Posted May 12, 2014
About 125 members and guests from around the world helped the American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists (AATCC) celebrate 50 years as a tenant in Research Triangle Park (RTP), N.C., on May 6.
The association was one of the first companies to move into the park in 1964. RTP, one of the most prominent high-tech research and development centers in the U.S., is home to more than 170 companies employing 42,000 people and 10,000 contractors.
AATCC celebrates 50 years at Research Triangle Park
“I was immensely pleased to see so many of the association’s current and past officers and members, as well as prior long-time employees, at this event,” said Jack Daniels, AATCC president. “It was a testimony to the dedication, love and respect these individuals hold for AATCC. Being a 93-year-old, not-for-profit association, with the past 50 years operating as the third property owner in the center of the world-famous Research Triangle Park, is quite an accomplishment.”
The event included a reception and barbecue dinner on the lawn, as well as two speakers: Bob Geolas, president and CEO of the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina; and Milton Small III of Small Kane Conley Architects, whose father and company designed the AATCC Technical Center. Dr. Peter Hauser, professor at the College of Textiles at N.C. State University and AATCC president, introduced the speakers.
“This event reaffirms the vision of our earlier leaders who made the gamble, 50 years ago, to move from Lowell Textile School and to build an award-winning facility in the new park,” Daniels said. “The association has a history of strong volunteer workers and leaders, with a keen sense of responsibility to the global textile and associated industries. Developing our many test methods, technical programs and publications could not have been done without their tireless efforts. This social event was a celebration of their years of hard work and accomplishment.”
Among a number of special guests were Bill Martin, Daniels’ predecessor who worked for AATCC for 34 years, and his wife Betsy.