Celebrating Leadership and Excellence: William Yidi Recognized by Americas Apparel Producers Network
We are proud to share that one of our incredible leaders, William Yidi, has been featured in an article by the Americas Apparel Producers Network (AAPN) for his remarkable contributions and hard work in the industry. The article, penned by AAPN representative Mike Todaro, highlights William's exceptional journey and his significant impact on the apparel and textiles sector.
INDUSTRY NETWORKING: People Who Changed My Life
In the article titled "People Who Changed My Life," Mike Todaro reflects on the influential figures he has met through AAPN events, with William Yidi standing out as a pivotal figure. William, representing the nearly 40-year-old Colombian label maker Finotex, began attending AAPN meetings in the early 2010s, forging connections and contributing to the network's growth.
In 2013, AAPN representatives were invited to tour Finotex's headquarters in Barranquilla, Colombia, further solidifying the bond between the organizations. William's presence was a constant at major industry events such as ColombiaTex and ColombiaModa in Medellin, showcasing Finotex's innovations and commitment to excellence.
William's dedication extended beyond Colombia. He provided personal tours of Finotex's operations across Central America, highlighting the company's expansive production capabilities in over a dozen countries across the hemisphere and Asia. His unwavering support for AAPN events was evident when he attended the 2019 AAPN Charlotte Regional Conference, held in conjunction with the annual AAPN Carolina Mill Bus Tour.
In recognition of his leadership and contributions, William was honored with The Walter, AAPN’s Industry Leadership Award, at the 2019 pro: Americas Annual Conference. This accolade celebrated his outstanding impact on the industry and his dedication to advancing best practices and innovation.
Last year, during AAPN’s delegation visit to Grupo M’s CODEVI park in Haiti, William arranged a tour of Finotex's impressive factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The tour showcased the company's multimillion-dollar investment in cutting-edge technologies, reinforcing Finotex's position as an industry leader.
William's generosity extended to AAPN events, where he consistently donated unique bags that were essentially large labels, reflecting Finotex's core business. Additionally, William's wife, Diana Benedetti, a renowned South American artist, has contributed her acclaimed artwork to the network, further enriching the AAPN community.
A Renaissance Man and Immigrant Success Story
Mike Todaro describes William as a Renaissance Man and an immigrant success story, whose family came to Colombia from afar, got to work, and built a global brand. William's generosity and support have made a significant impact on AAPN and its members, enhancing their knowledge and strengthening the network.
We are inspired by William Yidi's journey and his contributions to the industry. His recognition by AAPN is a testament to his leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence. We look forward to witnessing his continued success and the positive influence he will undoubtedly have on the global apparel and textiles sector.
