Posted November 27, 2019

In the U.S., we’re getting ready to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday – a time to reflect, spend time with loved ones and count our blessings. It’s an honor to cover our amazing industry, and a privilege I don’t take for granted.

Let me count some of the many things for which I’m thankful:

The U.S. textile industry’s continuing ascendency. Smart textiles, e-textiles, wearable textiles and every other product describing the rapidly converging intersection of fibers/fabrics and electronics – one of the growing sectors of our industry. Sustainability, flame retardance, antimicrobials, et al – more than concepts in this industry, but driving forces behind many of your innovations.

Get-togethers – conferences, trade shows, luncheons, banquets, etc. – the learning never stops as change happens quickly and routinely. And “being present” at said functions to meet and greet those who make our industry tick. Oh, and the phrase, “barbecue will be served at our event.”

Having crossed paths with Louis P. Batson of Louis P. Batson Co., Greenville, S.C., and Page Ashby of Carolina Cotton Works, Gaffney, S.C. – two legends in the U.S. textile industry whose legacy will be long lasting. R.I.P, gentlemen.

ITMA – the Olympic-sized, worldwide showcase of innovation and the meeting spot for all who make the textile industry great. Hearing a piece of home – a Southern accent – at an ITMA. Having bumped into old friends and meeting new ones at this year’s event in Barcelona during my eight-to-12-mile walking journeys EVERY DAY of the show (and the resulting 10 pounds that disappeared, despite all the paella).

Will Duncan and Nancy Kinderknecht of SEAMS, who have used my services this past year to help step up their social media and newsletter efforts. Mike Todaro and Sue Strickland of the Americas Apparel Producers Network (AAPN), who completely stunned and humbled me with the AAPN Leadership Award in Miami in May. And Michael and Maggie McDonald and Marie D’Avignon – the new SPESA leadership who have knocked it out of the park in their first year.

The friendship of machinery group leaders – Clay Tyeryar of the American Textile Machinery Association (ATMA), for your support for two-plus decades; Alejandro Gallego Alcaide of AMEC AMEX, the Spanish Association of Textile Machinery Manufacturers, for your assistance and hospitality before and during ITMA; and Lillian Link, for your continued, decades-long, stellar management of the venerable Southern Textile Association (STA) ) – a group of the finest folks out there who went way beyond the call of duty during my time of need.

Not to mention those associations and their staff members who make me feel like family. (I’m talking about you in particular, AATCC.) The tireless work of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), under the new leadership of Kim Glas, on behalf of U.S. textile industry’s interests. And, speaking of NCTO: Having watched its previous President & CEO, Auggie Tantillo, make a humongous difference in his gentlemanly, adroit way in getting our issues on the table and pushing our industry forward during turbulent and not-so-turbulent times.

Tradeshow novelties that have value in their own way by making navigation easier, easing time burdens or just relieving stress – things such as show apps, “Pet A Puppy” booths (IFAI Expo) and short presentations right on the show floor. Seeing some of the younger folks express as much passion for our industry as we gray hairs. N.C. State’s ever-advancing Wilson College of Textiles and your No. 1 champion and cheerleader, Dean David Hinks, helping to ignite that positive energy in the students and educating these future leaders.

For eTC’s sponsors and advertisers, too many to list. Your kind words about this publication, which make the long hours and relentless travel worth every second. And to each and every one of you for reading eTC, advocating for the publication or assisting me in any way this year – I can't list you all, but you know who you are.

And finally: For all of you, for keeping our industry ticking after taking such a licking …

Speaking of: I’m already smelling the turkey.