Focus on China
March 9, 2009 Most U.S. cotton growers are aware that China has become a central focus for Cotton Incorporated as we market the advantages of U.S. cotton internationally. China is the largest importer of raw cotton. China is also the largest customer of U.S. cotton. Because of this, it is important that we continue to nurture Chinese mill and manufacturing relationships that allow us to publicize the many advantages of U.S. cotton over growths from other countries and more importantly – over synthetic fibers. Cotton Incorporated is already being very proactive toward securing a competitive position for U.S. cotton in China. To increase that effort, I recently assigned Charles Chewning, vice president of Fiber Management, to spearhead a new task force division that will focus on developing U.S. cotton export opportunities to mills in China. The division is called EFS Marketing, China. Charles remains the driving force behind the ongoing development and implementation of our world-recognized EFS System suite of cotton fiber management computer software. The EFS System is an important tool we can use to secure a stronger and more permanent share of the cotton fiber market in China. Based on the historical success of implementing the EFS System domestically, we are confident that this task force will lead to the acquisition of additional international licensees for EFS and subsequent sales of U.S. cotton to China.
Extolling the Positives of Cotton
Today’s suppliers, manufacturers, brands and retailers are all putting more emphasis on the environmental aspects of their materials, products and processes. The impact from their actions is changing public perception about many traditional products and processes – including apparel and home products manufactured from cotton. While this subject has received “more than its deserved share” of publicity, a lot of the circulated information has been inaccurate — clouding the truth about cotton’s processes and products. To assist their efforts in spreading the positive environmental aspects of the research and promotion, Cotton Incorporated announces the ENVIRONMENT + trademark. The trademark, which will be used by staff as they work with clients, incorporates the widely-recognized Seal of Cotton (printed in green to underscore its environmental purpose) and a plus sign – translating the many positive aspects of cotton’s processes and products. “It clearly relays to the world that Cotton Incorporated is making a positive difference for the environment in all that we do,” says Berrye Worsham, president and CEO of Cotton Incorporated.
Dirty Laundry Tour Returns
Next month, Cotton Incorporated will kick off their second Cotton’s Dirty Laundry Tour. A college campus tour, this multi-platform program is designed to educate college men and women about buying and caring for their clothing and decorating their dorm room while maintaining an active, independent lifestyle. “The tour was created to engage college students as they begin to experience life away from their parents and all the freedom and responsibility that it entails,” explains Paula Rosario, vice president, Retail & Fashion Marketing. The tour is increasing the number of college campuses it will be visiting to 14. They include: University of Maryland, Michigan State University, University of Colorado, Boulder, Weber State University, Fresno State University, University of California San Diego, Arizona State University, University of New Mexico, Texas State San Marcos, Texas A&M University, Louisiana State University, Florida State University, Middle Tennessee State University and North Carolina State University.
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