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In memoriam: Ann Hunzinger, owner, Evanston Awning Co.
September 29th, 2025
Ann Hunzinger (middle). Ann Hunzinger of Evanston, Ill., former owner of Evanston Awning Co. and director of the Mid-American 8 Canvas Products Association board, passed away Sept. 18, 2025. She was 74. In addition to serving as director on the Mid-American 8 Canvas Products Association (MA8CPA) board, which is now known as the Midwest Fabric […]
In memoriam: Stephen J. Franta, Canvas Craft
September 29th, 2025
Image: Family of Stephen Franta Stephen J. Franta of Medina, Minn., former owner of Canvas Craft, passed away Sept. 15, 2025, after battling cancer. He was 84. Stephen started Canvas Craft in 1988 as a one-man marine canvas shop, and in 2004, his son, Max, joined the business, who is now the company’s president. He […]
Seshadri Ramkumar receives Lifetime Achievement Award
August 6th, 2025
Seshadri Ramkumar, Ph.D., (center) receiving the award. Image: Seshadri Ramkumar, Ph.D. Seshadri Ramkumar, Ph.D., a professor at Texas Tech University (TTU), received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Science Monitor. The foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals for their contributions to science and technology. Ramkumar was recognized for his work in promoting India-U.S. collaborations […]
In memoriam: Hank Truslow, former CEO, Sunbury Textile Mills
July 21st, 2025
Image: Henry Truslow family Henry A. Truslow (Hank) of Northumberland, Pa., former chairman and CEO of Sunbury Textile Mills and chairman of the American Textile Manufacturers Institute and the Northern Textile Association, died July 10 after a six-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 86. In 1962, Truslow began his career in the textile industry […]
In memoriam: Kevin Crean, EVP of sales, Bondcote Performance Textiles
July 17th, 2025
Kevin Crean. Image: Bondcote Performance Textiles Advanced Textiles Association member Kevin Crean, executive vice president (EVP) of sales for Bondcote Performance Textiles, formerly Graniteville Specialty Fabrics, passed away Fri., July 4, at the age of 76. A graduate of Virginia Tech, Kevin began his career in 1973 as a sales trainee at the Graniteville Company’s […]
Value Vinyls Inc. promotes Marc Shellshear to president
June 6th, 2024
Marc Shellshear, Value Vinyls Inc. new president. Image: Value Vinyls Inc. Value Vinyls Inc., a specialty textiles and fabrics provider based in Grand Prairie, Texas, announced the promotion of Marc Shellshear to president. Shellshear brings over 30 years of extensive experience in operations, sales and marketing across multiple industries including specialty textiles, fabric and shade […]
Former longtime SP Associates owner Gabe Hill dies
April 24th, 2024
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. "f you’ve been in a part of […]
Texas Tech University lab director elected to National Academy of Inventors
March 13th, 2024
Seshadri Ramkumar, Ph.D., director of the Nonwovens and Advanced Materials Laboratory at Texas Tech University (TTU) in Lubbock, Texas. Image: TTU 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 […]
Amy Bircher appointed to advisory committee by President Biden
February 26th, 2024
Amy Bircher at IFAI Expo 2021 in Nashville, Tenn. 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. The advisory committee provides overall policy advice to the U.S. Trade Representative on matters in connection with […]
In memoriam: Donald “Don” Michael Reinbolt
January 22nd, 2024
Former IFAI (now ATA) chairman Donald "Don" Michael Reinbolt of Temperance, MI, died at age 77 on Saturday, January 13, 2024. He was born on June 11, 1946, in Toledo, Ohio, and was the son of Charles M. and Mary Katherine (Hartley) Reinbolt. He married his high school sweetheart from Woodward High School, Suzanne Loemker, […]