Posted June 14, 2016
Editor’s note: Following is a Q&A with Todd Wemyss, president of the Southern Textile Association (STA) and plant manager, Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, LLC, Norlina, N.C. His answers come in response to questions submitted in documented form by Devin Steele, eTextileCommunications.com publisher. The association holds its 116th Annual Meeting next week in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
eTC: Todd, in accepting the nomination for president last summer, you told STA members, “I’ve now added another family. I have my family, my work family and now my association family. It’s an honor to lead you this year.” Now that you’ve held the reins of “horse” for nearly a year, tell us about the experience in leading this esteemed, 108-year-old organization from a personal standpoint.
Wemyss: The support of my association family has been tremendous. The governing structure of the association regarding transition from year to year as the Northern, Southern and Executive Board change really facilitates this process.
For me, it has been a growing process personally and professionally. Successes are more attributable to my peers and the association support than any other reason.
108th Annual Meeting
Q&A: Weymss, STA prepare for some quality ‘family time'
STA President Todd Wemyss
STA President Todd Wemyss
STA President Todd Wemyss
STA President Todd Wemyss
eTC: Has the year lived up to your hopes in terms of member engagement, satisfaction and growth?
Wemyss: We have had a good year regarding association involvement in the community and recognizing industry individuals who have also been active in the community.
We have experienced growth in diversification with non-traditional members joining in support areas such as finance, staffing, etc.
eTC: Can you update us on member numbers now compared to a year ago?
Wemyss: We are at 478, slightly down from 2015 but still the second highest membership in the last several years.
eTC: What’s your pitch to prospective members, especially those of the younger generation?
Wemyss: Networking opportunities with an abundance of knowledge and support. For the younger crew, you need to round out your network portfolio. As new digital contact systems (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) require all of us to develop skills, young entrants to our industry should not neglect the face-to-face contact skills.
eTC: Please tell us about some of STA’s accomplishments this past year.
Weymss: One of my favorite efforts was our experimentation with different venues and times for meetings. Hopefully, both the Northern and Southern Divisions will benefit from these efforts.
eTC: What was the highlight of the year, in your opinion?
Wemyss: The beginning of the heritage/legacy series. We need to preserve our history and learn from our industry predecessors as we work to strengthen our industry.
It is a highlight we should all get to enjoy as the efforts continue. Details will be unveiled soon.
eTC: The STA certainly would not have survived for more than a century without companies such as Glen Raven. With your being the third Glen Raven employee to hold this position since 2008, why do you think industry involvement is a key tenet of your company?
Wemyss: We, as individual companies, may compete within the industry as a whole, but within the industry we rely on the same resource networks. And as such, the industry needs participation in the support networks to foster success.
Glen Raven’s sponsoring participants is a part of their commitment to community and industry service/repayment.
eTC: Having witnessed your leadership and leadership style first-hand, I know STA members have felt a certain ease with and confidence in you this year. In my estimation, you were always “on top of things” and you valued other people’s opinions. That being said, tell us about the work of the board, officers and staff this year in making your job easier and keeping the association highly engaged in meeting members’ needs.
Wemyss: Again, the transition plan regarding officers within divisional levels progressing to the executive board and then being available while finishing their service in support functions fosters success in all functions.
On the divisional levels, we have some of the most enthusiastic people I have seen in a long time within this or any organization I participate in. And, I am talking about officers and the entire group(s).
And then there is our army of one – Lillian Link, our secretary/treasurer who has served the association for many years. She hears all, sees all, does all! Having said all that, everyone is listening and trying to optimize every gathering, function, etc. for the betterment of the organization as a whole.
eTC: What are some of the exciting things coming down the pike as you leave the president’s gavel in the hands of Mike Kingsmore?
Wemyss: The most exciting will be the refinement and continuation of the legacy project. And, of course, the unknowns Mike and the group introduce!
eTC: Speaking of Mike, having worked closely with him, please comment on the perspective and leadership abilities he brings to the table.
Wemyss: He will bring a very solid and deliberate presence to his position and the board will benefit from his viewpoint as it pursues current commitments and creates new ones. Mike will be a great leader.
eTC: What can members’ expect at this year’s Annual Meeting? Any surprises?
Wemyss: A great group of presenters and diversification in the topics. And, of course, if there were a surprise and I spilled the beans, there would not be one. Planned, no; unplanned, absolutely – we all know the attendees.
eTC: Any parting words for the association as you prepare to hand over the gavel?
Wemyss: We as individuals, companies and an industry association must continue to grow, learn and support to advance our companies and protect our industry.
