MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA, August 2006 -- The Synthetic Yarn & Fibers Association celebrated its inaugural Summer Conference from July 27^th – 29^th. Formerly known as the the Textured Yarn Association of America (TYAA), the board of directors have overseen the transition to the new broader based SYFA.

The conference was held in the beautiful new Marriott Grand Dunes resort and was attended by more than 130 members and guests. The conference papers presented a range of topics of interest to members, ranging from trade issues to an anti microbial (and anti ageing) treatment for fibers. President Chas Scott of Unifi welcomed the attendees on Friday morning and Paul O’Day – President of the American Fiber Manufacturers Association – delivered the keynote address advising membership of the status of current free trade developments and their likely impact on the industry. The timing was very appropriate following the recent collapse of the Doha round of Free Trade discussions at the WTO. Alasdair Carmichael of PCI Fibres presented a global view of the Synthetic Yarns and Fibers Industry indicating areas of domestic strength and those areas where import competition is strongest. Gwen Perkins of the Textile Technology Center in Gastonia brought the membership up to date with the facilities and the vision for the Center. The exciting new Megatex show in Atlanta was introduced by Sue Denston of ATMA, providing everyone with the enthusiasm to attend at the end of October. SYFA will have a booth and be co-sponsoring a breakfast meeting.

            Friday afternoon saw groups on the golf course, the tennis courts and volleyball as networking opportunities flourished in the heat! The Friday evening banquet allowed members to discuss the morning’s presentations as well as the putts that didn’t drop and the net cords that just foiled the perfect drop shot.

            Saturday’s program was introduced by Jerry King of Milliken presenting the financial position as well as the slate of officers. The first formal presentation was from Steve Davies – Director of Fibers Business Development for Natureworks LLC. Steve showed the developments made with Ingeo® fiber based on corn and the end uses where it is penetrating. The recent focus on oil prices and consequent increase in fossil fuel based fibers meant this was a very relevant presentation. Oerlikon presented the new approach that the Saurer group is taking to its Barmag brand texturing machinery division. The approach to Chinese manufacturing was reviewed and information provided on a major new expansion in Saurer manufacturing capacity in Suzhou. Jeff Gabbay, CEO of Cupron, Inc presented both the wound healing and anti microbial attributes of Cupron’s copper based products and also the wrinkle removal products that are to be launched by a major cosmetic company in the coming months. It was of great interest from all the “silver generation” attendees.

            The program was concluded by Dr Wayne Ates and his unique brand of humor and motivation. One of the points he stressed was the need to be enthusiastic and passionate in whatever you do, and certainly the speakers all showed these traits in their presentations.

            The SYFA got off to an excellent start in its new format and all the members who attended were stimulated to ensure that they worked to the future success of the association.
Since then many  conferences have been held and the increase in attendence  reflects the importance of the association to the industry.  

            Officers of the SYFA are now:

All past presentations are available on CD.  Please contact the SYFA on how to obtain your copy and how to apply for membership.

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