U.S. TEXTILE GROUP TO BEEF UP LOBBYING, PARE DOWN OTHER ACTIVITIES

U.S. TEXTILE GROUP TO BEEF UP LOBBYING, PARE DOWN OTHER ACTIVITIES    The American Textile Manufacturers Institute will sharpen its focus on legislative, regulatory and standards development issues, and will pare down other activities.
   ATMI board members voted to increase the association’s Washington lobbying activities, with 10 percent of the members’ dues earmarked to support political activities for which corporate money can be used, said ATMI president Robert W. Chastain.
   At the same time the membership dues will be reduced by 10 percent for the next fiscal year, Chastain said. “This recognizes the business downturn that the industry is facing.”
   A number of the group’s existing committees such as committees on cotton and wool will be maintained, as well as the environmental, safety and health programs. Committees not dealing in textile-specific issues will be replaced by “as needed” task forces, Chastain said. Consumer affairs, human resources, taxes and communications are included in this latter group.
   ATMI will also reduce its staff by eliminating nine positions out of a total of 28, effective March 30.