American Textiles: Threading the Needle

The Alarming Rise in Forced Labor Behind the Consumer Products We Use with Applied DNA Sciences Vice President of Textile Sales MeiLin Wan

MeiLin Wan is the Vice President of Textile Sales for Applied DNA Sciences, a U.S.-based cotton DNA authentication company that released a report earlier this year highlighting an alarming percentage of imported cotton textiles and apparel made by forced labor in Xinjiang, China. Hear more about the rise in forced labor behind the apparel we wear and the consumer products we use every day, why it matters now more than ever for companies to source their apparel and consumer goods ethically, and how bad actors are circumventing a new U.S. law banning these tainted products.

Episode 4 - With Auburn Manufacturing Inc.'s Kathie Leonard

Kathie Leonard is the founder and President and CEO of Auburn Manufacturing Inc., a Maine-based manufacturer of advanced textiles for extreme-heat environments, who hosted a historic visit from President Joe Biden earlier this year. Hear how Kathie built her textile company over the past 40 years, facing a multitude of challenges, including inflation, unfair import competition and a once-in-a-generation pandemic that nearly derailed her company. In a true testament of determination and grit, her small American company engaged in a major battle against Chinese companies dumping silica fabric on the U.S. market and came out the other side a victor. Kathie details her personal journey as a woman textile leader who has persevered and whose story of success drew the likes of an American president to her factory floor in this program of “American Textiles: Threading the Needle.”

Episode 3 - NCTO's Kim Glas Speaks with DAS Jennifer Knight from the U.S. Department of Commerce

Tune in to hear how a strong government advocate for American workers and manufacturers views the future of the U.S. textile and apparel industry, a vital domestic supply chain that has overcome significant challenges in the past three years and continues to support vital jobs and products for this nation’s economy. Jennifer Knight is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods, Materials Industries, Critical Minerals and Metals with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Drawing from her first-hand tours of a broad swath of the innovative American textile industry and her own family’s history in the industry, Knight talks textile trade policy, giving insight into how the government is helping support and expand this critical manufacturing supply chain that is under constant threat from illegal foreign competition from China and others. Hosted by NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas.

Episode 2 - Unraveling the global apparel industry with author Maxine Bédat

Unraveling the global apparel industry with author Maxine Bédat Join our conversation with celebrated author Maxine Bédat as we discuss her new book, “Unraveled: The Life and Death of a Garment,” and also explore the activities of The New Standard Institute, where she is Executive Director. In her book, Ms. Bédat (who was recently seen on CNN and in Forbes) follows the global path of a pair of jeans from the cotton fields of Texas, to the textile manufacturing centers of Asia, to cut-and-sew operations in Sri Lanka, distribution back to U.S. stores for sale to consumers, to the after-life of garments once they are disposed of and end up in burning trash heaps in countries like Ghana.  “Unraveled” is essential reading for anyone in the textile supply chain, from farmers to retailers and consumers worried about the environmental and social impact of today’s globalized textile/garment industry.  Hosted by Kristi Ellis of NCTO, and interviewed by Bob Antoshak, Gherzi Organization partner.

Episode 1 - Women in Textiles: Meet Kim Glas, CEO of NCTO

Women in Textiles: Meet Kim Glas, CEO of NCTO  Kim Glas is the President and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO). As the first woman leader of the U.S. textile industry's trade association in Washington, Kim has had a rewarding career in government and the private sector.  Hear Kim's personal story in this inaugural program of “American Textiles: Threading the Needle,” as well as her advice for women just starting their careers in the textile industry. She also discusses the challenges facing the industry today. The aftermath of the pandemic, changing trade policies, shifting sourcing patterns, economic uncertainty, and growing geopolitical concerns challenge the industry in ways not seen for many years.  This is an insightful discussion with one of the leading manufacturing and trade policy experts in the American textile industry. Tune in to learn more! Hosted by Kristi Ellis of NCTO, and interviewed by Bob Antoshak, Gherzi Organization partner.