Former longtime SP Associates owner Gabe Hill dies

April 24, 2024  |  News, People

Gabe Hill, who spent 60 years in the textile industry–including 43 at SP Associates in Charlotte, N.C.–died April 13, 2024 in Abbeville, S.C. He was 89. Hill was owner and general manager of SP Associates, a well-known textile, nonwovens and apparel placement firm, before his retirement in 2017.…
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Texas Tech University lab director elected to National Academy of Inventors

March 13, 2024  |  Industry News, News, People

Seshadri Ramkumar, Ph.D., director of the Nonwovens and Advanced Materials Laboratory at Texas Tech University (TTU) in Lubbock, Texas, was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Inventors’ 2024 class of senior members. The U.S. National Academy of Inventors is a global network of academic in…
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Amy Bircher appointed to advisory committee by President Biden

February 26, 2024  |  ATA News, Industry News, News, People

President Joe Biden announced his intent to appoint nine individuals as members of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, including former Advanced Textiles Association chairman Amy Bircher Bruyn. The advisory committee provides overall policy advice to the U.S. Trade Representati…
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GOZEN welcomes Sedef Uncu Aki as chief product officer

January 3, 2024  |  Company News, News, People

GOZEN, a San Francisco-based biomaterials startup, announced the appointment of Sedef Uncu Aki as its new chief product officer. Aki joins GOZEN with a background in sustainability and textile innovation spanning more than 20 years. Her previous tenure as the director of product development and rese…
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In memoriam: Phillip “Phil” Eugene Russell

November 28, 2022  |  Industry News, People

Phillip "Phil" Eugene Russell, 70, of Mansfield, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.  He passed away quietly in his home surrounded by close family members after a very long, courageous battle with cancer.
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2020 Outstanding Volunteer Award Recipients announced

November 12, 2020  |  Awards, Division News, In the Industry, Industry News, Member News, News, People, Press Release

Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is very fortunate to have so many volunteers who give of themselves selflessly, helping every day by serving on different boards, task forces and committees. These volunteers judge competitions, provide education and impassioned leadership to other…
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2020 Honored Life Member Award Recipient announced

November 12, 2020  |  Awards, Division News, In the Industry, Industry News, Member News, News, People, Press Release

Honored Life Member status for Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is designed for individuals who have shown a commitment to the association. Honored Life Membership is bestowed by special request only, and at the discretion of the IFAI Board of Directors to candidates based on the …
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Meet the Newly Elected and Re-elected 2021 IFAI Board of Directors

November 12, 2020  |  Awards, Division News, In the Industry, Industry News, Member News, News, People, Press Release

Each year, Industrial Fabrics Association International’s (IFAI) Leadership Development Committee follows a detailed process outlined in our bylaws for electing board members. It is IFAI’s pleasure to announce the newly elected and re-elected individuals who were chosen to serve on the 2021 IFAI…
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