Posted November 25, 2014

 

Here we are, in 2014, still scratching and clawing as an industry – with blue skies on the horizon. Unlike another scratcher and clawer, however, we aren’t doomed to the ax blade like Mr. Gobbler, thank goodness. We’ll continue to be around for years to come if we keep working together, innovating and forging ahead.

 

This year, I’m thankful for:

 

Returning to this great American legacy industry, which is humming along with a renewed sense of being and a can-do spirit. Telling your good stories, seeing old faces and meeting new ones. Advertisers and sponsors who have supported eTC in its infancy – and everyone else who believes in our mission. Those who provide feedback as we continue to tweak the website and seek new and better ways to dispense the news and information you’re hungry for. Those who share our optimism for U.S. textiles. All of you who ply your trade in textiles – the finest people anywhere.

 

The industry’s ingenuity, innovation and integrity. A Southern accent in a faraway land. A foreign accent on the home front. The National Council of Textile Organizations, making a HUGE difference in getting our issues on the minds of decision makers in D.C. Wrinkle-resistant pants. Having crossed paths with Duke Kimbrell and Bip Carstarphen – Southern gentleman from Gaston County, N.C. who left lasting footprints on this industry and their community. A bustling trade show.

 

America’s environmental, health, safety and labor standards. The Textile Technology Center on Gaston College’s Kimbrell Campus in Belmont, N.C. – which continues to play a significant role in helping the industry remain competitive, manufacture quality products and maintain a well-trained workforce. The “clank-clank-clank” of looms in a weave room. The Berry Amendment. The words, “Barbecue will be served at today’s event.” The great interest in and the prospect of a Fiber and Textiles Innovative Manufacturing Institute in the U.S.

 

Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C., the buckle of the Textile Belt. The enthusiasm of a manufacturing employee when you ask, “How does this work?” Consumers’ rising awareness of what “made in America” really means to our nation and communities. Dr. Blanton Godfrey’s contributions to North Carolina State University’s College of Textiles and the effervescent passion he showed when talking about our industry. The find-and-replace tool in Microsoft Word, which can quickly change the British spelling of words such as “fibre,” “colour” and “programme.”

 

Industry giants Milliken, Glen Raven and Parkdale – world leaders, all. Septuagenarians George Abbott of Inman Mills and Jim Chesnutt of National Spinning Co., who love this industry so much, they’ve never even looked up the word “retire.” The R&D departments of textile machinery makers who give our industry a competitive edge. The words “antimicrobial,” “sustainability” and “nanotechnology” – multisyllabically delicious when rolled off the tongue. The woman – a friend to this day – who introduced me to the wonderful world of textiles by hiring me at Fieldcrest Cannon two decades ago.

 

Greenwood Mills, for giving me the opportunity to tell its recent history as it celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. And Greenwood President/NCTO Chairman Jay Self, a bright, steady, modest leader and caretaker of his family’s rich legacy and heritage. Family-owned suppliers such as A.B. Carter, Vanguard Pai Lung, Conitex Sonoco, Frankl & Thomas, Louis P. Batson, Inc. and McCoy Machinery Corp. A Starbucks on any of my textile treks.

 

Long-time associations that bring great value to their membership and make this industry better – particularly the Southern Textile Association, the Synthetic Yarn and Fiber Association, the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, the Industrial Fabrics Association International and INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. Companies that use social media to engage customers and non-customers alike. A good, informative conference speaker who grabs your attention early and keeps it. The industry’s esprit de corps.

 

Every member of the Chapman and Hamrick families – no exceptions. Innovative companies such as Unifi, Crypton, INVISTA and DAK Americas – to name a few – that have scratched the itch for “niche.” The U.S. military – and the domestic textile industry’s contributions to our armed forces. The cotton-fresh smell of a yarn-spinning plant. Any press release that includes the words “expanding,” “investing” or “adding jobs.”

 

And finally: The many lifelong friends I’ve made in this industry – too many to list. Oh, and stretchy pants on Thanksgiving Day.