Amy Bircher: New IFAI Chairman
Our CEO/Founder Amy Bircher was recently named as the 53rd chair of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI)! The news broke in Nashville during the IFAI Annual Meeting held during IFAI Expo 2021.
Check out this amazing article from Textile World magazine where they interviewed Amy on her new role. She shares her thoughts on IFAI and its value to the industry, as well as the textile industry in general.
Excerpt from the interview/article:
TW: What led you to the textile industry?
Bircher: My family owned and operated a textile dyeing and finishing plant in Lynchburg, S.C., from 1980 to 2000. I started cutting fabric swatches for customers at a very young age and then worked in various parts of the business during high school and college summers.
TW: IFAI reached its 100th anniversary last year? What do you see for your term as chairman, and how does the history of the organization impact your role?
Bircher: It is quite a historical milestone for the association, and I am honored to be chosen as its 53rd chairman. IFAI is in the middle of an extensive rebranding exercise that will ultimately raise the brand perception and awareness within our textile industry so that IFAI can capture an audience that exists in growth markets for them, while maintaining the importance of legacy markets that are the heart of the association. Our board is very engaged in this important exercise and our membership is very excited and ready for this change. I would also like to continue to push for more collaboration among our divisions. In this ever-changing business environment, and with all of the issues that have come out of the pandemic, it is more important than ever to get out of the silo-effect and work across the industry to tap into growth opportunities and discuss common issues. It’s an exciting time for IFAI — it is a remarkable association with very strong leadership that is driven to take IFAI to the next level and provide member benefits that resonate with everyone.
Thank you again to Textile World for the awesome feature!