Posted April 6, 2016

 

Editor’s note: During the National Council of Textile Organization’s 13th Annual Meeting next week, Robert “Rob” H. Chapman III, chairman, CEO & treasurer, Inman Mills, S.C., is in line to be elected chairman of the group. He answered a few questions submitted by eTC’s Devin Steele.

 

eTC: Rob, you’re following in the footsteps of fellow South Carolinian Jeff Price as NCTO chairman. Please speak to Jeff’s leadership and his efforts on behalf of the NCTO and the industry.

 

Chapman: Jeff has been a very focused and hands-on chairman of NCTO, and that’s exactly what we needed during what has proven to be a critical past 12 months. For example, TPP was an extremely complicated and detailed negotiation. Jeff was tireless in ensuring that the messaging and objectives of the NCTO membership were being fully acknowledged by key government officials throughout that process.

 

The fact that we were able to ultimately get to a supportable conclusion on TPP is a testament to the hard work of Jeff and the rest of NCTO’s leadership and staff this past year.

  

eTC: You’ve served in numerous leadership positions and on many boards over the years. At this point in your career and at this juncture of the industry’s history, why is it important to you to lead the industry’s national trade association?

 

Chapman: It is certainly an honor to be considered for this position by my peers. For me, it is simply a way to give back to an industry that I love so much. I feel that we must work as hard in Washington as we do in our respective companies to make our industry successful.

 

It is vital that we have a fair and rational trade policy that allows us to compete on reasonable terms both in our home market and globally. Finally, the effort that I and other executives are undertaking at NCTO is a tangible way to show our associates throughout the industry that we are fighting to preserve their jobs and their livelihoods.

 

eTC: What are your primary goals for the council this year, as TPP passage and T-TIP negotiations loom?

 

Chapman: There are many issues, but one main goal. That is to continue to ensure that NCTO has the strongest and most impactful voice in Washington within the textile and apparel policy arena.

 

It is essential that we continue to shape and influence the various policy decisions that affect our companies and our employees so as to maintain a strong U.S. textile sector into the foreseeable future.

 

eTC: This industry, of course, has a fantastic story to tell. Your company is one of many that has been hurt by an image problem, especially the effect those negative perceptions have on attracting young talent. I know Inman Mills is working closely with local high schools and colleges to find trainable or skilled employees. How can you use these experiences at your company to help other NCTO members and, personally, assist in the council’s efforts to rebrand the industry through its P.R. campaign?

Chapman: For too long, we have allowed other parties to shape the image of the U.S. textile industry. Offshore producers, retailers and importers have attempted to portray our sector as outdated and non-competitive. Nothing could be further from the truth.

 

The U.S. is the most modern, efficient and technically advanced textile industry in the world. We are manufacturing cutting-edge products that are allowing us to branch into new and exciting markets. And we are exporting U.S.-made textiles to global markets at a record pace.

 

We have an absolutely fantastic story to tell to government policymakers, the media and the public at large. By taking ownership of our messaging, we can construct an accurate and exciting image for our industry that acknowledges our overall contribution to the U.S. economy and will help attract the next generation of textile engineers, designers, scientists and production employees.

 

eTC: As one of our industry’s survivors, Inman Mills (founded in 1902) has seen its share of good times and bad. As the caretaker of your family’s legacy, tell us what you’ve learned over the years as it relates to the vicissitudes of business and global trade and how that perspective will be helpful as you help guide the council over the next 12 months.

 

Chapman: Just that every day brings a challenge. You must constantly innovate and devise ways to manufacture better products and provide better service for your customers. The competition is intense, but that competition should breed a desire for a greater level of performance and quality throughout your company.

 

Washington is the same way. There are thousands of voices competing to be heard.  Moreover, there are offshore competitors and importers that are promoting policies that are diametrically opposed to our interests.

 

We cannot rest in regard to our advocacy efforts. We have to be very good and very persistent to ensure that Washington doesn’t undermine all of the various efforts the textile industry is undertaking to invest, produce and employ here in the United States.

NCTO's 13th Annual Meeting

Chapman ready to step up, continue industry advocacy