Steve Talton and Steve Hawkins, co-owners and co-founders of America Knits in Swainsboro, held a conference earlier this month.The session was attended by a large group of individuals, including Taylor Seals, executive director of Georgia Cotton Commission – Perry, David Holton, Mark Davis, chairman with Georgia Cotton Commission and farming operator, Phillip Roberts with UGA of Tifton, Steve Chapman of Magnolia Loom, Fred Harden and Victoria Kopyar with Field Deposit, Chris Hopkins, Toombs County cotton producer and Georgia Cotton Commission member, Andy Harrison with Georgia Farm and Agriculture, Chad Mathis – Arlington producer, Kelly Rogers, operations coordinator for Georgia’s Capitols, Caroline Gentry with Georgia Cotton Commission and several others.
The meeting began with discussion on upcoming scheduled events and operation updates. Following the normal business discussion, Talton and Hawkins gave a tour of the business located on Empire Expressway followed by a general run down of the company’s operations as well as an educational session on the making of a quality t-shirt.
Kopyar, representative with Field Deposit, then gave information and updates on her company’s behalf. Along with Jernigan Global, Field Deposit works as a match maker for promoting the use of U.S. cotton – specifically Delta. Together, the two companies assist cotton producers with sales by working closely with manufacturing partners, retailers, individuals and government partners who believed the same concept – 100 percent cotton products made in the U.S. and ensuring farmer’s get their deserved pay. The most recent proof of concept being the launching of 100 percent cotton anti-microbial scrubs donated this year to rural healthcare facilities, including Emanuel Medical Center. Benefits and advantages promoting the use of cotton were discussed as well as environmental impact factors of synthetic versus 100 percent cotton products.
Since the launching of the anti-microbial scrubs this year, the cotton industry has seen much growth, and the two business owners of America Knits are ready to hire employees to meet the demands of consumer growth. As of this month, America Knits reportedly has 60 employees and are still not at max production. The company plans to hire approximately 40 more employees to reach an employment goal of 100.
