SAN FRANCISCO FASHION INDUSTRIES MARKET SHOWING TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 1956 Significant in that it reveals our manufacture's awareness of consumers' preference. Thank you Mr. Gudnason. It is indeed a pleasure for me to welcome representatives of the great retail industry to San Francisco during this market week. The garment manufacturers in San Francisco have created new and exciting fashions that will appeal to you and your customers. The reputation of this market is growing rapidly throughout the country and it is particularly due to our manufacturers' awareness of consumer preferences, plus their insight and skills in developing fashion leadership. Many of you heretoday come from communities which have experienced great devastation and financial setbacks from the recent floods. I want to assure you that the members of this industry, as well as numerous others in San Francisco, will make every effort to consider your problems so you can get back on your feet in the shortest possible time. We feel very close to retailers served by San Francisco and are deeply concerned over the destruction that has hit many of your communities. Please let us know if there is any way in which we can further the recovery of your areas. Reports to date indicate that a magnificent job is being done in getting the areas protected and in achieving the massive job of cleaning up and repairing these communities. The challenge in these situations will be met in the same aggressive way that has characterized the West's growth and built many important industries. The apparel group is one of these that is held in high regard by our business community. Dramatic style promotions have given San Francisco leadership with nationwide attention focused on our market. I know that the fashions shown here today will stimulate your imagination and provide the merchandise you need to build your businesses to an even higher peak.