Trumbull provided a detailed explanation about the GOP presidential frontrunner’s veracity in stating that products in the Donald J. Trump Collection aren’t made in America anymore. The insightful article was published on FactCheck.org and picked up by other outlets, including USA Today.

Sourcing Trumbull only confirms what many have known for a long time: That he is the go-to authority in this industry for gaining insights, clarity and guidance on all things textiles and apparel procurement and trade. Good on you, David.

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During my recent six weeks of road warriordom, one of the questions I’ve frequently received is, “what are you hearing out there?” So I thought I’d share my answer with you: I’m hearing that business is soft in several pockets of the industry, reflecting the cyclical nature of business, but there’s no major reason for concern for the immediate future. And, based on the level of activity and interest I’ve seen at various conferences, exhibitions and trade shows of late, the renewed optimism we’ve seen over the last couple of years continues to rise.

I witnessed a beehive of activity at the Atlanta shows, and visitors seemed beyond the tire-kicking stage – and the same was true for IDEA16, I’ve been told. I saw KARL MAYER North America host nearly 300 visitors from around the country and three other countries attend its in-house exhibition in Greensboro, N.C., most with serious intentions of learning about its innovative machinery and various textile processes. And, this week, I covered the IFAI Outlook Conference, where about 100 professionals showed up to get information about a number of subjects affecting our industry.

From where I sit, the general sentiment is upbeat, with many thirsty for knowledge and in an innovation mode that will continue to drive this industry to new heights going forward.

Keep that attitude and keep up the good fight, and I think we’ll be all right.