Q. Hey, have you heard where Mike Hubbard landed?

 

A. Sure have. The longtime staff member of the National Council of Textile Organizations, who just about everyone in our industry knows and appreciates, now heads the North Carolina furniture export office. Feel free to send him a congratulatory note at mike.hubbard@edpnc.com.

 

Q. I bet you’ll be busier now that spring has sprung. What would you recommend for events to attend and send some of my colleagues to for networking and educational opportunities?

 

A. There are plenty to choose from. The Synthetic Yarn and Fiber Association will hold its Spring Conference April 16-17 in Charlotte. The Southern Textile Association will have its divisional meetings April 28 in Greensboro, N.C., and May 7 in Clemson, S.C. The SEAMS Spring Conference will take place April 23-25 in Asheville, N.C. The Americas Apparel Producers’ Network will host its 35th Annual Meeting May 3-5 in Miami. The Southern Textile Research Conference will occur May 17-19 in Greenville, S.C., coinciding with the IFAI Outlook Conference those same dates in White Sulphur Springs, W.V. And TechTextil North America kicks off June, the 2nd through the 4th, in Houston. Shall I continue?

 

Q. No, that’s plenty for now. I’m sure I’ll see you at some of those happenings. Do you sleep much?

 

A. Good question.

Posted March 31, 2015

 

I hardly profess to know The Answers, but I’m frequently asked The Questions. Here are some I’ve received recently during my textile travels, along with my responses.

 

Q. What’s new in the industry?

 

A. A lot of the same – mostly good news. I’m continuing to report on expansions, hirings, investments, presentations, etc., with rarely much negative news, thank goodness. The pulse is generally positive. People are confident in the trajectory we’re on and are putting their money where their mood is. That’s good for all of us.

 

Q. What’s this I read about the textile institute thing?

 

A. Glad you mentioned that. The notice of intent to create the Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Manufacturing Innovation Institute was recently announced by the White House and the Department of Defense. It will be a regional hub for leadership and emerging manufacturing technology, bridging the gap between early research and product development by bringing together companies, universities and other academic and training institutions. It certainly adds more credibility to the great things our industry is doing, and it could help us get even stronger.

 

A. Sounds terrific. How can I get involved?

 

Q. To make the institute work best, industry-wide support is needed. Contact Dr. Christine Cole at Clemson University at CWJRV@clemson.edu. Include your name, company name, email address and phone number.

 

Q. Congratulations on your one-year anniversary.

 

A. That’s not a question, but thank you very much. It’s been a fantastic first year.

 

Q. You’re welcome. You certainly get around. I think I’ve seen you at every conference, meeting and trade show I’ve attended lately. We’re planning a seminar this summer and would love for you to cover it. What do we need to do to make that happen?

 

A. Just send me an invite and, if I can make it, I would love to be there and help promote your activities. Oh, and a barbecue lunch is extra enticement. Just kidding, of course. Sort of.

 

Q. What are you planning for ITMA?

 

A. Plenty. I’ve already been promoting the quadrennial textile machinery and solutions trade show and I’m encouraging exhibitors to start a cascading messaging program on our website and e-newsletter to help build momentum and generate excitement. I plan to include companies’ products and services information throughout the rest of the year and, if exhibitors continue to step up to market their appearance at the show through their advertising support of eTC, I plan to be there – on the floor, every day, winding up each day with a daily electronic report for anyone interested. Show excitement, adrenaline and Italian coffee will get me through the week.

Mr. Answer Man returns