SCMA President Says It's the Best of Times for Textile Industry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/9/2002
(By Lisa Garrett)
PENDLETON --- Taking a page from Charles Dickens' literary masterpiece, A Tale of Two Cities, South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance President Mark Kent told Tri-County Technical College's textile management majors that 2002 can be seen as 'the best of times' for the textile industry.

Kent, who also is president and CEO of the Kent Manufacturing Company in Greenville, made his remarks as the keynote speaker at the College's 30th annual textile management scholarship banquet.

According to statistics, enrollment in textile management and textile schools is at an all-time high, said Kent. "Incoming textile freshmen rank near or at the top of all students with SAT scores in 2001 – 02," Kent told the 28 students receiving scholarships.

"Graduates in textile programs in the U.S. had one of the highest placement percentages of all graduates in 2002 with many of them reaching pay levels well above their peers," he added.

"Each manufacturer will tell you that the most valuable asset within his or her organization is the people," said Kent, who holds a bachelor of arts degree from Wake Forest University and is a 1986 graduate of Clemson University's School of Textiles.

Kent said SCMA wants a closer working relationship between manufacturers and higher education, specifically the technical college system. The SCMA, the State's only trade organization dedicated solely to manufacturing, is the liaison to the legislative, executive and regulatory bodies of state government. The Alliance's array of educational forums for members encourages idea exchange, strategy sharing and professional development. This statewide member-driven organization shapes SCMA policy and direction for a better quality of life for all.

Beginning this year the SCMA Textile Council sponsored two textile scholarships in addition to providing cash awards for Tri-County's Outstanding Graduate and Student of the Year in the Textile Management Technology program. Also, SCMA helped to fund distance learning classes for the textile management program at Tri-County.

"This new, innovative effort allows us to reach more people who were previously unable to access the necessary expertise in textile training to further improve and enhance their skills. This is a commitment to you and to the industry."

As chair of SCMA, he challenged the students to make the organization more accountable.

"All of you in this room carry with you the knowledge, the energy and the enthusiasm to impact the present and future direction of these industries. You have the power to make this the 'best of times'," he said.

In conclusion, Kent expressed the SCMA's commitment to the College's program and its students, "We are committed to developing a closer working relationship with our state's technical college system. Our establishing and presenting these awards tonight are evidence of our promise to you."
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