communication among the various associations representing fur industry interests,” promised Kaplan. “FICA will work more closely with the city and regional retail groups including Fur New York and Chicago AFI. I will strive to build the organization’s membership benefits and programs to assist retailers and manufacturers.”
Mark Schumacher, Portland furrier and FICA co-chair, expressed his strong support for Kaplan at FICA’s helm. “Much of Keith’s success can be attributed to his ability to be persuasive while remaining gracious. Keith is a strong and effective leader who constantly sets his sights on and achieves positive outcomes and goals.”
Carl Herrmann, FICA co-chair and Pittsburgh furrier, feels that Kaplan is well equipped to lead FICA. “Keith has a strong working knowledge of the challenges facing the industry and is aware of, and in part responsible for, the wonderful gains that the industry has made over the last ten years.”
Herrmann also notes that Kaplan has an outstanding business background and is able to unite the divided for a common cause. “Keith not only works well with people, he is a good listener who carefully analyses a situation before moving forward.” Herrmann credited Kaplan for his success in generating a healthy increase in TV and films positively featuring fur, leather and shearling, for women and men.
California Connection
FCUSA’s Teresa Platt added, “FICA plays a vital role representing the retailers, manufacturers and designers and we are sure that Keith will excel in leading the association. Since both trade associations are now based in Southern California, we look forward to meeting with Keith and FICA on a regular basis.” Kaplan, based in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, is only a few hundred miles north of the FCUSA offices in sunny Coronado.
Kaplan holds an MBA in marketing and finance from the University of Chicago. He earned his BA in Economics at UCLA where he was awarded cum laude, Dean’s List and Honor’s Program. He also attended the London School of Economics.
In his spare time he is a long-distance cyclist, having completed two San Francisco-Los Angeles rides for AIDS. He also serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations and counsels junior high and high school students on avoidance of risky behaviors.
Update your rolodex with FICA’s new info! Keith Kaplan, Executive Director, Fur Information Council of America; (323) 848-7940; (323) 848-2931/fax; info@fur.org; www.fur.org
-What Is FICA?
The Fur Information Council of America (FICA) was established in 1987 as a membership organization affiliated with the London-based International Fur Trade Federation. FICA’s membership has increased steadily over the years and now numbers hundreds of fur retailers, wholesalers, designers, analysts and editors throughout the country.
FICA serves its members in multifaceted ways, providing background information and guidance on industry developments, researching market trends and consumer habits, tracking sales and price points, and representing the fur industry in dealings with the press, the public sector, other industries, and state and federal governments. FICA also monitors legislative initiatives and judicial actions that have direct impact on the fur industry.
In addition, FICA saves members time and money by offering programs such as the FICA Furrier Protection Program which provides block insurance to furriers, hotel discounts, store security information, computer software expertise, and website linkages. FICA’s monthly newsletter, FURthermore, keeps members informed on trends and issues.
Finally, FICA is the only fur trade association employing a full-time fashion promotions team. 85% of all US fur retailers are small, independent, frequently family-owned businesses. FICA is there to help.
-
For further information contact Fur Commission USA.
Home
© 1998-2011 Fur Commission USA