ACSA Elects Lea to Succeed Dunavant
October 27, 2009 The American Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA), the 85 year-old trade national trade association of U.S. cotton merchants, announced the resignation of its President John D. Dunavant and the election of his successor Jordan Lea.
At a recent telephone conference, the ACSA Board of Directors elected Jordan Lea of Eastern Trading Company, Greenville, South Carolina to succeed Dunavant. Lea had been serving as ACSA’s First Vice President. The ACSA Board also elected Phil Bogel of Toyo Cotton Company, Dallas, Texas as First Vice President. Bogel had been serving as Second Vice President.
The ACSA Board action authorizes both Lea and Bogel to serve through the ACSA convention in May 2010 and then be re-elected to full terms as President and First Vice President. The ACSA Nominating Committee of Past President will nominate a new Second Vice President in the coming months.
In his letter of resignation, Dunavant said he took such action “with deep regret,” noting that his action was a result of Dunavant Enterprises being “in the final stages of merging with Allenberg Cotton Company,” and that “our company will soon cease its long-time cotton operations.”
ACSA’s Executive Vice President William E. May, stated that Dunavant submitted his letter of resignation on October 13, 2009. “John, his brother Bill (William B. Dunavant, III) and father Billy (William B. Dunavant, Jr.) each served as ACSA Presidents and have made significant contributions both to ACSA and the cotton industry over the years. Their active participation in the industry will be missed.”
Lea said, “This is a significant responsibility that I assume with the full knowledge of the difficult challenges ahead. While these are not the best of times for the U.S. cotton industry, I see the U.S. coming back as a significant producer and exporter.”
“In the coming months, ACSA will continue to work in support of our U.S. customers our producers and domestic mills. Each of them must be treated fairly in the ongoing trade negations and by the U.S. Congress. We intend to remain competitive in the world market,” said Lea. “ACSA will also continue in its world leadership role in support of contract sanctity and continue to strengthen its relationships with the International Cotton Association and all cotton trade organizations throughout the world.”
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