About
Formed in 1990 by industry leaders, SPESA (the Sewn Products
Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas) is the largest trade association
in the Americas solely devoted to the advancement of suppliers of sewn
products machinery, ancillary equipment, parts, services and technology
for the sewn products industry. SPESA is an independent, non-profit
organization.
Based in Raleigh, North Carolina USA, SPESA is a non-profit trade
association dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests and
image of the suppliers to the sewn products industry. SPESA speaks for
and acts in unison on matters of common interest that affect companies
supplying the sewn products industry and the customers they serve. SPESA
provides a forum to address the challenges of an ever-changing global
marketplace.
The goals and objectives of SPESA are to structure an organization that
reflects and promotes the interests and image of its membership,
maximize its member involvement in SPESA activities, enhance the
knowledge base of its members and customers, optimize trade show value,
advance the association globally, and develop standards of excellence
for its members.
Leadership
The Officers and Board of Directors are responsible for policy direction, with day-to-day administration by the Executive Vice President.
Active member participation is important to guarantee the effectiveness of the Association in representing the interests of the members and the sewn products industry. Participation provides SPESA members with a broader perspective of both the industry and the Association.
Ad hoc committees are appointed by the Board and/or President to oversee specific projects.
Officers
President – Frank Henderson
Henderson Sewing Machine Co., Inc.
Vice President – Ron Smith
National Machine Products (1986) Inc.
Treasurer – Dr. Mike Fralix
[TC]2
Exec. V.P. & Sec. – Benton W. Gardner
SPESA Staff
Board of Directors
Martin Gopman
President, Universal Sewing Machine Co.
Miami, Florida
Frank Henderson,
President, Henderson Sewing Machine Co., Inc.
Andalusia, Alabama
Mike Land
President, Dunlap Sunbrand International
Hopkinsville, Kentucky
Eric Schlossman
COO, MIC Sewing Supplies, LLC
Miami, Florida
Lonny Schwartz
President, Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC
New York, New York
Ron Smith
President, National Machine Products (1986) Inc.
Downsview, Ontario Canada
John Stern
President, Methods Workshop, LLC
Lake Worth, Florida
Rolando G. Bohlemann
President, Schmetz Needle Corporation
Medley, Florida
Sam Simpson
Vice President Global Sales,
Gerber Technology
Tolland, Connecticut
Lou Melocchi
President, Rimoldi of America, Inc.
Miami, Florida
Dr. Mike Fralix
President, [TC]2
Cary, North Carolina
Mel Berzack
President, Sewn Products Equipment Co.
Jefferson, Georgia
Staff
Benton Gardner
Executive Vice President & Secretary
Dave Gardner
Managing Director
Kathryn Doggett
Accounting
Amy Green-Welsh
Administration
Laura Kelly
Administration, Website