Posted June 23, 2016
By Devin Steele (DSteele@eTextileCommunications.com)
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – In his first public remarks as president of the Southern Textile Association (STA) here this week, Mike Kingsmore scanned the audience of more than 160 members and saw a “special” group of textile industry representatives.
“Most of the people in this room are survivors,” said Kingsmore, president and COO of Palmetto Finishing, Easley, S.C. “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.”
Kingsmore succeeded Todd Wemyss, plant manager at Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, LLC, Norlina, N.C., as the group’s president during elections at the STA’s 108th Annual Meeting. Also elected were Carson Copeland of Valdese Weavers, Valdese, N.C., first vice president; Andrew Barker of Matrix Yarns, Charlotte, N.C., second vice president; and Matt Shannon of Greenwood Mills, Greenwood, S.C., member-at-large.
Elected as new board members were Evans Tindal of Highland Industries, Cheraw, S.C., and Tom Johnston of Picanol of America, Greenville, S.C. Re-elected to the board were Jim Ciccone of Unifi, Inc., Greensboro, N.C.; Cameron Hamrick of Hamrick Mills, Gaffney, S.C.; Charles Poston of Klüber Lubrication, Jamestown, N.C.; Marvin Smith of Shuford Yarns, Hickory, N.C.; Bill Steen of Central Textiles, Central, S.C.; and Stan Vinson of Bryley International, Greenville, S.C.
The meeting attracted 167 registered members – the most in since the Joint Fiber Buyers started holding their Annual Meeting concurrently with STA several years ago.
In further comments, Kingsmore called the association “awesome.”
“And it’s been awesome to my family,” he said. “And here around Father’s Day weekend, I think that’s appropriate. In 1990, at 57 years old, my father (Doug) was elected president of the South Carolina Textile Manufacturers Association and here I am, at 57, leading the premiere group in the industry, as far as textiles go. That’s a big honor.”
He added that his dad was very involved in the STA in the 1960s through the 1990s. “He thinks the world of this group and how it has evolved. So the ties are rich.”
Kingsmore went on to call the organization’s Annual Meeting “much more than a conference.”
“As I’ve mentioned, this is really a family,” he said. “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.”
Award recipients
During the STA’s annual business session, three awards will be presented.
The Chapman Award
Jim Chesnutt, chairman & CEO of National Spinning Co., Washington, N.C., became only the 11th recipient of STA’s highest honor.
The Chapman Award was established by the STA in 1984 in honor of three members of the Chapman Family of Inman Mills and Inman, S.C., who served as presidents of the STA – James A. Chapman, Sr. in 1923, James A. Chapman, Jr. in 1955 and Joseph W. Chapman in 1972. The award was established to recognize individuals for exemplary and outstanding service and leadership to the textile industry.
STA/FIBER BUYERS ANNUAL MEETINGS REVIEW-Part 1
New president: STA event ‘much more than a conference’
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The Steve Epps Lifetime Service Award
Tommy Ariail, adjunct professor at Tri-County Technical College who retired from Beal Manufacturing, was presented the Steve Epps Lifetime Service Award.
The award honors STA members who have been a member of STA for 20 years or more, are retiring or have retired, served the association in many capacities of leadership and service during their years of membership. Ariail attended his first STA meeting in 1961 in Clinton, S.C., and has spent the last 55 years supporting the organization.
The David Clark Award
Mitch Hensley, technical products business manager of National Spinning Co., was honored with The David Clark Award, named for the founder of STA. The award honors past presidents of the association who continue to contribute Distinguished Leadership and Service to the association – and through it to the textile industry – for 10 or more years following their service as president.