It’s cliché — everyone you talk to this holiday season has probably made some comment about “how the year has flown,” or “I can’t believe 2023 is almost over.” But what I like to focus on is not “I can’t believe it’s over,” but instead, “What did we EXPERIENCE and how will it play out going forward.”

There’s so much that happened in the decorated apparel community this year, and I’m grateful that I got to be a part of it, as the content director for Apparelist, but more importantly, as a human being. I can’t even begin to count the numerous times I’ve mentioned that the personal friendships I’ve built is perhaps my favorite part of this industry. I can’t even fathom the number of people I have hugged this year at trade shows and shop visits, grateful to have them in my life.

For all of you that have brought that joy to me, thank you. Thank you for being wonderful human beings and exceptional apparel decorators.

Thank you for lifting this community and helping propel it forward.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the biggest happenings of this year. I’ll start with Apparel Decoration Summit and PRINTING United Expo. Our team put so much heart and soul into these events. I personally shed many tears throughout the process (I don’t want to speak for my teammates here), and so much sweat effort was put forth to make them happen.

I can’t believe the overwhelming support and feedback we received as a result. We have worked so hard to re-engage this community, and for me personally, knowing that we’ve helped even a single person is enough.

The year 2023 also saw many new partnerships form, acquisitions made, and people come and go. This tells me that we continue to be an industry of change, of pushing forward and exploring new opportunities. We aren’t afraid to try something new.

And I would be crazy if I didn’t at least tip my cap to the still-exploding direct-to-film printing craze. Getting to watch this technology move through the industry is both fascinating and wild. Hearing the early stories and experiments has been a neat journey, and a fun process to report on.

Of course, there have also been hardships. Watching numerous businesses face licensing challenges has been a battle we’ve made a priority to help decorators face. And the continued challenges of supply chain shake-ups, sustainability efforts, and diversity conversations have posed tough battles as well.

But here’s the thing about challenges: We wouldn’t be better without them.

We wouldn’t DO better without them.

I want to be that person that helps connect you to the resources you need when a challenge arises. I want Apparelist to be your go-to community hub that supports your business when OSHA-related issues arise, when you have HR questions, when you need to know how to financially expand your business into digital printing.

We aren’t perfect, but I’m willing to talk. What are you most looking forward to in 2024? Call me on my cell: 970-481-1065. Email me at cgreen@napco.com. Tell me how we can work together to make it the best year yet.

Thanks for being the awesome community that I love, and thanks for letting Apparelist be a part of it!