Media Contact:
Emily Parker, College of Textiles, 919/515-6529

May 12, 2004

College of Textiles Announces 2004 Textile Leader of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Augustine D. Tantillo, coordinator for the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition (AMTAC) in Washington, D.C., has been named the 2004 Leader of the Year for the North Carolina State University College of Textiles. A ceremony honoring Tantillo was held recently at the College of Textiles.

Kappa Tau Beta Leadership Fraternity and Phi Psi Fraternity choose the Leader of the Year each year for the College of Textiles. The award recognizes a textile industry executive who has shown outstanding leadership.

“Mr. Tantillo is one of the most informed voices speaking about fair trade today,” said Blanton Godfrey, dean of the College of Textiles. “Rather than just opinions, Tantillo provides reams and reams of facts. And these facts aren’t pretty. He makes a case for a serious problem in America’s thinking and about our future. Everyone in America should have a chance to hear his message.”

Tantillo is responsible for policy development as well as directing all lobbying activities undertaken by the AMTAC Coalition, a group of U.S. manufacturers from various industrial sectors dedicated to the preservation of the U.S. manufacturing.

Tantillo began his career with U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina from 1981-85 as a legislative assistant focusing on trade, commerce and agriculture. From 1985-88, he worked for Russell Corporation as director of federal government relations. Later, Tantillo returned to work for Sen. Thurmond, where he served as the senator’s primary advisor on key legislative, economic and political issues.

Tantillo has also served in other prominent positions. In 1989, President George H.W. Bush appointed Tantillo to serve as deputy assistant secretary of commerce for textiles, apparel and consumer goods, where he developed and implemented policies to enhance the international competitiveness of the U.S. textile and apparel sector. He also served as chairman of the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA); oversaw the government’s export promotion program for the textile/apparel industries, designed to assist domestic manufacturers in expanding their sales in overseas markets; and administered two separate critical research grants designed to enhance modernization of the textile and apparel industries through technological advancement.

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