Posted April 28, 2014

 

The biggest thing I missed during my four years away from the textile industry was the people. As I’ve said and written on numerous occasions during the last few months, textile folks are the finest in the world. And none comes finer than Jim Chesnutt of Eastern Carolina.

 

I recently sat down with the National Spinning Co. chairman and chief exec in “Little Washington,” N.C., as it’s known – which isn’t exactly a hotbed of textiles. But it’s home to Chesnutt and the 93-year-old company that made its way in the industry as a yarn spinner and has now diversified to remain a key player that competes not only in textiles but other areas far removed from the world of spindles and dye vats.

 

My goal was for Chesnutt to talk about anything on his mind – and to pick his brain, which is always an eye-opening, educational experience. And the longtime industry leader was as outspoken as ever as he extolled the virtues of textile manufacturing and the thousands of employees he’s championed for over the years. (Read his comments here.)

 

At 72, Chesnutt has fought many a battle during his 42-year textile industry career, which was preceded by a stint in the banking industry. He has filled about every major leadership position available and continues to serve on boards and committees today – all as a means of giving back to the industry that has treated him so well, he said, as well as to stay connected to the people he’s fought battles with in the trenches for years. But a crucial reason he stays active in associations? His general distrust of elected leaders who often act in the best interests of their biggest contributors, the country’s best interests be damned.

 

Government, as he mentioned in the interview, is the biggest threat to the U.S. textile industry – more so than any other issue or entity. As he well knows, government action can make or break an industry – particularly at the 11th hour – and, it’s done both to U.S. textiles over the last three decades. Despite that, the industry remains viable and continues to face challenges as more trade legislation looms.

 

I would suggest that one of the reasons the industry is still alive and kickin’ is Chesnutt’s leadership and advocacy. For years, his voice in Raleigh, N.C., Washington, D.C., and beyond has been one of the strongest for this industry. He’s never shied away from a debating elected leaders and public officials – often in public settings – whether they’ve wanted it or not. If you’ve seen him in one of these exchanges, you know his passion for the industry and love for his and his brethren’s employees are undeniable. And his kind nature lends itself well to his power of persuasion.

 

The industry is fortunate to still be benefitting from this ol’ Chesnutt. (“Ol’ ” as in wise, of course.)