Arctic Gear Updates — hat

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Finger Lakes Textiles/Arctic Gear Hit Retail Milestone

Posted by Fingerlakes Textiles · May 10, 2021

It is not a shock to anyone that 2020 has been a year full of ups and downs that would surely rival the world’s steepest rollercoaster. Despite all that 2020 has thrown at us, it is with an overwhelming sense of pride that Finger Lakes Textiles (FLT) announces an impressive milestone reached with our cold weather accessories line, Arctic Gear! The line, made right in Waterloo, NY has hit 10,000 hats sold! Arctic Gear, which has been in operation since early 2018, is produced by individuals with all levels of ability working side by side in an inclusive manufacturing center.

“FLT is an employer for people of all skills and abilities, creating an amazing team” says, Lisa Guernsey, Director of Operations at Finger Lakes Textiles, “it is truly a team effort meeting the quick growing demand for our high-quality Arctic Gear products. Since this past September, the team embraced the customer demand (and no surprise) never missed a beat.”

The large increase in demand since this past September can partially be attributed to; a growing product line offering the latest styles, showcasing new sizes for both infant and toddler, as well as the introduction of new materials. We added a line of adult hats that are made completely out of recycled water bottles, called Repreve^TM. All of these new lines, can be found on our website http://www.arcticgear.org which showcases it’s unique “purchase with a purpose” lifestyle. At Arctic Gear, 100% of all profits go towards providing vital resources and programs for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities within the Finger Lakes region. You can also find Arctic Gear on Facebook and Instagram.

"To achieve this milestone is truly remarkable, but even more remarkable are the dedicated and passionate workers we have at Finger Lakes Textiles. I am so proud of this accomplishment and so grateful for every person across the United States that has purchased one of our hats,” commented Ashley Burke, VP of Clinical and Business Operations at Mozaic, a parent company of Finger Lakes Textiles. “I am excited to see what 2021 brings and look forward to celebrating the next milestone!"

Arctic Gear Helps Fund Art Therapy Programs

Posted by Denise Osborne · September 19, 2019

Arc of Seneca Cayuga Executive Director, Allen Connely, said, "Arc is so pleased to be working with the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce and area financial institutions to bring about this wonderful event, which underscores our commitment to promoting inclusiveness and celebrating everyone's unique talents. We are also very excited that Arctic Gear was able to help fund part of our Art Therapy program!" Arc of Seneca Cayuga's mission is to embrace diversity by recognizing the uniqueness of each individual and by working to ensure the success of people with disabilities as they pursue lives of choice and fulfillment. The agency provides services to more than 1,200 individuals and their families in Seneca and Cayuga Counties.

Finger Lakes Textiles Expands!

Posted by Denise Osborne · September 18, 2019

Finger Lakes Textiles employs over 100 members of our community. It is a workforce that includes 60 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is also the home manufacturing facility for Arctic Gear!

Art, Autism and Independence

Posted by Denise Osborne · September 02, 2019

Both Sayles and Sargeant have credited Arc with much of the students' success in the community, as well as Arctic Gear a headwear company founded by the Arc of Seneca Cayuga and is manufactured at Finger Lakes Textiles as many of the skills learned in the arts translate to the workplace. Additionally, the funds from the purchases of the hats made for Arctic Gear go right back into providing vital services like our Digital Art Therapy Program.