SEAMS Association

SEAMS.....Important
The Bi-Monthly Newsletter of the SEAMS Association
The National Association
for the
Sewn Products Industry
Volume XLV, Number 6……………......................................................................Nov/Dec 2013
SEAMS
The Year In Review!!
IN THIS ISSUE
Year In Review …………………... 1
Upcoming Events ………………... 1
Honoring Our Members …………. 2
TexProcess Americas ……….… 3-4
Presidents Letter ….……………... 5
Sarah’s Letter …………………..… 6
Industry News ……………….…. 7-9
Holiday Closing …..…………...… 10
Sourcing ……………………….… 10
Benefits Providers ……………… 11
Welcome New Members ……..... 12
Dues Incentive ……………..…… 12
Board of Directors ………………. 13
Mission Statement …………...…. 13
SUPPORT OUR
NEWSLETTER
ADVERTISERS
IFAI
TexWorld - January
Fall 2013
Artwear Embroidery
page 10
Dunn Trimming & Binding
Grove Park Inn
page 11
Gerald Schwartz, Inc.
Page 5
UPCOMING EVENTS
TexWorld
January 21-23, 2014
New York, NY
TexWorld—July
Outdoor Retailer
January 22-25, 2014
Salt Lake City, UT
Magic
February 18-20, 2014
Las Vegas, NV
Texprocess 2014
May 13 - 15, 2014
Atlanta, GA
Grande Dunes Members Club
Fall 2013—Myrtle Beach
Spring 2013 - Grove Park Inn
Honoring Our Members
Harry Berzack
John E. Fox Company, Inc. dba The Fox Company
Supplier Member Since 1975
Full line distributor of spreading, cutting, sewing and
pressing equipment to the sewn product industries, representing all leading manufacturers. Stocking a full
range of both genuine and generic spare parts. Every
item from a needle to a complete manufacturing plant.
Cary Friedman
Aiken Industries
Cont./Mfr. Member Since 1967
Aiken Industries, Inc. is a CMT contractor of men’s slacks,
women’s slacks, skirts and shorts in knit or woven; home furnishings; and surgical sponges. Complete finishing including
drop-ship.
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Texprocess Americas
Georgia World Congress Center
May 13-15, 2014
The Second edition of Texprocess Americas, formerly SPESA EXPO, is the largest
North American trade show displaying Equipment and Technology for the
Development, Sourcing and Production of Sewn Products.
Texprocess Americas provides a platform for leading international manufacturers
to present their latest machines, plant, processing, IT systems and services for
developing textiles and other flexible materials.
The event will be held May 13 - 15, 2014 at the Georgia World Congress Center in
Atlanta, Georgia. Once again Texprocess Americas will be co-located with
Techtextil North America, making this that largest and best technical textile,
nonwoven, machinery, sewn products and equipment trade show in the Americas!
Held in conjunction with the exhibit hall, is the Texprocess Americas Symposium
structured to address the most pressing issues faced by today’s sewn product
industry.
Make your plans now to join the industry for three days of education, networking
and business development!
SEAMS will once again present a special "Supply Chain USA - Powered by
SEAMS" Pavilion at this important industry event. We have reserved 3100ft² of
exhibit space to enable SEAMS Members to join together in this specially
identified and marketed location near the main entrance to the show.
With the growing interest in re-shoring, SEAMS expects strong attendance from
retailers, brands, wholesalers, and manufacturers with interest in "Made in the
USA" products, supplies, and services. No matter what role your company plays in
the domestic supply chain, you will want to be a part of the only exhibit dedicated
to Made in USA.
Contact the SEAMS Office for more information.
Sarah Friedman—Executive Director
info@seams.org
803-772-5861
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Texprocess 2012 Feedback
William E Pierce
Research Associate
Clemson Apparel Research (SCMEP)
The show exceeded our expectations and being in the SEAMS pavilion is an added bonus
to us the area was buzzing for three days. To the staff at SEAMS and the members that
had a booth a job well done.
————————————————————————————————————————Dan St. Louis
Director
The Manufacturing Solutions Center
From the MSC standpoint, we had an outstanding show and really appreciate the coordination from SEAMS. We were much better in the SEAMS Pavilion than it we were in a booth
by ourselves. Thanks!!!
————————————————————————————————————————Julie Allen
Sales Manager
Franklin Braid Mfg Co
I think this show was very active and I feel it will turn out to be one of our better shows.
————————————————————————————————————————Jeremy Wootten
COO
HomTex, Inc.
I thought the Texprocess tradeshow was a significant achievement for SEAMS. The pavilion looked exceptional and seemed very busy throughout the show. The cocktail event was
wonderful and the food was excellent.
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Dar SEAMS members,
With 2013 coming to an end we can definitely say that it has been a great year for our
association. With the help of our office staff, the board of directors and all of our members we have grown the size of SEAMS and are in a more secure financial position.
2014 looks even better. With the work we have done on our benefit providers, each
member should have opportunities to save money on important things like Government procurement, insurance, marketing,
transportation and website design. We hope each member will give our benefit providers a chance for their business. As
you know, this in turn helps our association.
This spring we will be hosting the USA Pavilion at the 2014 Texprocess in Atlanta. This has proven to be the best textile
and sewn products show in the Americas for several years now. The companies that are participating in the SEAMS USA
Pavilion will gain valuable leads and contacts that will yield future business. Not to mention seeing current customers and
vendors all in one place. SEAMS will be hosting a reception during this event that will be an excellent networking opportunity for all of us.
I would like to give a special thanks to our new members. Thank you for joining SEAMS. We hope to see you at our networking conferences. And last but not least, thank you to Sarah and Mel. These ladies are who make everything happen at
SEAMS.
I hope everybody has a great holiday season and we will see you in 2014.
Jeff Crisco
SEAMS President
www.GeraldSchwartzInc.com
Suppliers of:
Plastic & Metal Hardware, Hook & Loop, Zippers, Fabrics, Snaps,
Cording (elastic & non), Elastic (woven & knit), Webbing, Thread, & more.
4756 Hammermill Rd. #401
ucker, GA 30084
Phone: 770-493-9443 Fax: 770-938-8816
Email: Gerald@GeraldSchwartzInc.com
Chuck@GeraldSchwartzInc.com
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Happy Holidays to the most wonderful group of people to work
with,
Just a few lines to express my gratitude to everyone for your
continued support of SEAMS.
As you are (hopefully) reading this I will be starting my 15th
year as your Executive Director, it seems like only yesterday.
Time has definitely been on my side
Reflecting back over the past 14 years, SEAMS has really changed but through it all "one" thing that has
always remained constant is our "focus" and concentrated effort to continually search for ways to help
promote the US sewn products industry.
At times this is certainly challenging, but then most things in life worth having are!!
My Sincere thanks to each and every one for all the support given to help SEAMS continue to grow.
I do want to mention a few people that work behind the scene to help make everything flow smoothly for
our members.
Our Executive Committee, along with our board of Directors
President Jeff Crisco - AEC Narrow Fabric, Vice President Dan Teel - Fox River Mills,
Treasurer Jeremy Wootten - HomTex, Inc., Ex-Officio Mike Diemer - Milliken & Company
Matt Anglemyer - Wells Hosiery, Jeoff Bodenhorst Jr. - LA Corp., Dee Dee Harris - Fab Industries
Jeff Papalia - National Industries for the Blind, Donna Reineke-Kuch - Complete Converting
Frank Henderson - Henderson Sewing Machine Co., Matt Poovey - Champion Thread Company
Dan St. Louis - Manufacturing Solutions Center
Our IT support person, Eric Miller - WebMillers Hosting, that is always there willing to help us when
problems arise.
Our Committee Chairs that help our functions turn out so great.
Benefits Chair Ed Miller - Professional Financial Planning, Budget & Finance Chair Jeremy Wootten
- HomTex, Inc., Business Development Elroy Pierce - Clemson Apparel Research, Membership Chair
Terry Earle - Hawk Distributors, Marketing Chair Rick Ludolph - Productive Solutions, Program
Chair Dan St. Louis - Manufacturing Solutions Center, Social Chair Eric Miller - WebMillers Hosting
And last but not least, our Office Manager Mel Duffie, who works with me and tries her best to keep me
pointed in the right direction.
Again, thanks for your continued support and Happy Holidays.
Sarah Friedman
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Industry News
S t e r l i n g we a r o f B o s t o n a n d L . L . B e a n C o l l a b o r a t i o n
By David Trumbull on Dec 12, 2013 01:44 pm
Sterlingwear of Boston, the official and sole manufacturer of the U.S. Navy Peacoat and other
fashion outerwear for the commercial marketplace, announces a collaborative effort with
L.L.Bean of Freeport, Maine. Sterlingwear of Boston will be providing three men’s styles of outerwear for the fall/winter 2013-2014 seasons. Frank Fredella, President / CEO of Sterlingwear of
Boston, stated “this collaboration is representative of two iconic brands working together to offer
customers some of the finest outerwear available anywhere. We are pleased to partner with
L.L.Bean and to share what we have been producing in our East Boston manufacturing plant for
over 45 years.” Discussions began in early 2013 and quickly developed as both companies realized that it was a perfect fit. “This is a culmination of the research and interest that L.L.Bean had
in identifying companies that offer superior products for their customers,” said Jack Foster, Director of Sales and Marketing for Sterlingwear of Boston. “It is a wonderful marriage of two heritage
brands that represent classic American styles and quality craftsmanship.”
Sterlingwear of Boston is in its third generation of leadership and is truly an All-American story of
success. The company started as Viking Clothing in 1965 by Lorenzo Fredella and his two sons,
Frank and Anthony. At that time, the primary work consisted of cut and sew operations for other
clothing manufacturers and retailers. In 1968 Sterlingwear was contacted by the U.S. Government to produce peacoats for the U.S. Navy. The award of that contract propelled the company
into a new and very successful direction. For over 45 years, Sterlingwear of Boston has produced
the peacoat for the U.S. Navy and other outerwear and dress uniforms for all branches of the
armed forces, as well as, offering a commercial line of outerwear for e-commerce, wholesale,
and retail store outlets.
Sterlingwear of Boston continues to offer new, long wearing, quality-crafted and fashionable
outerwear for the entire family, as well as, private label, cut and sew operations.
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Industry News
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Industry News
Homtex Inc. is proud to announce they have added the following people to their HomTex family!
Deana Vickers - joined HomTex, Inc. in December as the Sourcing Administrator/ Product Manager
She is based in Sylva, NC
In over 35 years of working in the textile business Deana has gained the practical experience and knowledge needed to help Hometex achieve their goals. Her career began with H.D. Lee where she worked for over seven years until they closed. She then went to
work for Stone County Garment Company and was employed for 21 years. Much of the last few years included travel to the Dominican Republic. Starting new factories from the floor up being her specialty.
Deana has two daughters, both school teachers, and four perfect grandchildren. In her down time she enjoys hiking, kayaking,
watching football and of course being Gram to the perfect grandchildren.
William H. Elliott "Billy" - joined HomTex, Inc. in October as the Plant Manager at the Sylva Mill
D.O.B. July 3, 1965, Married with 3 children
Attended Gordon College
U.S. Army Honorable Discharge (Airborne Ranger)
Billy Elliott has worked in the sewing industry for over 25 years in which 20 years was spent in Latin America.
He has worked in countries like the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, and in Mexico.
His background is in women’s sleepwear, flannel and dress shirts, Ladies and men’s slacks, ladies intimate wear, jeans, sportswear
for Under Armour, and outdoor replacement cushions for outdoor furniture.
Samatar Liban "Sam" - joined HomTex, Inc. in December as the Director of Apparel Commission Manufacturing
He is based in Sylva, NC.
Samatar Liban is a garment production and supply chain executive with over 13 years of textile industry management experience.
Hailing from University of South Carolina, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Production Operations. Sam's expertise in
apparel manufacturing, project development, logistics and vendor management distinguishes his professional background, but he is
notably fascinated with helping customers solve their problems. As one of the nicest guys in apparel, Sam has a sterling reputation
for integrity and being fun to work with.
Sam is interested in how data-driven vendor management, social and environmental responsibility, and Made in USA manufacturing could shape new textile industry trends. Feel free to reach out and connect with Sam through his email at HomTex or social media.
Deborah Chapman - joined HomTex, Inc. in October as Product Manager of Utility and Sheets
She is based in Sylva, NC
Deborah’s varying history of over 30 years’ experience both in Apparel and Textiles will be a tremendous asset to the Homtex
Team. Deborah started her career in the apparel business as an Industrial Engineer with Morgan Shirt Company, Buster Brown,
and later as a Managing Director for Dawson Industries. Deborah opened and managed factories in Jamaica as well as oversaw contract operations in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Later Deborah joined Beacon Manufacturing and spent 15 years as first a Superintendent and later as Plant Manager in their Cotton
Blanket facility in Westminster SC.
Deborah and her husband Mike live in Toccoa GA and enjoy boating and spending time with their Daughters, grandchildren and
“animals”.
David Hollowell - joined HomTex, Inc. in October of 2012 as Product Manager. In October of 2013 he was promoted to Director of Commission Manufacturing
He is based in Sylva, NC
David Hollowell – HomTex - Bio – 12-15-13
Education – BS of Textile Technology NC State
Current Position – Director of Commission Mfg.
Previous – Product Manager – Basic Bedding
Owen Mfg. – VP of Marketing
Plant Manager
Beacon Mfg. – VP of Marketing
National Sales Manager
Director of Production Planning
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The SEAMS Office will be closed for
the Holidays
December 23 thru December 27 and
January 1st
We will resume normal business hours
on January 2, 2014.
We would like to thank everyone for a
wonderful year.
We wish you a Happy Holiday and a
Safe & Prosperous New Year!!!!
Sarah & Mel
The SEAMS Team -- Supply Chain USA
The SEAMS Association is a COMPLETE SUPPLY CHAIN comprised of a wide variety of companies who can do anything.
Through this network of contacts, we can find anything you need for your daily operations, even that once-in-a-while
“thingamajig” that you didn’t know you needed. Everyday, we get phone calls and emails in the SEAMS office with requests for
help sourcing items and services or finding key personnel, from members and non-members.
Since the last newsletter, the SEAMS office has received lots of requests for help:
SOURCING:
Manufacturers of: panties, scrubs, orthopedic back brace, girls dresses, ladies hunting apparel (shirts, pants, hats, vests), knit
t-shirts, woven t-shirts, garment bags, Men’s shirts, hoodies, denim shirts, jogging suits, ladies shirts, t-shirts. Belts, ties, hats,
golf bags, bedding, ties, dish towels, pot holders, bedding products, bar towels, knit tops, woven bottoms. Knit bottoms, woven
tops, aprons, ladies shirts, hanging shoe bags, women’s sleepwear, shoe uppers, women’s underwear, hospital scrubs, flags,
pajamas
Goods: Hangers, blanket fabric, yarn, woven polyester fabric, spandex/polyester/rayon/lycra blend fabrics, polyester webbing,
bedding fabric, athletic wear fabrics,
Services: hand cutting, pattern making, cut and sew contractors, embroidery, prototyping, heat seal, laminate fabrics, cut &
sew for knits, samples, dye house, wash house,
Equipment: Slitter/Rewinder, cutting equipment, single needle machine, double needle
machine
Filling Positions For: Sourcing Administrator, Product Manager, Director of Apparel
Manufacturing.
TAP INTO OUR COMPLETE SUPPLY CHAIN -- SEAMS MEMBERS CAN HELP!
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HAVE YOU HEARD?
SEAMS’ Benefits Providers constantly
work to provide our members with ways
to cut their bottom-line costs. There are
always new products offered and new
ways to help you save money.
LIFE, HEALTH, and
SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE
CONTACT: Ed Miller
Professional Financial Planning, Inc.
803-750-4849
ed.miller@pfpinc.net
WORKERS' COMP and PROPERTY &
CASUALTY INSURANCE
CONTACT: Frank Cannon
Insurance Management Group
888-252-1766
frankc@imgsc.com
WEBSITE DESIGN & HOSTING
CONTACT: Eric Miller
WebMillers Design & Hosting
803-750-4849
eric.miller@webmillers.net
TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS
CONTACT: Hampton Culler
Blue Grace Logistics
864-525-1502
hculler@bluegracesc.com
MARKETING SERVICES
CONTACT: Rick Ludolph
Productive Solutions, LLC
770-321-9842
r.ludolph@productivesol.com
GOV. CONTRACT PROCUREMENT
CONTACT: Jonathan Schloss
The Castle Group, Inc.
843-321-4410
jonathan@thecastlegroup.us
**Call the SEAMS Office at
803-772-5861 or any of our benefits
providers to
start saving today**
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SEAMS Welcomes New Members!
Apex Mills
168 Doughty Blvd.
Inwood, NY 11096
Industries of the Blind - Greensboro
920 W. Lee Street
Greensboro, NC 27403
P: 516-239-4400
F: 516-239-4951
P: 336-274-1591
F: 336-274-9207
www.apexmills.com
www.industriesoftheblind.com
Jonathan Kurz - Owner - jkurz@apexmills.com
Simon Krawczyk - Operations skrawczyk@apexmills.com
Pamela Siegel - Marketing - psiegel@apexmills.com
David LoPresti - President - dlopresti@iob-gso.com
Tyra Winston - Operations Manager twinston@iob-gso.com
Apex Mills provides product designers with application-specific
mesh, netting, solid knit and 3D spacer solutions. Designed
for high performance, innovative and engineered applications,
our fabric solution specialists deliver textiles that allow
customers to achieve their product goals. APEX MILLS:
Problems Shared. Problems Solved. ™
Industries of the Blind, Inc., 501 (c) (3) is a not-for profit
associated agency of the National Industries of the Blind, Inc.
IOB is a leader in manufacturing textiles with over 200 people
employed, 75% of whom are blind/visually impaired. IOB has
been in existence for more than 80 years, including over 40
years of Government Contracts.
Referral Sources:
Apex Mills …………………………………….…………..……..….....….……. Referred by SEAMS Emails
Industries of the Blind—Greensboro ………………………...………. Referred by Jeff Papalia, N. I. B.
Dues Discount Incentive Program
The SEAMS Dues Discount Incentive Program helps us grow and helps our members!
SEAMS Members can earn discounts toward their next dues invoice by signing up new
members.
For every NEW MEMBER that a current member signs up, SEAMS will apply a 20%
discount to the current member company's next dues invoice, up to 100%. If you sign up
five (5) new member companies within one year, you would owe us nothing for your next
years' dues!
We encourage members to talk to their colleagues and peers in the sewn products
industry to encourage them to join SEAMS. Let us know who you are speaking to, and we
will mail them an informational packet that will answer all of their questions. We see this
as an on-going membership drive, with the added bonus for current members of reducing
their dues.
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OUR MISSION
The mission of the SEAMS Association is to support the resurging US sewn products industry through
membership networking and collaboration; by offering benefits packages that help control overhead expenses;
through access to educational programs to help improve the quality and productivity of the US sewn products
industry collectively, and of our member firms individually; and by keeping our members informed about
legislation in Washington, DC that impacts our industry.
The SEAMS Association is a not-for-profit organization comprised of manufacturing and contract
manufacturing companies in the sewn products industry. SEAMS supplier member companies provide valuable
products, services, and support to the sewn products industry. SEAMS member companies are located
throughout the United States. Membership in the SEAMS Association is one way to enhance your company's
continued growth and success. The US sewn products industry faces many challenges, and one of the best
ways to promote our industry's interests is to join forces with business colleagues in the SEAMS Association.
The SEAMS Association is dedicated to promoting a business climate which will enhance and support the
retention of sound economic growth throughout the entire United States. The SEAMS Association is constantly
working to develop solutions to many of the challenges facing the sewn products industry. Participation as an
active member of the SEAMS Association insures that the voice of the sewn products industry will be heard and
responded to.
OFFICERS & DIRECTORS - 2013
Officers
President Jeff Crisco, AEC Narrow Fabrics, Asheboro, NC
TEL: 336-629-2626
EMAIL: jeff.crisco@aecnarrowfabrics.com
Vice President Dan Teel, Fox River Mills, Osage, IA
TEL: 641-732-3798 X: 216
EMAIL: dteel@foxrivermills.com
Secretary/Treasurer Jeremy Wootten, HomTex, Inc., Vinemont, AL
TEL: 256-734-3937
EMAIL: jeremy.wootten@homtex.com
Ex-Officio Officer Mike Diemer, Milliken and Company, Spartanburg, SC
TEL: 864-503-2791
EMAIL: mike.diemer@milliken.com
Executive Director Sarah Y. Friedman, SEAMS Association, Columbia, SC
TEL: 803-772-5861
EMAIL: sarah@seams.org
Directors
Matt Anglemyer, Wells Hosiery and Apparel, Asheboro, NC
TEL: 336-633-4881
EMAIL: matt.anglemyer@wellshosiery.com
Jeoff Bodenhorst, Jr., LA Corp., Lebanon, VA
TEL: 276-889-3656
EMAIL: jeoff@lacorpusa.com
DeeDee Harris, Fab Industries, Great Neck, NY
TEL: 516-498-3200
EMAIL: deedee.harris@fab-industires.com
Jeff Papalia, National Industries for the Blind, Kernersville, NC
TEL: 336-595-8744
EMAIL: jpapalia@nib.org
Donna Reineke-Kuch, Complete Converting Inc., Toledo, OH
TEL: 419-727-3254
EMAIL: donna@completeconverting.com
Education Director:
Dan St. Louis, Manufacturing Solutions Center, Hickory, NC
TEL: 828-327-7000
EMAIL: dstlouis@manufacturingsolutionscenter.org
Supplier Directors:
Frank Henderson, Henderson Sewing Machine Co, Andalusia, AL
TEL: 334-222-2451
EMAIL: frank@hendersonsewing.com
Matt Poovey, Champion Thread Company, Gastonia, NC
TEL: 704-867-6611
EMAIL: mattpoovey@championthread.com
SEAMS Important is a publication of the...
SEAMS Association
4921-C Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212-3566
TEL: 803-772-5861 FAX: 803-731-7709
WEB: www.seams.org EMAIL: info@seams.org
We welcome your input…Please feel free to contact any of the officers or directors to share your ideas.