Southern Textile Association

As we welcome 2026, we’re reflecting with gratitude on a remarkable year for the @SouthernTexAssn. Here’s to another year of learning, connecting and building the future of textiles — together. Happy New Year from the STA! #ILoveThisIndustry #AmericanTextiles #WeMakeAmazing

To those who have spoken at our conferences, shared hard-earned insights and sparked meaningful conversations, your voices strengthen this association and help move our industry forward. Your willingness to educate, challenge and inspire reflects our collaborative spirit.

As we close out the year, we want to pause and say thank you to the members, partners and friends who continue to give life and leadership to the @SouthernTexAssn.

To our members and advocates, thank you for your steadfast support of this venerable association. Your engagement, mentorship and commitment to U.S. textiles ensure that STA remains not only relevant, but essential, for generations to come.

With registration now being open, don’t miss your chance to join industry leaders, innovators, and sustainability experts at this groundbreaking event focused on the future of textile recycling! 📅 April 29–30, 2026 📍 Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC #TRExpoUSA

Free registration is now open! 🎉 The @SouthernTexAssn is excited to be partnered with Textiles Recycling Expo USA, taking place April 29–30, 2026 at the #Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina. tinyurl.com/2cvfpkpb ✨ Secure your free spot: tinyurl.com/37fhhcje

Join us for the @SouthernTexAssn Southern Division Fall Meeting! 🗓 Wednesday, November 19, 2025 📍 SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Downtown #Greenville, S.C. (200 E. Washington St.) Register: tinyurl.com/mrysue7c #ILoveThisIndustry #AmericanTextiles #WeMakeAmazing

The @SouthernTexAssn sends a huge THANK YOU to our STA Northern Division Fall Meeting Sponsors! If you haven’t registered, it’s not too late. Register here: tinyurl.com/yc4etep3 #ILoveThisIndustry #AmericanTextiles #WeMakeAmazing #SouthernTextileAssociation #STA

Attend the @ATA_Expo! Nov. 5-7, 2025 Indianapolis, Ind. USA CONNECT with over 4,500 textiles professionals. DISCOVER the newest innovations in the marketplace. SOURCE from over 300 exhibitors to drive your business forward. tinyurl.com/2hds7kmy #ATExpo #Textiles #Fabrics

Led by industry specialists, these discussions dive into the latest in fiber, material, and design innovation – plus emerging market trends and practical solutions. Advanced pricing ends SOON – register now to lock in the best rate and maximize your @techtextilNA experience!

Get ahead with expert insights at the @techtextilNA Symposium! Join us May 6-8 for in-depth sessions on hot topics like textile reusability in healthcare, aerospace material innovations, bioplastics in the supply chain, and much more. Register now: techtextilna.link/92ee68

Steve and his wife Brenda have been married 60 years and have two children (Rick and Ashley), six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a third on the way. He is active in Shiloh Baptist Church and many charitable organizations.

The @SouthernTexAssn thanks thank Steve Adams, who has has decided to step aside from the STA Board of Governors, for his 50-plus years of service to our association and the textile and chemical sectors. Steve joined the STA in 1974 and has served as a board member for decades.

In addition to the STA, Adams has served as a member of the @AATCC, the Alabama Textile Manufacturers Association (ATMA), the Georgia Textile Manufacturers Association (GTMA), the @NCTO, the @SCManufacturers, the Northern Textile Association (NTA) and others.

He then served at North Chemical Company from 1976-1986 and rose to vice president of Sales and R&D, then joined Seydel-Woolley & Co. in 1986 as president & CEO and served in those positions until 2018. In 1999, he established ZKR Express and remains CEO today.

Steve co-opted with Thomaston Mills and graduated in Textile Engineering from Southern Technical Institute. He also took textile classes at Georgia Tech. He joined Thomaston Mills upon graduation and worked in textile management until 1974 before joining Barber Colman.

“STA was probably better to me than I was for STA. I may be the historian for STA because I had a personal relationship with the president of STA for over 50 years! Most of my personal friends belonged to STA, and that is so true!”

“I helped run the STA golf tournament and membership committee for years, helped build financial stability, attended most meetings even when there were three divisions and, most importantly, helped hire Lillian Link (as secretary/treasurer in the mid-1990s),” Steve said.

He then spent 15 years with R. L. Stowe Mills, the lion’s share as VPof Marketing and Sales. Marshall lives in Greenville SC, with his wife Laura and is active in Christ Episcopal Church & Rotary. He enjoys travel, golf and quality time with his family. Welcome back, Marshall!

Marshall Johnson has rejoined the @SouthernTexAssn Board of Governors, as elected by the Executive Committee. Marshall previously served on the board and as chairman of the Piedmont Division when he was with R.L. Stowe Mills. ...

Marshall received a B.A. from the @UofAlabama and an MBA in International Business from @UofSC . Following graduation from Alabama, he started his career with Milliken & Co., spending seven years in various manufacturing positions as well as Corporate Technical Services. ...