On LinkedIn:
Thom h. boehm is self-described “thinking man’s circular knitting machine mechanic, chicken whisperer and voice in the wilderness.” He has jumped into social media with much aplomb, which you might not expect from someone who carries a tool belt.
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Looming
February 9
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February 10
February 11
February 11
February 11-12
February 17
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February 19 and 22
February 24-26
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Greetings!
Is there anything more bittersweet than your friends and colleagues retiring? You hate to see them go, but you’re equally happy that they are opening the next chapter in their lives – quite deservedly. A number of real pros who served our industry admirably have called it a career in recent weeks and months, some with little public fanfare – although recognition is deserved in most cases. eTC has reported on a few of these now-retired individuals, while others have slipped onto the golf links or perhaps cranked up the RV, with barely a whisper. I’ve asked several if I could report on their hat-hanging decision, but some have declined, instead choosing to just let the memories hang among those of us still fighting the good fight.
Here, off the top of my head. are a few who have given up the 9 to 5: Caroline Stewart, the third-generation family member to run of Louis P. Batson Company in Greenville, S.C.; Dan St. Louis, director of the Manufacturing Solutions Center (formerly The Hosiery Center), Conover, N.C., after 31 years there; Alvin Ellison, vice president at Uster Technologies, Charlotte, N.C., who spent 39 years at the company; Gloria Freeman, vice president at the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance, Columbia, S.C., following 43 years of service; Marty Colwell, sales manager of American Dornier Machinery Corp., Charlotte, N.C., where he spent nearly 28 years; Glenn Boyle, who spent most of his 35 years at Klüber Lubrication USA, Londonderry, N.H., in sales and marketing; and Jim Chesnutt, chairman of National Spinning Co., Washington, N.C., who was one of the biggest voices advocating for our industry during his 46 years in our ranks.
Well done, all. I speak for many when I say we will miss you and won’t forget the impact you made on our industry. Now, don’t forget us between grandbaby hugs. I’m sure you can still smell the fresh cotton or hear those machines a-clanging – and maybe miss us just a smidge.
Not sure how much of an impact COVID-19 may have had on folks' decisions to step aside, but the pandemic definitely has forced many to assess their standing in this world and maybe smell a rose or two. But don’t any of you who are still plying your trade be getting any ideas about retiring this year – you still bring plenty to the table ... and too many of us selfishly don't want to see you go.
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STA remains virtual (but valuable)
to members as 2021 cranks up
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The Southern Textile Association (STA) remained “virtual” in 2021 while remaining valuable to its 500+ members through its educational, information and networking events.
The latest was its annual Winter Technical Seminar, with one speaker presenting each day last week as part of the STA’s Lunch & Learn Series.
But what’s COVID-19 to this venerable organization? After all, the association has survived world wars, recessions, a depression, global economic turmoil, trade wars, industry contraction and more during its 113-year history – including a previous pandemic a century ago. Read more.
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Letter to Biden, Congressional leaders
Industry coalition recommends USA-made PPE policy measures
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A broad coalition of industry organizations and labor unions, representing a broad spectrum of manufacturers and workers who stepped up to make essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other products throughout the COVID-19 pandemic sent a letter on January 29 to President Biden and congressional leaders outlining recommendations on specific policy initiatives that must be adopted to reestablish a permanent PPE industry in the U.S. Read more.
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PEOPLE
AATCC
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If you would like additional information on Federal Contracting Opportunities please contact the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) www.ncmbc.us
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#TBT
Officers of the Southern Textile Association (STA) pose for a photo at the 2005 Annual Meeting at Myrtle Beach, S.C. (Counterclockwise, L-R) Mitch Hensley, then with Ramtex; Russell Mims, Buhler Quality Yarns (now retired); Khal Shreitah, Carolina Mills; and George Abbott, Inman Mills (retired).
The 112-year-old STA meets seven times a year throughout the Carolinas during “normal” times. For more information, visit www.southerntextile.org. (Photo by Devin Steele)
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Devin Steele, publisher
PHOTO AT ABOVE RIGHT:
Parkdale of Gastonia, N.C., created branded masks for its “I Wear, I Care™” program, wherein they designed and donated the face masks emblazoned with those words to citizens of communities where its operations are located. This year, Parkdale gave out more than 20,000 face masks. Parkdale, America Knits (cut and sew) in Swainsboro, Ga., and U.S. Bag (packaging, part of Parkdale’s U.S. Cotton Division) in Cleveland, Ohio, were all part of the product’s creation. Each mask is packaged with a photo of a Parkdale employee and caption telling their story and commitment to helping the U.S. textile industry address the critical shortages of PPE.
Follow Parkdale consumer mask unit, Parkdale PPE, on Instagram.
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