In addressing the group, U.S. House Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) spoke of his affection for textiles, given that his father spent his career in the industry, moving the family 11 times, and the fact he spent his college summers working in textile plants.
Posted June 9, 2015
The spring meetings of the Southern Textile Association (STA) attracted large audiences and diverse presentations.
The Gastonia, N.C.-based association’s two spring and fall meetings are among a total of seven the STA holds each year. The 107-year-old group is nearly 500 members strong and is geared for individuals in the textile and related industries with a common interest in all phases of textile manufacturing in the Southern U.S.
Northern Division meeting
The division came together at a different venue than usual, The Grandover Resort in Greensboro, N.C. and, instead of gathering during business hours, met for a dinner meeting.
John E. Skvarla III, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, gave an overview of legislative initiatives and incentives programs. He said that incentives packages have become the best means for new business recruitment, but that North Carolina has trailed surrounding states in that area. As such, he said he is working diligently with the N.C. Legislature to try to raise the bar on incentives in order to better compete with South Carolina Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia, in particular.
“We have to get back in the game,” Skvarla said.
Meanwhile, Michael Brown, economist at Wells Fargo Securities, Charlotte, N.C., presented an overview of the U.S. and world economy and said he generally sees things on the uptick.
Southern Division meeting
Likewise, at the Southern Division Meeting at the Madren Center in Clemson, S.C., Clemson University Prof. Dr. Bruce Yandle presented a cautiously optimistic view of the economy using a Wizard Of Oz analogy, featuring Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen, during this unprecedented, slower-than-normal recovery.
“We’re on the yellow brick road but we’re a bit nervous,” he said. “I would call it a kudzu economy, meaning we’re growing slowly, regardless of how many geniuses are involved.”
STA div. meetings offer wide range of information
Northern Division President Andrew Barker of Matrix Yarns introduces program.
John E. Skvarla III, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce
STA President Judson Boehmer of Mt. Vernon Mills welcomes attendees.
Northern Division President Andrew Barker of Matrix Yarns introduces program.
S.C. Division Chairman Matt Shannon of Greenwood Mills
Cameron Hamrick of Hamrick Mills introduces speaker.
Dr. Elizabeth R. Carraway of Clemson University
S.C. Division Chairman Matt Shannon of Greenwood Mills
He also spoke of the importance of unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit, including implementing good litigation policy, energy policy, tort reform and union reform. And he said his focus is on jobs, energy and the Founding Fathers – or as he called it, the “JEFF” doctrine. He added that the Founding Fathers believed in limited government, economic liberty and fair markets.
Commenting on the Trans-Pacific Partnership that is under negotiation, Duncan said he generally supports the free trade deal involving the U.S. and 11 other countries.
“But we’re seeing a lot of secrecy out of this administration,” he said. “I can’t communicate with you about what’s in there because I can’t talk intelligently about it. In reality, I don’t know. They’re not talking about it in the open. This is supposed to be the most transparent administration in history. You don’t know if the textile industry is getting what it wants. So how can I support something until I don’t know what it includes? In concept, I support it as long as the textile industry gives me the green light to.”
Meanwhile, Judith Malveaux, who works in Strategic and Organizational Communication Planning & Social Media Training at Duke Energy, Charlotte, N.C., spoke of the importance of using social media in business.
“If you’re not using social media today, you’re getting close to the goal line but you’re not scoring,” she said.
Not only is social media useful in raising awareness and public opinion of your company, but it’s also important in order to keep up with what people are saying about your company – and be ready to respond, she said.
Clay Tyeryar, president of the American Textile Machinery Association (ATMA), presented a glimpse of what to expect at this year’s ITMA trade show, scheduled for November 12-19 in Milan. He noted that his association has partners who are providing a number of services for the show, including stand design and construction, hostesses, interpreters and hotels. Click here for more information.
Dr. Elizabeth R. Carraway, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences at Clemson University, rounded out the day with a look at the South Carolina E3 Energy Audit program.