ConnectNET

Our textile professionals answer questions about sources of supply, building codes, technical issues and more. This free service is exclusively for IFAI members.

Contact ConnectNET
Phone: 800 328 4324 or +1 651 225 6935
E-mail: connectnet@ifai.com

Page 1 of 11 (165 results total)

  • Animal products in materials

    December 1, 2011

    Fabric sold as unfinished has no additional chemical or physical treatments done to it.

  • Prevailing wage

    December 1, 2011

    Prevailing wage is something that is used in bidding on public works-related projects.

  • Women- or minority-owned businesses

    December 1, 2011

    Special programs or consideration are sometimes given to companies that are women- or minority-owned.

  • Acoustically reflective fabric

    November 1, 2011

    Fabric is traditionally used for sound absorption, although it certainly can reflect sound.

  • Federal labor law and OSHA posters

    November 1, 2011

    USA businesses are required to post information on federal labor law and safety issues.

  • Scissor arms for awnings

    November 1, 2011

    Scissor arms are a style more popular in Europe than in the U.S., but even so, seem to have been largely replaced.

  • Title 19 certification for fabric

    November 1, 2011

    Title 19 is the flammability document for the state of California, although it’s referenced by other parts of the U.S. as well.

  • Biodegradable tarp material

    October 1, 2011

    Biodegradability isn’t a particularly sought-after characteristic for tarps.

  • Complying with OAE, IAF or IACC

    October 1, 2011

    OAE stands for the Ecuadorian Accreditation Organization.

  • Long-arm sewing machines

    October 1, 2011

    Long-arm sewing machines, especially with features like the double needle and walking foot/puller combination, are often custom built.

  • Asphalt tarp material

    September 1, 2011

    We’ve seen several types of materials being used for this application.

  • Classifying the flammability of textiles

    September 1, 2011

    Using Classes A thru C is how the IBC classifies the flammability of textiles in some applications.

  • Marketing ‘green’ claims

    September 1, 2011

    Although it’s great that you’re using recycled material, you’re right to be cautious about how you divulge that information to your customers.

  • UBL fabric

    September 1, 2011

    We’re guessing that it’s probably referring to an “unbroken loop” fabric, which is a part of a hook-and-loop fastening system.

  • CPAI-84 and ANSI 4950

    August 1, 2011

    Examining test methods CPAI-84 and ANSI 4950.

  • Is your company stuck?

    Sponsored by IFAI Expo

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    1. Re-focus on what you want. Remember your original dream-the one that includes owning a prosperous company that is organized, profitable, has lots of great customers, is run by your empowered managers, and gives you freedom and time to enjoy your life.

    2. Realize you are a business builder. You will never reach your goals if you don't grow yourself. To grow, you've got to let go, delegate, and do what you do best: sell. You must invest time to build relationships with loyal customers plus find new ones.

    3. Replace yourself with systems. In order to delegate, you need systems and procedures in place that don't rely on you directing every decision. Put your standards on paper and train your people to follow them.

    4. Hire the best. Now that you know where you're going and have systems in place, you can start building a strong management team prepared to take your company to the next level.

    5. Enjoy the ride. With your company organized and growing, you can now focus on creating more opportunities for your business to prosper and grow.

    From George Hedley's latest book "Get Your Business to Work!" As a business coach, Hedley helps entrepreneurs and business owners build profitable companies.