Posted November 24, 2014

 

It’s Thanksgiving week in the U.S., which means it’s time to dole out my annual giblets of gratitude, a tradition I started in a past life and have continued at eTC. So without further adieu …

 

This year, I’m thankful for:

 

The warm welcome you continue to show me in my return to this terrific industry. The unexpected, kind note that appears in my inbox. The exuberance company marketing reps often show about a new product, even when they go overboard in their pitch and copy length.

 

Those advertisers and sponsors who have supported eTC since Day 1 and continue to to this day – Itema, Navis TubeTex, Frankl & Thomas, Seydel, PAF Sales/BTSR, the Southern Textile Association and the American Textile Machinery Association. All other advertisers and sponsors who believe in eTC enough to have hopped aboard in support of our mission. The words “keep up the good work.” The words “let me give you a little positive criticism.”

 

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 Milan.

 

The U.S. textile industry’s upward trajectory. Conferences – the learning never stops as change happens quickly and routinely. Sustainability, flame retardant, antimicrobial, et al – more than concepts in this industry, but driving forces behind many of your innovations.

 

Handy smart phone apps designed for trade show and textile companies. The message, “@(fill in the blank) retweeted your Tweet!” A good, old-fashioned phone call in a maze of instant messaging and social media.

 

Valdese Weavers – a century-old legacy company who happen to employe some of the finest folks you’ll ever meet. Valdese Weavers, Crypton, Highland Industries, Mount Vernon Mills and Palmetto Finishing, for agreeing to host a visit by the Turkish machinery delegation last month. Clay Tyeryar of the American Textile Machinery Association and Sam Buff and Sandy Hamilton of Gaston College’s Textile Technology Center, for helping to make the Turkish visit and workshop a success.

 

Veteran industry leaders such as Rob Chapman, Jay Self, Jim Chesnutt, Andy Warlick, Allen Gant Jr. and Bill Jasper – to name a few – who see over the horizon and do their best to read the industry’s tea leaves. Those companies that found their niche during the downturn and have emerged better than ever. N.C. State’s College of Textiles, Philadelphia University and the Fashion Institute of Technology – leaders in helping keep our industry on the forefront with great talent and bright minds.

 

Associations that have been beyond supportive of eTC – namely, the Southern Textile Association, the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, the American Textile Machinery Association, the Synthetic Yarn and Fiber Association and the Industrial Fabrics Association International. A impassioned speaker who loves the topic they’re addressing. Knowing the likes of Harrell Ligon of Lang Ligon & Co., Steve Adams of Seydel and Frank Levy of Stellamcor – no better people in our industry.

 

The National Council of Textile Organization’s tireless work on the Hill on behalf of U.S. textile industry’s interests. Companies such as Unifi, Glen Raven and Thorlo that actively engage end users through social media and other channels. Lunches, dinners and coffee with industry colleagues.

 

And finally: All of you, for keeping our industry humming along.

 

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all.