Rosen Group lobbies for indelible name tags

Art Business News, Dec, 2003

BALTIMORE -- The Rosen Group is working to make sure American-made products carry their name tags with them wherever they go.

Using tactics ranging from informative booklets to government lobbying efforts, the Baltimore-based arts marketing and publishing agency is advocating that indelible labels be required by law on all American made products, specifically artwork.

"We are just trying to figure out ways we can raise awareness," said Kristi Halford, the company's public relations coordinator. "We are doing this to protect artists and retailers because there are a lot of knockoffs out there." While many artists already include indelible labels on their work, Halford said those who make smaller pieces, such as jewelry, have a harder time finding ways to place the labels on their products.

Along with pushing public-awareness campaigns, the Rosen Group is also lobbying Congress to enforce existing indelible labeling laws, which Halford said are inadequate.

Founded in 1981, The Rosen Group is a trade association for American-made crafts. The company also hosts The Buyers Market of American Craft trade show. Exhibitors who attend the show are required by The Rosen Group to use indelible labels on their products. For more information, call (410) 889-2933