The International Textile Market Association (ITMA) will host its 7TH annual fabric: From Concept to Consumer educational tour January 25 through January 27, 2006 in High Point, NC. The tour, which draws students and educators from colleges and universities throughout the country, will host approximately 25 guests for the three-day event. ITMA Member companies and industry supporters who will participate will include Valdese Weavers; Valdese, NC, Tietex Interiors; High Point, NC, Pearson; High Point, NC, Wesley Mancini Ltd.; Charlotte, NC and others.

One of the tours high lights is a mixer with industry textile designers where students can ask questions and show off their portfolios. The mixer will be held Thursday, January 26 at the String & Splinter Club starting at 5:30p.m. Anyone interested in attending should contact the ITMA Office.

Elaine Polvinen, associate professor of fashion textile technology at Buffalo State College, attended the initial symposium and then a tour in 1999. She was delighted with the event. "Everyone needs to know what a valuable contribution ITMA is making to education and to help positively impact the careers of future professionals."Said Polvinen.

Founded in 1990, the ITMA is a non-profit trade association, consisting of mills, converters, tanneries and trimming manufacturers that supply decorative coverings for the home
furnishings industry, whose main objective is to stimulate growth and development within the home furnishings industry. The ITMA is the producer of Showtime, the largest textile market in
the United States.

For more information, call 336-885-6842 or visit www.itma-showtime.com.

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