Thirteen U.S. Cotton Industry Members Have Been Chosen For The National Cotton Council’s 2019-2020 Emerging Leaders Program

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — May 3, 2019 — Thirteen U.S. cotton industry members have been chosen for the National Cotton Council’s 2019-2020 Emerging Leaders Program.

Representing the industry’s seven segments are:

  • PRODUCERS:
    • Philip Edwards, III, Smithfield, Va.
    • Jaclyn Ford, Alapaha, Ga.
    • Ben Good, Starkville, Miss.
    • Kellon Lee, St. Joseph, La.
    • Dean Rovey, Buckeye, Ariz.
    • Jake Sheely, Lemoore, Calif.
  • GINNER:
    • Burch Pierce, Jonesville, La.
  • MERCHANT:
    • Bob Champion, Prattville, Ala.
  • WAREHOUSER:
    • Kyle Taubert, Seminole, Texas
  • MARKETING COOPERATIVE:
    • Jeremy Speis, Corpus Christi, Texas
    • Josh Warren, Garner, N.C.
  • COTTONSEED:
    • Joe Gribble, Altus, Okla.
  • MANUFACTURER:
    • Ellis Fisher, Inman, S.C.

Supported by a grant to The Cotton Foundation from Bayer, the Emerging Leaders Program provides participants with a better understanding of how the NCC carries out its mission of ensuring the U.S. cotton industry can compete effectively and profitably in the raw cotton, oilseed and U.S.-manufactured product markets at home and abroad. Specifically, participants get an in-depth look at:

  1. the U.S. cotton industry infrastructure and the issues affecting the industry’s economic well-being;
  2. the U.S. political process;
  3. the NCC’s programs as well as its policy development and implementation process
  4. Cotton Council International’s activities aimed at developing and maintaining export markets for U.S. cotton, manufactured cotton products and cottonseed products and
  5. the role that Cotton Foundation members play in fostering a healthy U.S. cotton industry.

The Emerging Leaders Program, now in its seventh year, also provides participants with professional development and communications training such as presentation and business etiquette, instruction for engaging with the news media, and utilizing social media tools and tactics.

The 2019-20 program members will participate in three sessions. The first session, set for the week of June 16, 2019, in Memphis and St. Louis, will provide an orientation to the NCC, professional development, communication skills training, and an agribusiness briefing. During the second session in February, class members will see policy development at the NCC’s 2020 Annual Meeting in New Orleans. The last session will be in Washington where the group will learn about the NCC’s policy implementation and international market development activities.

Posted May 3, 2019

Source: National Cotton Council (NCC)

Express Partners With Rocky Barnes On Exclusive Apparel Collection

COLUMBUS, Ohio — May 3, 2019 — Express Inc. today announced the brand’s exclusive design collaboration with model, entrepreneur and blogger Rocky Barnes. Inspired by Barnes’ own travels and experiences, the new Express x Rocky Barnes capsule collection is for women who are always curious, constantly growing, and not afraid to be themselves.

Available in 200+ stores and online at express.com/rockybarnes beginning May 3, Barnes’ collection features more than 25 versatile pieces in prints and bold colors, ranging in price from $40-$120. The collection offers mix-and-match dresses, bodysuits, skirts, kimonos, jumpsuits and crop tops in a bright and cheery palette, allowing women to dress for any occasion and explore their own personal style.

“At Express, we empower young men and women to pursue what’s next in their life journey,” said Patrice Croci, Vice President of Brand and Performance Marketing. “We believe personal style tells the story of ambition, and Rocky is the perfect example of hard work, creativity and determination. We are thrilled to partner with Rocky, who inspires other women and shows that style and success come from truly being yourself.”

“I’m excited to unite with Express on a versatile collection that is inspired by the pieces I pull out of my suitcase over and over again,” said Barnes. “I’ve always had a strong point of view when it comes to my style, and anyone who knows me knows I’m not scared of color or prints. Throughout my life journey, I’ve learned to be fearless about being myself, and I hope this collection inspires others to do the same, while mixing and matching styles to make them their own.”

The Express x Rocky Barnes Collection was created in collaboration with Reunited Clothing LLC.

Posted May 3, 2019

Source: Express Inc.

TRSA Hosts Toronto Summit, Three Plant Tours This August

ALEXANDRIA, VA — May 2, 2019 — Leaders in the linen, uniform and facility services industry from North America and around the world should set sights on Toronto this August for TRSA’s Third Annual Canadian Production Summit and Plant Tours, August 27-29. Hosted at the Hilton Toronto, event highlights include tours of three area plants in addition to general session presentations on productivity, management, regulatory, environmental and safety. Enhanced networking opportunities are peppered throughout the event, including evening receptions on August 27-28.

Who should attend:

  • Owners and executives;
  • Senior business and operational management;
  • General managers;
  • Production/plant managers;
  • Engineers; and
  • Associate members.

The Summit opens with a networking reception on August 27. The first agenda item on August 28 is a keynote presentation with Kristen Cumming: Bridging the Gap: The Intergenerational Workplace. Cumming will focus on the exploration of technological, economic and social trends that impact our daily lives, at work and at home. A career development, human resources, productivity and leadership leader, Cumming has spent her life’s work on strategies that improve the connection between people and their work. Those attending will gain a better understanding of how to effectively manage a multigenerational workforce and gain practical solutions to communication challenges faced by today’s leaders and teams that will increase collaboration, communication and performance between generations at work. Cumming holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Master of Management Education degree in Workplace and Adult Learning. She is an instructor at the University of Alberta – Augustana Campus and a sought-after consultant, speaker and trainer on demography, recruitment, engagement and leadership.

General sessions allow for each participant to access all summit content:

  • Sustainability: Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Clean Green Certification;
  • Making the Case for Lean Management to Optimize Processes and Drive Value;
  • Innovative Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Employees; and
  • Regulatory and Legislative Update.

August 28 will close with an interactive operator panel discussing market opportunities and challenges. Panelists will include Randy Bartsch, CEO, Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service Corp. and Tim Topornicki, president and CEO, Topper Linen and Uniform.

The event endcap features tours of three high-efficiency TRSA-member laundries on August 29: K-Bro Linen Systems Inc. (healthcare and hospitality), Topper Linen and Uniform Rental Services (F&B and industrial) and HLS Healthcare Linen Systems (healthcare). Tour attendees benefit by comparing processes, management techniques and tactics against their own operational approaches and return home with additional ideas from conversations with colleagues and plant managers at the tour debriefing sessions.

In addition to early registration and group registration discounts, TRSA offers special Alliance Partner pricing for launderers that are members of affiliated organizations to enable them to attend events and programs that have overarching benefit to the linen, uniform and facility services industry.

Posted May 3, 2019

Source: TRSA

On-Demand Personalized Apparel Manufacturer OnPoint Manufacturing Named 2019 Alabama Manufacturer Of The Year

FLORENCE, Ala. — May 2, 2019 — OnPoint Manufacturing Inc., an on-demand personalized apparel manufacturing company, announced today its most recent honor — being named 2019 Alabama Manufacturer of the Year.

On Wednesday, May 1, 2019, the Business Council of Alabama and the Alabama Technology Network held their annual ceremony at the Alabama Activity Center in Montgomery, Ala., to recognize manufacturers from across the state who exhibit excellence in leadership, performance, profitability and workforce relations.

An independent panel of judges evaluated manufacturers based on demonstrations of superior performance in customer focus, employee commitment, operating excellence, profitable growth and investment in training and retraining. OnPoint was recognized for their innovation and advancement of computer directed manufacturing (CDM).

“All of us at OnPoint Manufacturing are incredibly honored to be the recipient of the Alabama Manufacturer of the Year award,” said J. Kirby Best, chairman of OnPoint Manufacturing. “This award not only reflects the values and dedication of our team members but the unwavering support of the Florence community. The city welcomed us with open arms four years ago, and we are proud to bring this award home.”

Encouraged by the global expansion of on-demand manufacturing and mass customization in other industries, OnPoint, which opened its factory headquarters in Florence in 2014, automates and integrates the entire apparel manufacturing process from order entry through delivery. Employing proprietary workflows, OnPoint can manufacture unique garments in any quantity on demand, while reducing inventory costs and streamlining the supply chain.

OnPoint works closely with PAAT Intl. in developing transformational technology that is revolutionizing the apparel industry by creating inter-software communication solutions. By working to eliminate the roadblocks and inefficiencies that currently challenge the industry, OnPoint and PAAT have created a more sustainable and eco-friendly integrated solution.

“For an apparel manufacturer to be awarded this honor in a state often referred to as the ‘Southern Silicon Valley’ is truly significant,” said Best. “We’re proud to be recognized for our accomplishments in the apparel industry, an industry that is not necessarily associated with the state, like aerospace, aviation and automotive have become. Florence, Alabama, was once the T-shirt capital of the world, and now it is the center of software and manufacturing innovation in the garment industry.”

Posted May 3, 2019

Source: OnPoint Manufacturing

ITMA 2019 Exhibitor Preview: Mahlo

SAAL/DONAU, Germany — May 3, 2019 — The countdown is ticking: when the ITMA show opens its gates on June 20 in Barcelona, the experts of Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG present at booth H2-C203 new systems and solutions for efficient and high- quality textile production and finishing. Three topics are on focus in the machine builder’s appearance.

Via the “Gateway to Industry 4.0“ visitors can immerse in the digital world of Mahlo. mSmart is the name of the concept developed by the technology leader from Bavaria, that defines the digital environment. “Our systems generate data, which the client can use immediately to control on-line. In addition to that, those figures are logged in our new data management system and are retrievable at any time in order to optimize processes and minimize weak points in the production”, Sales Director Thomas Höpfl explains. How measuring data are saved, logged and evaluated, that visitors can test in the mSmart control room. The real-time data of all machines displayed come together here, so every change in a machine can be observed.

The Future of Straightening & Process Control

In the textile industry, the name Mahlo is equivalent to high-end automatic straighteners and process control systems. The experts’ recipe for success is decade-long experience paired with the latest technological developments. Exactly this combination has made Mahlo the world market leader for weft straightening. At the ITMA, the company stays true to its strategy and showcases according to the motto “The Future of Straightening and Process Control” the latest advancements. In live operation, the most recent generations of weft straightener Orthopac RVMC-15 or web gauging system Qualiscan QMS-12, why they enhance every textile production line. Patcontrol PCS-15 for pattern control and Famacont PMC-15 for controlling weft thread and mesh density also contribute to high-quality textile production and finishing. Both are also in live operation at the ITMA. People interested can have the operation principle explained with the help of a demo tower and their own or provided fabric samples at the Mahlo booth.

Denim-Corner

For especially heavy cases, a separate area is reserved at booth H2-C203: at the Denim-Corner everything revolves around the rugged cotton fabric. The popularity of denim is constantly rising, with no end in sight. Equally increase the end customers’ expectations on design and functionality – and therefore also on the producers. Mahlo introduces in Barcelona a new high-end-solution for straightening the demanding material. “The new technology allows exact and quick controlling even of the heaviest web. In a way unprecedented in the denim industry”, says Höpfl.

A meeting point to connect and establish new contacts will be — just like at previous ITMAs — the Mahlo Bistro. Here, visitors can enjoy Bavarian specialties and recapitulate, how they can improve their production processes.

Posted May 3, 2019

Source: Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG

Powered By HeiQ Technology, Speedo Launches Its New Elite Swimwear – Fastskin LZR Pure Intent And Fastskin Pure Valor Suits

SCHLIEREN, Switzerland — May 3, 2019 — Founded in 1914, Speedo has a long heritage and dominance in competitive swimming. Competitive swimmers are always looking to break their own personal records, as well as beating their competitors. In order to win, swimmers need to create the least resistance possible to obtain maximum speed in the water. Speedo’s newest and most advanced Fastskin range does just that.

“We are proud to combine our in-depth knowledge in textiles with Speedo’s expertise in swimwear to develop a differentiating innovation. This is the outcome of the close collaboration between Speedo and HeiQ’s research hubs in Australia and Switzerland,” said Carlo Centonze, HeiQ CEO.

Speedo’s LZR Pure Intent features a unique triple-fabric construction designed to enhance compression and flexibility. To reduce drag, Speedo and HeiQ developed a shark skin-inspired fabric technology. This combination creates pure speed for the sprinter, in what is Speedo’s smartest suit to date.

Speedo’s LZR Pure Valor is designed to be light and flexible to allow the racer to increase their power and reduce drag through streamlining. The fabric was co-developed with HeiQ to give the racer a greater range of motion and core stability to help swimmers feel lifted in the water and stay strong into the finishes.

“With almost two decades of improvements in our Fastskin technology, we are excited to partner with HeiQ to give our racers the ultimate advantage with drag reduction technology to improve their speed. We’ve worked very closely with our athletes and taken all their feedback on board to help them get the suit they need to perform at their absolute best” said Rebecca Bennett, materials specialist at Speedo.

Posted May 3, 2019

Source: HeiQ Materials AG

ITMA 2019 Exhibitor Preview: DiloGroup

EBERBACH, Germany — May 3, 2019 — At ITMA 2019 DiloGroup will once again exhibit a complete operating production line on a booth space of 1,100 square meters. This line will illustrate improvements and modifications as well as innovations in numerous machine design-engineering aspects. The complete technological process starting with fibre preparation via card feeding, to precise web forming and the new Hyperpunch Hα needling will be shown. Elements of “industry 4.0” have been incorparated to design the assisting operating system “diloline 4.0”.

In the fiber preparation phase with DiloTemafa components, the “Baltromix Pro” will show a faster blend changeover which is a prerequisite for even higher throughput. An exact control of the filling level avoids idling or over-filling by feeding fibre bales with the aid of a “bale timer”. The sensor module “DI-LoWatt” assures fibre transport with a minimum of air and thus saves energy.

The current universal card feeder VRS-P Vibration Chute is supplemented by a fine opening stage to further improve feeding quality. After the “VectorQuadroCard” the latest version of our high speed crosslapper “HyperLayer” will be included which allows highest throughput at small to medium layering widths and which is especially suited for hydroentanglement lines.

The advantages of the elliptical needle beam kinematics of Hyperpunch technology is even better used in the “Hyperpunch Hα” loom as a very economic version of the classical Hyperpunch technique. The needleloom on show — DI-LOOM OD-II SLHαV — is equipped with the new needle pattern 6000X to give a very homogeneous stitching distribution.

An automatic starting-aid “smart-start” for the card with automatic threading to crosslapper and needleloom reduces the number of manual interventions.

In the field of “textile additive manufacturing” the “3D-Lofter” will offer further chances of fiber savings for needlefelts used in the automotive and other applications because topologically distributed fiber masses can be positioned in the felt where needed by so called “individual webforming spots”.

“diloline 4.0” includes a wide variety of “smart manufacturing” actions in collaboration with Siemens which all aim at further simplifying operation, increasing transparency in web forming and consolidation thereby increasing efficiency. Production data are stored, documented and compared. An “alarm monitor” indicates disturbances. A production analysis documents the reasons for standstill times. This data can be used to avoid disturbances. Numerous information modules can be recalled via mobile apps and cloud data (mindSpheres). All these methods to control the machines and to generate production data will be helpful to further secure the complex functions within the production system independently of personnel and shift.

DiloGroup looks forward to meeting numerous visitors from around the world at this most important textile machinery exhibition in Barcelona from June 20-26, 2019.

Posted May 3, 2019

EFI Acquires BDR Boya Kimya — Manufacturer Of Reactive Inkjet Inks For Industrial Digital Textile Printing

FREMONT, Calif. — May 2, 2019 — Electronics For Imaging Inc. today announced that it has acquired privately held BDR Boya Kimya San. Tic. A.S. Based in Bursa, Turkey, BDR is a manufacturer of reactive inkjet inks for industrial digital textile printing.

BDR is being integrated into EFI™ Reggiani, a global leader in textile printer technology, and it will continue to develop inks, working closely with and supporting its clients while expanding and growing its capabilities. BDR’s employees are joining EFI, working from their current sites in Turkey. While financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, they are not expected to be material to EFI’s Q2 or full-year 2019 results.

“We are excited to have the BDR team on board and to fully support their industry-leading customers,” said EFI Reggiani Vice President and General Manager Adele Genoni. “The synergies arising with BDR and the world-class portfolio of EFI Reggiani textile printers will be a key point of emphasis for us to continue providing high-quality products and innovation. EFI Reggiani is also significantly strengthening its presence in Turkey with this acquisition, which brings us to the heart of an important and growing textile hub.”

Founded in 2016, BDR has experienced remarkable growth since its launch in the market. The company services many of the world’s top textile and apparel manufacturers, delivering trusted products that drive greater cost-efficiency and quality in digital printing. Thanks to its strong commercial capabilities, BDR has built a significant presence in Turkey and Pakistan and, increasingly, across Europe, the Middle East and India as well.

“BDR has always been very focused on the growing worldwide opportunity with digital to increase sustainability in the textile industry using high-performance and quality inks,” said Serra Saatcıoglu Yildiz and Ibrahim Demir, BDR’s co-founders. “EFI’s global, best-in-class Reggiani portfolio fits exactly with our own key goals for innovation and growth. We are excited to be joining EFI to work together on advancing the industry’s analog-to-digital printing transformation.”

EFI Reggiani is a leading, state-of-art technology provider with an extensive line up of industrial textile inkjet printers utilizing water-based inks. It is part of a complete EFI ecosystem of advanced products for textile design and production, including EFI Fiery® proServer digital front ends and Fiery DesignPro software, and the EFI Optitex® 2D and 3D integrated platform for product development and design.

Posted May 3, 2019

Source: EFI™

Impactiva Taps Gribbin As Chief Engagement Officer

MIAMI, Fla. — May 2, 2019 — Impactiva, a quality assurance and supply chain solutions provider for the apparel, footwear and accessories sectors, today announced the appointment of industry veteran Ed Gribbin as chief engagement officer. In this newly created role, Gribbin will lead Impactiva’s global business development team and work with brands, retailers and manufacturers globally in the areas of quality optimization, continuous improvement and supply chain innovation.

“During this time of disruptive change in our industry’s supply chain, there is no better person to lead Impactiva’s business development ,” said Jose R. Suarez, Impactiva’s founder and CEO. “Ed is a proven transformational leader with the ability to listen to the needs of the new generation of consumers and translate these to the paradigm shift needed on the shop floor. His vision for Industry 4.0 will propel Impactiva as we enter our next chapter of innovation and growth.”

Gribbin commented, “When I first learned about the next-generation, digital supply chain solutions Jose and his team were building, I knew I wanted to contribute and be a part of what will be a true industry transformation. I have been involved in developing and implementing product development and supply chain solutions for years, often lamenting how slow we were, as an industry, to embrace change and innovation. With Impactiva’s philosophy, vision, focus on education and talented team, I feel that I can help to build a brighter, more transparent future not only for brands, retailers and their customers but also for the millions of artisans who make what we wear.”

Gribbin is the founder and CEO of Gribbin Strategic LLC, a boutique consultancy focused on the apparel/fashion sector and offering services in the areas of growth strategy, business development, branding and marketing, product development and supply chain innovation, executive coaching and change management. Gribbin is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on the apparel industry and serves on numerous global boards dedicated to the success of the retail, apparel and textile sectors, including the American Apparel & Footwear Association, the International Apparel Federation, the Americas Apparel Producers’ Network and the Sewn Products Equipment Suppliers of the Americas.

Up until 2018, GribbinEd served as president of Alvanon Inc., a leading innovation, technology and consulting firm serving major brands and retailers. Gribbin built and led Alvanon teams around the globe helping fashion industry clients develop and implement strategies and solutions in disciplines ranging from marketing and merchandising to product development and supply chain. Prior to Alvanon, Gribbin served as President and COO of technology start-up Intellifit Corp., where he co-invented the revolutionary Intellifit Body Scanner and built a data-driven consulting practice based on optimizing apparel fit and sizing strategy. As senior vice president at Angelica Corp., he managed sales, marketing, design and production for one of the largest corporate-wear companies in the United States.

Founded in 2003, Impactiva has been a partner of choice for major brands and retailers for improving their supply chain. The company utilizes lean manufacturing principles to optimize factories’ processes, provide on-site quality assurance, quality-control, and deliver significant improvements in efficiency, quality, flexibility and cost.

Known for its rigorous recruiting process and world-class learning centers in Chennai, India, and Dongguan, China; Impactiva attracts the industry’s best, most ethical professionals who provide clients with cost-saving, forward-thinking insights, a dedication to continuous improvement, and unmatched integrity, honesty and ethics.

Dedicated to creating innovative production solutions for the footwear and apparel industries, the company is preparing to launch their new development in manufacturing excellence systems and digital learning.

Impactiva founder Jose R. Suarez is the majority shareholder who has been in the leather, footwear and apparel industry since 1991. In 1999, he founded leatherXchange, a marketplace for the world of hides and leather. After selling leatherXchange in 2003, he purchased the company’s quality control division which served as the foundation for the creation of Impactiva.

Posted May 3, 2019

Source: Impactiva

ITMA 2019 Exhibitor Preview: Savio Macchine Tessili

PORDENONE , Italy— May 3, 2019 — Over its more than 100-year history, Italy-based manufacturer Savio acted as technological leader and most innovative player in attractive niches of the textile value chain. Savio leverages on the best value-for- money proposition in the industry and has a consolidated presence in all relevant geographies with a local-for-local approach, allowing to promptly address market demand and requirements.

Savio is specialized in the yarn-finishing segment, being the leading supplier of winding, twisting and rotor spinning machines, with manufacturing plants spanning over Italy, China, India and Czech Republic. Savio will exhibit in Barcelona innovative, highly automated, energy saving and Industry 4.0 solutions in all displayed machines.

Premium package quality

Savio offers winding systems that are ideal for many different needs, supporting customers in the textile challenge and developing new applications to meet their requests. Manmade fibers and elastomeric yarns (single and dual core) have reached a dominant role in fiber demand growth, becoming a very natural part of our life. Savio’s Polar Evolution and EcoPulsarS winding machines can easily process these special and challenging yarns, thanks to special splicing and tension control devices for ensuring perfect joints and perfect package shape, while always monitoring off-standard values.

Automation – Savio “Direct Link System” bespoke solutions

The requirement for integrated automation in the spinning process is still increasing, because of yarn quality and productivity advantages that such solution offers. Mills request fully automatic link solutions to replace freestanding winders and ring spinning frames (RSF) without doffing devices.

This integrated automation drive has led Savio to offer customers new bespoke link solutions, compared to the classic 1-to-1 configuration, to increase this direct feeding flexibility to/fro winder. The latest solution from Savio is the Multi Link, that connects multiple ring spinning frames to one Savio winder, becoming a tailor-made circuit to link two or three RSFs to one winding machine. A special iPeg tray guarantees the circulation of RSF bobbing to/from winder. This solution optimizes space, reduces energy-consumption and production costs.
This automatic bobbin transport shortens servicing paths for the operators and allows an ergonomic material flow. The costs for production, space and energy are reduced, while keeping the quality consistent even with long and multi-connected machines.

Savio way for Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 is the actual trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. Connectivity, data management, remote machine set-up and operator real time interactivity: this is the Savio way for smart solutions for textile mills. Nowadays, Savio product development is focused on “smart” components that must transmit data online. The new possibilities offered by the connection of the machines translates into the different levels of Savio Industrial IoT, with the possibility of progressive sophistication (Basic, Business or Executive). Three different levels of Savio Industrial IoT: different option levels, each corresponding to a different dose of Industry 4.0 applied to Savio textile winding machinery, from simple connectivity and machinery data downloading, to remote machine setup, to operator real-time interactivity.

The leap in quality of textile machinery is evident in the new control systems, which allow for example employees to receive alarm signals directly to their wrist by smartwatch. When one of the winding machines present a problem, the anomaly signal is sent to the operator through a smartwatch, Savio Smart Bracelet, able to communicate also the type of intervention required, thus minimizing the break downtimes of machine.

This data management system is a very modern and important tool, relieving mill operators of time- consuming routine work. Thanks to data analytics, a wealth of data are available, allowing to manage the different production phases in the best possible way and to monitor all significant parameters anytime and anywhere, making use of mobile devices. All these features enable Savio customers to control overall equipment effectiveness, increase workforce efficiency, and maximize quality and working time. Services are even going mobile. Another direction of technological development concerns maintenance, with numerous systems already connected in real time with the assistance network, to minimize intervention times, also through remote actions via software without having to send technicians on site. Savio Winder 4.0 is also meant as communication between machine operator and service specialist in case of need.

Posted May 3, 2019

Source: Savio Macchine Tessili, S.p.A.

Sponsors