Chism sees benefits of university-level sponsorships

By Sigrid Tornquist

Roy Chism, president of The Chism Co. in San Antonio, Texas, is committed to instilling the possibilities of specialty fabrics to the next generation. Chism believes that sustained industry sponsorships at the university level and innovation through academic research will yield the best return on investment for the future of the specialty fabrics industry.

“Sponsoring a university-level fabrics application lab on a sustained basis influences the perspective and consciousness of an entire class—or multiple classes—of architectural, engineering, design and construction science students,” Chism says. “The students who continue in those traditionally non-fabrics-based career paths will learn to consider fabrics as first solutions throughout the lives of their careers.”

Chism participates on the board of the Industrial Fabrics Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation that engages in research; educates the public and provides information regarding specialty fabrics; and engages in all other charitable educational activity approved by the board of directors. For more information about the foundation, visit www.indfabfnd.com.

Sigrid Tornquist is the editor of Specialty Fabrics Review.