2023 Milliken Honors - People Goals Award - Colene Houston

The Milliken People Goals Award shines a light on associates who contribute to Milliken’s 2025 Sustainability Goals by positively impacting our team and surrounding communities. Across our company, you can find associates embodying what it means to be a leading manufacturer who—foremost—cares for people.

When Milliken mapped out our journey toward achieving our 2025 Sustainability Goals, we took a holistic approach incorporating people, product, and planet aspirations that would help shape our sustainability efforts. These goals aligned with the idea of sustainable manufacturing, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency described as “the creation of manufactured products through economically sound processes that minimize negative environmental impacts while conserving energy and natural resources.” Built on the idea of leveraging sustainable practices to enhance a company, sustainable manufacturing is aligned with Milliken’s mission to strive to positively impact the world around us for generations to come.

Colene Houston, supply chain scheduler, exemplifies genuine care and concern for her Gillespie Plant team and embodies the spirit of the Milliken People Goals Award, making her the ideal 2023 award recipient.

As chair of the Gillespie Safety Morale Team for the last six years, Colene takes pride in fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among associates—while prioritizing the highest levels of safety awareness. She is an invaluable member of this team, and her efforts have been praised by both Milliken leadership and by the OSHA VPP Star Certification auditors, who noted specifically the efforts of the Gillespie Safety Morale Team in their recent recertification process. Colene routinely goes the extra mile, leading this team in creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone at the Gillespie Plant.

Outside of the plant, Colene has a significant impact on the surrounding Union County, SC community. Through the efforts of the safety morale team, Gillespie Plant contributes to a variety of community organizations, including Miracle League, C4 Ministries, Potter House Food Ministry, and March of Dimes. Raising money, collecting supplies, and donating time, the Gillespie Safety Morale Team, under Colene’s leadership, is working to make their community a better place for everyone who calls it home.

It's not lost on us just how much of an impact Colene has on Milliken and within Union County. But her tremendous efforts are underscored with an inspiring spirit of humble service. Congratulations on your achievements, Colene. We are proud to have you on our team!