Posted June 15, 2014

 

The Southern Textile Association’s 106th Annual Meeting is taking place this week in conjunction with the Fiber Buyers Annual Meeting.

 

Several hundred attendees have converged on the Marriott at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach for the event, which includes a number of networking and social activities.

 

STA President Ken Rada of Duke Energy, Greenville, S.C., is presiding over the proceedings. Judson Boehmer, president of the La France Division of Mount Vernon Mills, La France, S.C., is the incoming president.

 

The association will present its highest award, the Chapman Award, to Rob Chapman, chairman, president and treasurer of Inman Mills, Inman, S.C.

 

Under the theme “Sustaining the Resurgence of U.S. Textile Manufacturing,” the diverse roster of topics and speakers include:

 

• "Through Competitive and Adequate Supplies of Cotton" – Anthony Tancredi, president of Allenberg Cotton Company;

 

• "Through Sound Economic Policy" – Dr. Bruce Yandle, professor of Economics Emeritus at Clemson University;

 

• "Through Equitable Trade Policy" – Auggie Tantillo, president of the National Council of Textile Organizations;

 

• "Through Credible Energy Policy" – Clark S. Gillespy, president, Duke Energy Carolinas;

 

• "Through Electing a Pro-Business Congress in 2014" – Ned Monroe, senior vice president, External Relations, National Association of Manufacturers; and

 

• "Through Made in America – A Retailers Perspective" – Scott Wagner of Levi Strauss & Company.