Specialty Fabrics Review interviews Cynthia Thompson, founder and owner of Transformit

January 1, 1970  |  News

Interview by Sigrid Tornquist What is your industry prediction? I think the concept of rental will become more popular instead of making more stuff for the planet. Hopefully, with fabric structures walking lightly on the earth, we will play a big part in change for the better. What is your best advi…
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Thompson joins Creative Economy initiative

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Sigrid Tornquist Thompson’s philosophy of “pursue art first and the money will follow,” and her success with that approach, is why Maine’s Gov. John Baldacci invited her to be on a steering committee for the “Creative Economy,” an initiative begun under Baldacc…
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Digital patterns offer security and save time

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Jamie Swedberg Atlantic Coast Canvas, Lexington, S.C., is an OEM manufacturer, so it does tend to make the same boat covers over and over. However, office administrator Debbie Van Newhouse says the company switched to digital patterns mainly for security, not for the time savings. “We have …
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Various colors and patterns add style to outdoor fabrics

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Janice Kleinschmidt If using an outdoor fabric indoors brings to mind a red-checked picnic tablecloth upholstered onto Queen Anne dining room chairs, you’re thinking inside a very strange box. It’s time to step outside and smell the colors. Gina Wicker of Glen Raven, which makes Sunbr…
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Resources help businesses become energy efficient

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Marc Hequet Find out more about making your business energy efficient: The U.S. Small Business Administration provides a free document, “The Small Business Guide to Energy Efficiency,” at this site: www.sba.gov or www.usa.gov/business. Energy Star, a collaboration between the U.S. Department …
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Specialty Fabrics Review interviews Roy Chism, president of The Chism Co. Inc.

January 1, 1970  |  News

Interview by Sigrid Tornquist What is your industry prediction? There will be a growing demand for fabric products as flexible, low-cost, environmentally responsible solutions addressing many structural and energy needs. What is your business philosophy? Ongoing improvement. Always be open to change…
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Chism sees benefits of university-level sponsorships

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Sigrid Tornquist Roy Chism, president of The Chism Co. in San Antonio, Texas, is committed to instilling the possibilities of specialty fabrics to the next generation. Chism believes that sustained industry sponsorships at the university level and innovation through academic research will yield t…
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IFAI Code Committee tracks industry-wide code changes

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Juli Case The IFAI Code Committee is comprised of members from four divisions of the Industrial Fabrics Association International: the Fabric Graphics Association, Lightweight Structures Association, Professional Awning Manufacturers Association and the Tent Rental Division. The committee has sub…
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Officials change and adopt current fire and building codes

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Juli Case Flammability specification revision NFPA 701 is one of the most commonly cited U.S. flammability standards in the specialty fabrics industry, and is entering into its 2010 revision cycle. Proposals were due in May 2008, with revision work taking place throughout 2009. The revision cycle…
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Industry experts define what it means to be green

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Janice Kleinschmidt As long as the definition of green depends upon who is giving it, companies relying on vinyl for their livelihoods may face a response to the word “plastics” similar to the one uttered by Dustin Hoffman’s character in the classic film, The Graduate: “Ju…
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