The Golden Ticket?
February 18, 2010 It’s been over a year since I toured the Cotton Incorporated facilities in Cary, NC, but I can remember just about every part of the tour we went on that day.
I was there with a group of Texas growers as part of the Producer Information Exchange tour program. As we wound our way through the pristine labs and testing facilities, I couldn’t help but be impressed with everyone we crossed paths with there.
The entire tour felt like a scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Each stop featured a developing innovation in cotton. Much like Willy Wonka’s workplace, the Cotton Incorporated experience also comes with its own theme song – “The Fabric of Our Lives”.
The place was filled with hardworking, supremely smart people who were redefining the way we think about cotton – from the field to the retail shelf.
That’s why it came as no surprise to learn that some of those innovations were coming to successful fruition in the real world. All through the week at the Beltwide Cotton Conferences in early January in New Orleans, Cotton Inc.’s staff showcased the multitude of ways they’ve been working to promote and benefit the cotton industry. You can read about one of their projects – Cotton Inc.’s improbable Storm Denim technology – on page 22.
Of course, that’s only the tip of the iceberg of our Beltwide coverage. Start on page 11 of this month’s issue and follow along as we present all the Beltwide information we were physically able to take in. We think you’ll find our coverage the next best thing to being in the Big Easy.
And don’t miss Henry’s profile of the 2009 Cotton Marketer of the Year, Danny Finch (pages 8-10). Mr. Finch highlights a long list of growers and cotton industry professionals who found a way to turn a sometimes difficult 2009 into a profitable year.
After our week in New Orleans, we’re certain that the coming year will be even more rewarding for our industry. As Henry and I settle in for the winter conference season, we’ll be looking forward to seeing more cotton in your fields this spring. Whether in the conference hall or on the turn road, we’re sure to see you out there along the way.
GET THE NEWSLETTER TODAY!
