Creating a shopping experience that enhances the vibrancy of downtown Cleveland!
· garment retailing
· garment manufacture
· garment fashion design, merchandising,
and entrepreneurism
History
The Cleveland Fashion Institute (CFI)
was the forerunner to the Cleveland Retail Commission (CRC). Cleveland Fashion Institute was founded in 1938 and was designed to promote the Cleveland garment industry.
CFI was an economic catalyst for the development of garment manufacturing and retailing. CFI used fashion shows and tours
of retailers and manufacturers to showcase Cleveland's garment district. CFI leadership
met with retail buyers and industry leaders throughout the United States. They invited major market executives to Cleveland and created business for Cleveland's apparel industry. CFI was formed with the help of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. Much as its forerunner, the CRC promotes Cleveland retail development, commerce, supportive programs and related events. This, we believe, will help to make Cleveland a better place to live, work, shop and visit.
Membership
Day-to-day operations are made possible by civic, corporate and individual memberships.
Funding
Project support is made possible by civic organizations, government initiatives, foundations, and corporate sponsors.
Annual Fundraising Event
Circle2Square
Founding Board Members
Christine Bucknell
Development Director
Habitat for Humanity of Geauga County
Tamore Gemayel
Management and Operations Consultant
Valerie Mayen
Fashion Designer
Yellow Cake Shop
Donald Shingler
President and Founder
Fashion Week Cleveland
Favorite Quote
Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood and probably will not themselves be realized.
Daniel Burnham, American Architect
Mr. Burnham designed Cleveland's downtown public park known as The Mall. A compre- hensive plan at a time in which civic leaders made bold moves and Cleveland was... a shining city on a great lake.