Community
I don't think it's possible to import text parameters from excel. I believe that only numeric parameters are valid.
Cameron Whetten
Inventor 2014
...but you might look into (if you haven't already) controlling these with iLogic.
Made it intro a change request
http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Inventor-IdeaStation/Support-text-in-parameter-linking/idi-p/4609723
Too bad a change request is needed for this