Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Pages Josh Hamilton confers with trade officials on import matters. THANKSGIVING NOV. 26,1987 In the same spirit which prompted our forefathers to pause and give thanks on that first Thanksgiving Day let us do likewise. Our America is the greatest and most favored nation on earth and this Thanksgiving Day let us reflect our feelings for blessings and join together in hope and trust that we may remain the strong united country forever as we are today. Hamilton Gives Advice to Trade Negotiators Armed with volumes of statistical textile trade data, Clinton's Marketing Planning Manager Josh Hamilton is on call at virtually all times to respond to questions and give advice to U.S. government trade nego tiators. Hamilton, a former ATMI statistician, is highly regarded in government circles and the industry as an expert on the economic impact imports have on the various sectors of the textile economy. He is called upon frequently to determine which types of goods require protection under current trade laws. Recently Hamilton was involved in the fourth round of trade talks between the U.S. and the People’s Republic of China and pre paring for another round in November. “China is the United States' largest fore ign supplier of textiles and apparel," noted Hamilton. "In all probability, print cloth im port levels over the next few years will be determined by China because they control over half of the world’s quota. “It is important that we continue to work toward strong trade legislation. Last year, our Textile Trade bill was vetoed. If the House and Senate both pass the 1987 Tex tile Trade bill, we will work hard to override a presidential veto, if necessary.” According to Hamilton, all existing trade and apparel quotas expire by the end of 1991. Any extension of quotas beyond 1991 depends upon the successful renewal of the Multi Fiber Agreements which provide the framework under which bilateral agree ments control imports. “Imports of textile and apparel products continue at record levels," commented Hamilton. “It is alarming that Russia is now entering the textile scene and has made sig nificant shipments to the United States.” Hamilton, who has appeared before trade negotiators throughout the United States as well as several overseas countries, works closely with officials in Commerce and a staff of trade negotiators. His current appointment as a member of the Industry Sector Advisory Committee on Textile and Apparel for Trade Policy Matters will expire in 1988. Hamilton praised the efforts of Chairman Robert M. Vance who has worked very close ly with him, industry leaders and high rank ing government trade negotiators in present ing the industry’s position on imports. Greater Clinton United Way Drive Proves Successful As the Clothmaker went to press, Clinton associates had contributed $18,892.61 to the Greater Clinton United Way, according to Sonny King, who coordinates the program. This year the United Way of Greater Clin ton set a goal of $154,575 to meet the budgeted needs of the 25 agencies compris ing the United Way. Over the years numerous Clinton associ ates have received assistance from one or more agencies founded by the United Way. "Wheelchairs, walkers and other con valescent care are available through the Un- Editorially Speaking ited Way and many associates take advan tage of this availability during the year,’’said King. "Another popular agency is the Salvation Army,” he added. "The local thrift store unit of the Salvation Army assisted many of our families during the past year who had a house fire, sickness or financial difficul ties." The success of the Clinton program is attributable to our volunteer solicitors,” he continued. "Without their efforts, our prog ram would not be successful." Down Wall Street Everyone in this county has been affected by the huge losses suffered on Wall Street on October 19, 1987, and the few "down" trading days before. When the stock market falls or rises, more than stockholders are affected. The market Recent Service Anniversaries Lizzie Martin 25 years Employed 9-24-62 Plant No. 2 Spinning Claude Ward 40 years Employed 8-28-47 Clinton Maintenance Beulah Moore 25 years Employed 8-27-62 Plant No. 2 Cloth Robert Harris 25 years Employed 10-2-62 Plant No. 2 Spinning is generally regarded as an indicator of strength and confidence by investors in the economy. Adverse happenings, such as those events which have shaken the entire business world recently, will certainly take its toll as con sumers will more than likely think long and hard before making major purchases. Market experts attributed the fall to many things, but a principal factor was the huge trade deficit we have in this country. Recent statistics show that the textile and apparel trade deficit accounted for more than half of the increase in the nation’s total merchandise trade deficit in the first five months of 1987. Unfortunately, the President of the Un ited States has turned his back on the issue of fair trade and has failed to act to protect textiles and other industries from imports. No one knows what liesahead as business leaders and other investors move forward in a shaky economy. Never before has the need for Congress and the President to come forward with meaningful programs to deal with trade and budget deficits. We cannot change the severe impact which businesses and investors have suf fered in the recent "market crash." We can hope that confidence and order can be quickly restored to business and the invest ment community.