Posted June 14, 2017

 

(Editor’s note: Following is a Q&A with Southern Textile Association (STA) President Mike Kingsmore, president & COO, Palmetto Finishing, Easley, S.C. He will turn over the president’s gavel this weekend during the STA’s 109th Annual Meeting at Hilton Head Island, S.C. His answers come in response to questions posed to him by eTC Publisher Devin Steele.)

 

eTC: Mike, in accepting the nomination for president last summer, you told STA members, “this is really a family. To be here every year and reacquaint with old friends, and to watch members’ children grow up, this is very special. I’m very honored and humbled to lead this group. The direction and the leadership have never been stronger in the STA.” Now that you’ve been at the helm for nearly a year, talk about the experience in leading this 109-year-old organization?

 

Kingsmore: Devin, leading this group, STA, has been a true honor. To have my name beside so many others who are industry stalwarts is a humbling experience ... It has been another exciting year for STA!

 

eTC: You also said at the time, “Most of the people in this room are survivors. We came away from very difficult times from 2006 to 2010 and, if you’re still here, you’re doing something right. Let’s keep doing what we’re doing.” Given another year behind us as an industry, please speak to the importance of groups such as the STA in connecting the industry, establishing relationships and talking through common challenges.

 

Kingsmore: There is no better group to be associated with than STA! That is not said to slight other groups, but spoken to the value of experience you get with STA. The true networking experience at the value-added regional meetings, the Summer Marketing Seminar and the Winter Technical Seminar are all great opportunities to keep up with the latest happenings in our industry. There is no finer group of people in our entire industry than the ones associated with STA. We are family!

 

eTC: Has the year met your expectations in terms of growth, member participation and meeting satisfaction?

 

Kingsmore: Yes it has. I don't have the exact numbers in front of me, but our retention rates for membership are very good, which shows that members see value in their membership. Also, we are adding new members weekly. We are experiencing a rebirth in the last few years, and that is exciting.

 

eTC: As president, you’ve “lived and breathed” the association for a year now (longer, really). Can you share any anecdotes you’ve witnessed or heard about this year related to the organization as it relates to why the STA is a “must” for members and potential members?

 

Kingsmore: I would have to say, that George Abbott (of Inman Mills) has set the standard for drawing in new members; what a great ambassador for STA. If you really think about it, our organization sells itself. If you invite someone to a meeting they are usually hooked for life!
 

eTC: Please tell us about some of STA’s accomplishments this past year.

 

Kingsmore: I think our biggest accomplishment is the quality of our meetings. Our division chairmen have done an exceptional job of lining up quality speakers for our programs. I've heard nothing but positive reviews from them. I attended the Northern Division meeting this spring, and I came away just saying “wow.” They will see more of me in the future. This group does an exceptional job of bringing in new leadership and it is reflected in our attendance at all our meetings. I could not be more proud of the leadership of STA, a great group of people to work with.

 

eTC: Is there a highlight that stands out from the last 12 months?

 

Kingsmore: My highlight, and I think you will agree, was our interview with Clemson football Coach Dabo Swinney, which will be aired on Father's Day Sunday at our Annual Meeting. That hour-long interview put a lot of things in perspective for me. I sure hope our membership will enjoy it as much as I did. He talked family, faith, football and how to build a winning culture in life.

 

eTC: Please discuss some of the issues with which STA is engaged these days regarding the direction of the association? These can be related to opportunities or challenges.

 

Kingsmore: I would say there are not a lot of issues we have on the horizon right now. We are in solid shape finically.  We have discussed different sites for our meetings, but in my opinion why change something that is working so well for us? Trade issues that we always keep an eye on have simmered some substantially with President Trump’s election.

 

eTC: You’re expected to give the president’s gavel to Carson Copeland of Valdese Weavers during the Annual Meeting. Having worked closely with him, please talk about the value he will bring to the organization.

 

Kingsmore: I can think of no one I would rather hand the gavel over to than Carson. Valdese Weavers has a real treasure in him. Carson has proven his leadership abilities on the Executive Board and he will have an excellent year running this great organization.

 

eTC: What can members expect at this year’s Annual Meeting in Hilton Head and, for those on the fence about attending, what’s your pitch to them about why they should?

 

Kingsmore: We think we have an awesome meeting lined up with exceptional speakers, and as I have mentioned frequently, you should seriously consider joining our "annual family reunion." There is no better group of individuals to be associated with than this group. You will usually laugh a lot and may shed a tear or two, but that's what families do; but you will walk away having a great experience. Come join us.

 

eTC: How would you like to be remembered as a leader of the STA?

 

Kingsmore: Devin, I would like to be remembered as someone who did an admirable job of carrying the torch ... a torch that has been carried year to year by a great group of men and women. It has been a true honor to lead this organization. You have to experience it to feel it; it's been a great year.

 

Devin, lastly, I would like to thank you personally for your active support and coverage of STA events. Without you we would have a very difficult time getting our message out. I was glad to see your well-deserved inclusion to our Board of Directors this past year.

 

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