<PAGE>   1



                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.15




INTER
OFFICE
MEMO


                                    DATE:  May 1, 1997




TO:      Mr. Bob Nelson

FROM:    Sharon L. Rodgers


         I am pleased to inform you that you have been approved to participate
in the management incentive plan for fiscal 1997. You will participate in the
plan based on an individual percentage award of 40%.

         For fiscal 1997, the amount of your actual incentive award will be
based on achievement of Financial Goals, as set forth below.

                                 Financial Goals

         The Financial Goals for your fiscal 1997 award are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Corporate
                                    Avondale Yarns            Operating Earnings
Performance                         Division Income           (Thousands of Dollars)
   Level                            (Thousands of Dollars)               (EBDLIT)
-----------                         ----------------------    ----------------------
<S>                                 <C>                       <C>
     50%                              7,500                               95,000
     75%                             10,000                              100,000
    100%                             12,500                              105,000
    125%                             15,000                              110,000
</TABLE>

         100% of your actual incentive award will be based on achievement of
Financial Goals, with 75% based on Avondale Yarns Division Income and 25% based
on Corporate Operating Earnings (EBDLIT). Your actual incentive award will be
determined by multiplying your total base salary paid in fiscal 1997 times 100%
of your individual percentage award times the sum of 75% of the Performance
Level achieved for Avondale Yarns Division Income and 25% of the Performance
Level achieved for Corporate Operating Earnings (EBDLIT) as set forth above and
will be calculated by the Company. The Performance Levels will be prorated when
final financial results fall between the 50% and 125% levels. No incentive award


<PAGE>   2


based on Financial Goals will be paid if the applicable Performance Level is
below 50%, and no additional incentive award will be paid for any financial
results which exceed the 125% Performance Level.

         The general guidelines of the plan for fiscal 1997 are as follows:

         1.       Operating earnings (EBDLIT) will be defined as reported in the
                  Company's financial statements.

         2.       Your actual incentive award will be paid on an annual basis,
                  with payment to be made as soon as practical after the fiscal
                  year audit is completed.

         3.       No incentive award will be paid if you are not in the employ
                  of the Company on the last day of the fiscal year (effective
                  date of severance must be after fiscal year end).

         4.       In the event you are reassigned or given a new position and
                  responsibilities during the fiscal year (promotion or
                  demotion), payment of the incentive award will be determined
                  on a case-by-case basis. The Company reserves the right to
                  deny payment or to reduce the incentive award in the case of
                  demotions.

         Please indicate your understanding of the plan, the performance goals
and your potential incentive award by signing and returning this letter to me. A
copy is provided for your personal files.



                                                        /s/ Sharon L. Rodgers
                                                        ---------------------
SLR/jwp



Acknowledged:  /s/ Bob Nelson
               --------------

Date:          May 6, 1997
               -----------