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Page 10 Williams Tells Clinton Mills' Contributions to County at Industrial Appreciation Night Representatives of the Laurens County In dustrial community and members of the Shrine Club got an indepth report on Clinton Mills' contributions to the county as Presi dent Thad Williams addressed the local Shrine Club's Industrial Appreciation night audience. Williams, who has held the presidency position approximately six months, outlined the company’s strength which has enabled it to make substantial contributions to the Laurens County area since 1896. “Our operating schedule has been unpa ralleled in our industry,” noted Williams. “For the 120-month period 1978 through 1987, we will have operated our Laurens County plants over 99 percent of our normal operating schedule.” As vivid color slides, which were prepared by the Human Resources Department, flashed across the screen, the Shrine guests saw pictures which were representative of the $100 million the company has invested in the past 10 years in new plant and equip ment. Williams spoke positively about the $ 16.3 million renovation of Clinton Plant No. 1, which, coupled with the addition of weekend shifts, will increase this plant’s capacity by two times. Attentive business leaders and Shriners listened enthusiastically as the Clinton ex ecutive outlined thetextilefirm’sformula for success: “We have capable and moti vated people; a commitment to technology; and successful marketing strategy.” To illustrate each point, he cited the credentials of top management and the par ticipation by management in the company’s ownership. Color slides flashed across the screen which showed opening, spinning, winding, weaving, storage and other equipment which has been coordinated with numerous micro-processor systems to achieve man agerial data and control that only a few years ago did not exist. Clinton’s marketing strategy, the third ingredient for success, captured the audi ence’s attention as a thorough explanation was made as to Clinton's ability to shift apparel fabric production from import sensi tive markets to less sensitive home fur nishings markets. During his remarks he praised the efforts of Chairman Robert M. Vance and Marketing Manager Josh Hamilton in continuously working with government agencies in an effort to obtain import controls limiting the amounts of printcloth coming into the Un ited States. Government and other business leaders were pleased to hear Williams' report on the full operating schedules planned for the next 12 months as well as the $1 million the company expects to pay in 1988 property taxes. Throughout his address, he cited figures to the group which revealed Clinton's over whelming impact on the local economy. “Using the echo effect, the Clinton Mills $30 million payroll will add $120 million to the economy of the Laurens County area,” noted Williams. “The company,” according to Williams, “purchases $2.5 million in local supplies annually; pays $2.3 million for employees' medical care; and supports numerous char itable and civic institutions such as the YMCA and United Way.” “We have 2,550 associates and 1,710 of these work in Laurens County. During the last year we have increased our employment by 140 and anticipate adding 110 in the next 12 months,” he continued as facts and figures were given to support Clinton and its associates’ contributions to the area. “Our strategy regarding all competition, including imports, is to do a better job. We do this by producing the highest quality fab rics, by providing the best and most reliable service, by being flexible to the needs of our customers and by selling at competitive prices. We must constantly be alert to im ports and their ever increasing share of the markets we serve.” As he* concluded his remarks, Williams gave a special tribute to Chairman Robert M. Vance who is a member of the Shrine Club. “In each year since 1958 Vance has held a leadership position as either president or G.T. Williams chairman of the board of our company,"said Williams as a special slide of Vance flashed on the screen. “For almost 30 years he has worked with management to blend indi vidual talents into a formula for success. He has been our catalyst for growth and mod ernization.” “In his quiet way, he has shown great strength in his commitment to keep Clinton Mills first. We are grateful for his 50 years of service and for his continuing advice ahd counsel.” Ed Bigbee Retires After 20 Years Service Ed Bigbee has retired following 20 years of service to Clinton Mills. Bigbee came to Clin ton Mills as a loom technician and was later promoted to assistant departmental superin tendent, the position he held to retirement. “I found Clinton Mills to be one of the best places anywhere to work,” noted Bigbee. During retirement he plans to garden, watch sports on TV, and travel as much as he can. Bigbee Houston Ellis Retires From Lydia Weaving Houston Ellis has joined a number of his friends as he retired from Lydia Weaving. Houston joined the company January 7, 1953, and was an assistant departmental superintendent at retirement. “It's almost impo ssible to recall all of the changes that have taken place since the 1950s,” recalled Ellis. “The location of depart ments, types of machi nery, and technology improvements have been too numerous to recall.” “I’m just glad to have had an opportunity to be a part of the Clinton organization,” Ellis said as he received a retiremen^gift from fellow employees. Private Andrew Martin, son of Julia D. Martin of Clinton, has completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. During the training, students received instruction in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, first aid, and army history and traditions. Mr. Ellis