Session Focus: Workforce Resources for Government and Textile Industry

Explore the future of the DoD textile workforce in this in-depth panel discussion, designed to tackle current challenges and identify strategic solutions for recruiting, training, and retaining top talent. This session will delve into key topics such as talent acquisition and retention, offering strategies to attract and keep skilled professionals in the textile sector. Discussion will center around innovative approaches to training and continuous education to ensure that the workforce stays at the forefront of technological advancements and practices. Learn more about how emerging technologies impact workforce requirements and how to prepare personnel for future demands.

Speakers:

  • Moderator: Erin Ananian-Gentile, Business Development Professional (New Bern), NC Military Business Center
  • Melissa Sharp, Deputy CEO for North Carolina Textile Innovation and Sustainability Engine and Associate Director, Zeis Textiles Extension, Wilson College of Textiles, NC State University
  • Robert Finnegan, Head of Education and Workforce, AFFOA
  • Jeff Neuville, Director, Manufacturing Solutions Center, Catawba Valley Community College
  • Stephen Sharp, Vice President Fiber Innovation and Facilities Development, Gaston College
  • Laurra Winters, Director, Navy Clothing & Textile Research Facility

​​​​​The Federal and Defense Textile and Tactical Equipment (FEDTEX) Summit hosted by the Office of US Senator Thom Tillis, Office of Senator Ted Budd, the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) and the North Carolina Defense Technology Transition Office (DEFTECH) connects the US Department of Defense (DoD) and federal agency clothing and individual equipment buyers with US textile manufacturers, textile supply chain suppliers, cut and sew contractors, research and development (R&D) facilities, testing labs and academic resources.

WHEN.  May 20-21, 2025

WHERE.
North Carolina State University – McKimmon Conference Center
1101 Gorman Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27606

WHO SHOULD ATTEND – All prime textile manufacturers and textile supply chain manufacturers currently producing clothing, footwear, parachutes and textile-based tactical equipment for DoD, and producers of medical, PPE and related soldier systems. Any textile manufacturers that have interest in learning, understanding or possibly entering the DoD/federal marketplace should attend this Summit.  The event is open to all United States and Puerto Rico based textile firms.

FEDTEX 25 objectives

  • Engage with existing contractors and attract new capable businesses into the federal and defense clothing, textiles, and tactical equipment marketplace.
  • Engage existing textile supply chain suppliers and attract new capable businesses into the federal marketplace, and to connect these component suppliers with federal prime contractors.
  • Inform the industrial and academic R&D ecosystem about desired future military technology requirements, and likewise inform DoD agencies about emerging and future textile innovations.
  • Establish a productive and DIRECT dialogue between businesses, government, and academia around critical warfighter issues in the defense textile marketplace – including workforce, supply chain, inflation challenges, and barriers to entry.

TOUR. Cotton Incorporated.  Guests will view firsthand how cotton is processed from a fiber into a textile, then finished, and tested for quality assurance through a guided tour of Cotton Incorporated’s state-of-the-art textile pilot facility with five main laboratory areas. Expert research staff will guide guests through the Fiber Processing, Product Development, Dyeing and Finishing Applications, Color Services, and Product Evaluation Laboratories, sharing innovative research efforts and the textile manufacturing process. Guests will learn how Cotton Incorporated supports the U.S. Cotton Industry through research and promotion.

WELCOME SOCIAL.  A welcome social for the Summit will be held on May 20th at the North Carolina State University McKimmon Conference Center from 5:00 – 7:30 pm. There is no cost for attendees of the Summit to attend.  Attendees must be registered to attend the Summit on May 20th.  To RSVP for the social, please indicate your attendance on your respective registration form for the Summit.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES are available, visit: http://go.pardot.com/e/934193/sponsorship-opportunities-/jlp7x/734201163/h/D4KnVsb3fNikD1JU3tGxHoYSG-5jhO5wQieJz0rZAOU

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