eTC Weekly Newsletter • November 25, 2020 • Vol. 7, Issue 35
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eTC Weekly Newsletter
Greetings!

To our U.S. readers, I hope you have happy, safe and blessed Thanksgiving, albeit probably unlike any other in this upside down year of 2020. We certainly have a lot to be thankful for, despite the circumstances. And for all subscribers: I hope the holiday season is filled with love and gratitude as we work our way into a new year and, hopefully, jumpstart the new normal (whatever that will look like).

Classifieds
Zimmermann-Dynayarn USA, LLC, Graham, N.C., is seeking a Production Manager. To view job description, please click here.

Promote your brand, services, products
As you plan your 2021 marketing programs in the coming weeks, please consider using eTC for your marketing and promotional activities. Contact us here for more information.
SMOOTH RIDE
Cycle apparel maker Kitsbow finding mountains of success with move east
A just-right location in the North Carolina mountains provided the boost California-born cycling apparel maker Kitsbow with the momentum it needed to change its business model and bring its supply chain onshore.
 
And, as has been the case with many apparel and textile companies during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kitsbow broadened its product line in the early spring to produce masks for the public and healthcare workers.
 
Cycling enthusiast David Billstrom (pictured at right), an investor in and CEO of Kitsbow, discovered he had found the “Goldilocks” location in Old Fort, N.C., when he began recruiting new staff for the fledgling, but well-known firm. The move east last year has proven to be a timely impetus for growth.
HomTex plans expansion for more PPE production, creating 300+ jobs
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday announced that HomTex Inc. received $10,572,100 in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funds to expand operations to Selma to develop Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). A family-owned and certified minority-owned business headquartered in Cullman County, Ala., the new Dallas County manufacturing location will create 300 to 325 new jobs. Read more.
Textile Technology Center signs first apprenticeship program participant
The Textile Technology Center at Gaston College’s Kimbrell Campus has signed its first apprentice through the Apprenticeship 321 program. J. Tyler Medlin was introduced as a program participant at an Apprenticeship 321 graduation and signing ceremony held virtually. Read more.
Web watch
 
DLA Troop Support has put out their FY21 Forecast, it has 461 line items and can be found on the North Carolina Military Business Center’s website under the clothing and textile page https://www.ncmbc.us/clothing-and-textiles/
If you would like additional information on Federal Contracting Opportunities please contact the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) www.ncmbc.us
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Devin Steele

PHOTO AT RIGHT:
Mask courtesy of TS Designs, Burlington, N.C. The company offers mask options made from its upcycled T-shirts as well as new U.S. cotton yardage. Masks are made at its partner facilities in North Carolina. All of its custom printed masks are made at Trotters Sewing Company in Asheboro, N.C., and all upcycled masks are made at Fuller Specialty in Burlington, N.C. Get yours here.