SUNBRELLA SUN DECK at Miami Boat Show
GRATITUDE SCHOLARSHIP Winners Announced
FIRST ANNUAL SOAR CLASS Celebrates Graduation
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” When we remain curious and keep seeking ways to grow, we stay ahead.
At Glen Raven, we've long held the belief that education is a foundation that strengthens our business and the communities where we live and work. Since the company’s founding in 1880, we have invested in education both inside and outside our walls. From professional development programs for employees to investments in the schools in our backyard, we prioritize education because we believe it helps us improve ourselves, innovate effectively, and cast a vision for the future.
This month, we are seeing the results of that commitment in a big way. First, I want to recognize the graduation of our very first SOAR class. These associates took the initiative to develop their leadership skills and navigate career transitions. We are also excited to invest in the next generation. We are proud to announce this year’s scholarship awards for the children of our associates across the U.S. in the pages of this issue. Supporting these students is an honor and we are grateful to Elizabeth Gant, and her 1880 Foundation, for making this possible.
But learning is not just about a classroom or a certificate. Learning is a mindset that shows up every day in the way we work. It is about the way we pay attention to the changing needs of our customers, or how we mentor our colleagues. It shows up in the way we focus on personal growth as we navigate changes in our own teams and careers.
When we remain curious and keep seeking ways to grow, we stay ahead. That mindset is what will help us reach our growth initiatives for the year and ensure that we are supporting our customers in reaching their own ambitious goals.
Thank you for your commitment to personal growth and for bringing your best ideas to work every day.
Let’s keep learning together.
Leib Oehmig, CEO
Congratulations to the first graduating class of SOAR—marking the debut of our Operations Leadership Program and the beginning of many programs to come—bringing together operations team members from Anderson, Burlington, Burnsville, and Norlina.
SOAR is the global professional development initiative at Glen Raven that debuted last year. This initiative is focused on Shaping Opportunities for Aspiring and Recognized leaders and will be implemented across the business moving forward. The first implementation of SOAR was with our Operations team, through a yearlong program for preparing U.S. operations associates to navigate key career transitions by building skills needed to move into management roles.
This operations-focused program was created to strengthen our leadership pipeline by offering cross-functional exposure across the business.
The class visited Glen Raven facilities to better understand the full range of products and services Glen Raven provides, as well to build relationships,
foster connections, and gain deeper insight into our operations. They also completed courses focused on goal setting, culture, leadership, time management, conflict management, and presentation skills.
“We’re doing far more than a typical training program,” said Kevin Munson, Director of Talent Development. “That’s what makes SOAR such a powerful experience. Participants gain practical skills they can use in their current roles while preparing for future opportunities—it’s a true investment in who they are.”
SOAR also evolved along the way. “My favorite moments were the unscripted ones,” said Billy Harton, Director of Operations Support. “Our culture came to life at each location, with
We look forward to welcoming the next SOAR classes!
Nate Atkinson, Anderson Plant
“The relationship and management skills taught in this program have already been implemented in my current role.”
Ned Branson, Burlington Plant
“SOAR showed me that leadership development isn't about moving up the ladder, but about improving my own skills and knowledge base while building authentic connections that enable myself and my coworkers to continue to grow and succeed.“
Tomarcus Gary, Norlina Plant
“Individually we earned our wings to fly, but together we learn to SOAR.“
Ean Hensley, Burnsville Plant
“This program wove together people from different plants, different roles, and different perspectives. It strengthened connections across facilities and strengthened the connection between leadership and those preparing to lead.”
people openly sharing their journeys and offering guidance to make the experience meaningful.”
The program highlighted the power of collaboration and support across teams. “This experience showed how willing our people are to help,” Billy added. “Everyone we reached out to stepped up. Their enthusiasm allowed us to create even more value than we initially planned, and we’re incredibly grateful.”
We are excited to see how the SOAR initiative develops and expands to support leadership growth across Glen Raven. “Since 1880, we've been committed to developing our people,” said Randy Blackston, VP of Operations. “Based on what I’ve seen from this class, the future is very bright.”
Michael Hoffman, Burnsville Plant
“The program taught me that everyone's voice is important but can only be heard if they are willing to speak up!”
Brandi Lee, Anderson Plant
“SOAR helped me see leadership not just as managing work, but as developing people and creating an environment where they can succeed.”
Stephen McQueen, Anderson Plant
“It was empowering to explore real-world communication skills and develop strategies for applying them as we grow in our careers, particularly when leading and supporting the people who make up our diverse teams.”
Thomas Rocha, Burnsville Plant
“Listening and learning from other members within the organization to me has the greatest value because it is the people that make Glen Raven all that it is.“
Simon Thompson, Anderson Plant
“The SOAR Program has shown us all how to become better leaders at work and at home. I now challenge myself daily to use everything we have learned to become better.”
Sunbrella made a splash at the Miami International Boat Show with the first Sunbrella Sun Deck. The activation evolved the brand presence from a traditional trade show booth to an immersive brand experience designed to drive engagement and deepen brand connection with the consumer audience.
Positioned in a high traffic outdoor area, the activation showcased a breath of Sunbrella for outdoor spaces from Tuuci patio furniture and umbrellas to marine seating and lifestyle products. The Consumer Solutions Group highlighted their line of Sunbrella cleaning products, including the Marine Clean™ Multi-Purpose Boat Wash, a concentrated cleaning formula designed to clean your entire boat with just one product. The team also previewed the new limited edition Signature throw that launched this March. In total, 900 consumers shared their emails to learn more and stay connected with the brand as part of the activation.
In addition, the rest of the trade show was a sea of Sunbrella, with product highlights on partners’ boats at the show, so consumers could see performance in action.
Congratulations to the entire team that worked on the Miami project—your hard work truly paid off!
Want to get your hands on the limited-edition spring signature throw?
Scan the QR code to purchase, and don’t forget to use the code GREMPLOYEE40 for 40% off!
Worldwide trade shows and exhibitions give us opportunities to showcase our Glen Raven brands to the trade and consumers. Check out the places we've been and where we are headed next!
• MFA Savannah, GA Sunbrella Marine & Trivantage
• Shades of Innovation Seminar Los Angeles, CA Trivantage
• IFEX Jakarta, Indonesia Sunbrella EU Furnishings
• OSC Columbus, Ohio GlenGuard
• Women in Textiles Conference Asheville, NC Glen Raven
• Workspace Expo Paris, France Dickson Woven Flooring
• Hotel & Shop Plus Shanghai, China GRA, Sunbrella & Dickson
April 20-25, 2026
TechTextil Frankfort, Germany GlenGuard
April 21-26, 2026
Salone del Mobile Milan, Italy Sunbrella EU Furnishings
April 21-23, 2026
ICWE Raleigh, NC Trivantage
April 25-29, 2026
High Point Furniture Market High Point, NC Sunbrella Furnishings
May 5-7, 2026
VPPPA Region V Lake Geneva, WI GlenGuard
May 19-21, 2026
Interwoven High Point, NC Sunbrella Furnishings
June 10-19, 2026
Big Rock Marlin Tournament Morehead City, NC Sunbrella Marine
For the last ten years, The 1880 Foundation has awarded annual scholarships to the children of Glen Raven associates. The Foundation has awarded more than 78 scholarships in those years—and we’re thrilled to announce the 2026-27 winners. This year, seven students were awarded $5,000 GRatitude Scholarships, one student received the $7,500 GRatitude Scholarship and one was awarded the $12,000 Carl E. Wallace, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, named after Glen Raven’s late general counsel.
$12,000 CARL WALLACE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Brianna Ruiz-Villalba daughter of Kevin Barnhardt, Glen Raven Logistics
Brianna is a senior at Northwest Guilford High School. She plans to attend UNCCharlotte and major in Nursing. She serves as Senior Class Vice President on Student Council, and is a member of the Dance Team, National Honor Society, and the Hispanic Student Association Club. She volunteers with community organizations that serve veterans, children with cancer, and women’s health.
$5,000 GRATITUDE SCHOLARSHIPS
Kendall Chewning
daughter of Shaler Chewning, Norlina Plant
Kendall is currently a senior at Nash Early College High School with dual enrollment at Nash Community College. She will attend Anglo American University in Prague to study International Relations: Global Security Studies. Her community involvement includes organizations such as Rocky Mount Area Youth Council, American Auxiliary, Global Scholars, Communications Team, and the National Honor Society.
$7,500 GRATITUDE SCHOLARSHIP
Megan Councilman daughter of Kimberly Kronbergs, Corporate Office
Megan is currently a sophomore at UNC-Greensboro, majoring in Speech Pathology & Audiology. She graduated from Western Alamance High School in 2022 and currently works as General Manager & Coach at Faulkner’s Elite Gymnastics.
Zoe Hall daughter of James Hall, Sunbrella HQ
Zoe is a senior at Grimsley High School, where she played varsity basketball and earned Metro 4A All-Conference for the 2024-2025 season. Her community service involvement includes supporting food drives, providing meals, and collecting and distributing backpacks and school supplies. Zoe is still deciding on her post-graduation plans, but the Public Health program at Howard University is a top contender.
$5,000 GRATITUDE SCHOLARSHIPS
Sawyer son of April Thompson, Corporate Office
Colbe is currently a Senior at Southern Alamance High School, where he participates in FFA and the Hunter Safety Team. He plans to attend Appalachian State University to study Criminal Justice.
son of Stephanie Parker, Corporate Office
Landon is currently a freshman at New Jersey Institute of Technology, majoring in Business. He graduated from The Burlington School in 2023, where he was a member of the varsity baseball team and 4-time selection NCISAA 2A All-State Team. He volunteered with the Special Olympics and the Salvation Army.
Jose Chi son of Joe Chi, Trivantage, City of Industry
Jose is currently a freshman at Cal State Polytechnic University studying Computer Science with an emphasis on cybersecurity. He graduated from Fontana High School in 2025 where he was President of the school newspaper and participated on the California Scholarship Federation.
Joseph Grullon son of Jose Grullon and Cassy Macy, Burnsville Plant
Joseph currently attends Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College, studying K-5 Teaching. He graduated from Mountain Heritage High School in 2024. Joseph actively participates in volunteer work with his church community.
James Kay son of Donovan Kay, Anderson Plant
James is currently a senior at Dixie High School with dual enrollment at Piedmont Technical College. His athletic achievements include time on the wrestling, golf, baseball, and football teams. He plans to attend Clemson University to study Construction Management.
This March, the ROAR Women’s Symposium celebrated 10 years. ROAR is a local symposium held in Alamance County to bring women together through empowering them to share stories, build networks, and to be inspired by others in their community. This year’s theme focused on belonging, emphasizing the importance of community and connection to grow your support network. With inspiring talks, fireside chats, and a keynote speaker, the day was filled with valuable content.
Anna Hicks , Corporate Event Coordinator, sits on the ROAR Committee, helping to organize the event throughout the year. We sat down with Anna to learn more about ROAR and her commitment to the symposium after eight years of involvement.
Tell us how you got involved with ROAR. Why was it important to you to be a part of the committee?
When I was asked if I would be interested in joining the committee, I jumped at the opportunity. Issues that affect our community, and particularly women’s issues, have always been important to me. I saw this as a valuable way to contribute and engage with other like-minded professionals in and around Alamance County, but it has evolved into so much more than that. We all believe strongly in what ROAR has to offer, and we love working together to plan and execute the best program we can each year. I have so much admiration and respect for the team at The Alamance Chamber and all the great work they do to support growth and opportunity in our area. It’s really fun to be a part of it.
What is the most valuable part of the symposium for you as a planner, and for those who attend?
Every ROAR I attend changes me a little bit for the better, whether it’s meeting someone new or finding out something new about myself. We hope that is true for each person who attends. Our goal is to provide a high-quality event for our guests, and we take feedback and use lessons learned to improve year after year. We select speakers who we feel will engage the audience and have the right energy and knowledge to provide that enriching experience, both personally and professionally.
What aspects of the event make you proud to be a part of ROAR?
One of the aspects of ROAR I am most proud of, is the responsible business activity that we support. We ask each attendee to bring with them a donation of products for The Period Project. I didn’t realize before I got involved with ROAR how great the need was for young girls to have access to simple menstrual supplies. These donations are given directly to the schools in our area for nurses to distribute. This is a simple thing that makes a big difference.
What’s your favorite part of the symposium each year?
We have the most amazing local speakers. I have gotten to know so many women who have dedicated their lives to making a positive impact in our community, most who just saw a need and
felt called to action. We’ve had educators, women who have started non-profits, women who are thriving in roles that are not traditionally considered female roles, just so many different walks of life. It’s very inspiring to hear what motivates them, and how a small idea can turn into a very big movement.
What would you say to anyone who is considering attending ROAR for year 11?
Whether you are considering ROAR for the first time or have been many times, you will leave feeling inspired and uplifted. Prepare to laugh and cry and connect with others. You’ll hear from change makers at the local level, all the way up to keynote speakers who have made a name for themselves on the national stage. Once you attend ROAR, you become part of a unique network of individuals who can share resources and lend talents to help you progress in your career and personal life. When over 500 women come together and share what unites us, it has a profound way of making you feel like you belong in any arena, and you are part of something much bigger than yourself.
To learn more about ROAR, scan the QR code!
Over the last year, Glen Raven has partnered with Habitat for Humanity in several locations to offer both volunteer support and a special gift for new homeowners. In Alamance County in September, a team of ten women from the Burlington office participated in the Women’s Build, where they spent the day helping frame out a house for a local family.
Now, new Habitat homeowners in Glen Raven communities will receive a gift that will help make their house even more home-like—a Sunbrella throw. The first presentation was made in Norlina in early March, where HR Manager Anna Macon Marshburn shared the throw with new homeowner Sheila Saldo, a third-grade teacher at Northside Elementary School.
“Access to affordable housing is an issue that is impacting every single one of our communities, and we hope to expand this partnership in the years ahead,” said Kelly May, Community Relations Manager. “We plan to invest in Habitat for Humanity in a variety of ways, with both volunteer and resources support. Sharing these beautiful Sunbrella throws with homeowners feels like a beautiful way to help families settle into their new homes."
If you grew up playing these, you need to schedule a colonoscopy.
Colon cancer rates are on the rise, especially among adults under the age of 55. It’s a sobering reality— but a great reminder that small lifestyle choices and regular screening can make a huge difference. Here are three ways you can lower your own colon cancer risk:
Get moving. 150 minutes of regular physical activity each week significantly lowers your risk of colon cancer—and many other diseases!
Schedule your screening. Colorectal cancer often develops slowly from precancerous polyps in the colon. Screening can find and remove these polyps before they turn into cancer. Adults at average risk should begin screening at age 45. There are a couple of different screening options—talk with your healthcare provider about which option is right for you.
Schedule an appointment with a Registered Dietitian. Diet is one of the biggest risk factors for colon cancer—but a few small changes can make a big difference! Associates and adult dependents on Glen Raven’s insurance can contact the Registered Dietitian at their wellness clinic in North and South Carolina to discuss personalized diet plans to help reduce risk of colon cancer. Glen Raven’s medical insurance also covers dietitian consultations outside of our clinics.
If you or a loved one are battling any type of cancer, you have a team of support in your corner. Access Hope is a free benefit provided by Glen Raven that connects patients and their current doctors to experts in cancer treatment and support. For details, go to glenraven.myaccesshope.org or call 844-520-0865.
