Learn the rules of the Affordable Care Act

March 1, 2013  |  Industry News, Management

Is your alarm going off? By Wayne Mertel Time is ticking away until the next (and most important) date for implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly referred to as health care reform. On Jan. 1, 2014 (on Oct. 1, 2013, employees must be notified), many of the most impactful requiremen…
Read More
Fred Tracy brings creative solutions

February 1, 2013  |  Features, Graphics, Management, Perspective, Tents

Fred Tracy brings creative solutions to his work in the tent industry. By Sigrid Tornquist Change is our company strategy,” says Fred Tracy, owner of Fred’s Tents and Canopies Inc., Stillwater, N.Y. “You can’t be like a horse in a harness race, with blinders on—you have to keep your eyes o…
Read More
Planning a successful succession

February 1, 2013  |  Management

An effective succession plan encourages a smooth management transition while minimizing transfer taxes. By Mark E. Battersby Sooner or later, everyone contemplates retirement. For those who own a closely-held or family specialty fabrics business, retirement is more than just a matter of deciding not…
Read More
Avoid fearsome fees

January 1, 2013  |  Management

With interest rates so low, many lenders are finding other ways to profit from loans. By Mark E. Battersby Recently the Federal Reserve announced plans to pump up to $40 billion a month into the economy. While the Fed plans to purchase mortgage-backed securities, the strategy may make more money ava…
Read More
Kevin Kelly turns process to profit

January 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Management, Perspective

Kevin Kelly increases productivity by implementing forecasting, planning and process strategies. By Sigrid Tornquist “Once we started opening our eyes to process, we were really able to take a big leap forward in productivity,” says Kevin Kelly, MFC, IFM, CPP, president of Globe Canvas Products …
Read More
Increase selling value with shading solutions

January 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Management, Markets

Sun protection, rain protection, health, comfort, energy savings, economy, flexibility and style: they’re all part of the package. By William Atkinson For many residential and commercial customers, awnings and shade products are still valued for their aesthetics as much as for their shade, wit…
Read More
Marc Shellshear puts shade expertise and management skills to work

December 1, 2012  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Management, Perspective

Nicknamed Dr. Shade, Marc Shellshear is an employee who thinks like a business owner—putting shade expertise and management skills to work. By Sigrid Tornquist “If you can’t put yourself in the shoes of the person speaking you’re not going to understand what they want,” says Marc Shellshea…
Read More
Know your fabrics, fabrication and flammability

December 1, 2012  |  Advanced Textiles, Awnings & Canopies, Features, Management

No matter where you are in the supply chain, a thorough knowledge of flame retardancy leads to well-informed customers—and safer environments. By Holly O’Dell If a fabric is going into a commercial space—whether used for a trade show banner, theater drapery or restaurant awning&mda…
Read More
Wm. J. Mills & Co. grows through the generations

November 1, 2012  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Management, Perspective

A three-generational take on the Wm. J. Mills & Co. family business. By Sigrid Tornquist As IFAI celebrates its 100th anniversary, it’s clear that the association is only as strong as its members. For more than 100 years, many current member companies have been shaping their businesses, the as…
Read More
Strengthen your business’ message

November 1, 2012  |  Management

Matching what you want to say with what they want to hear. By Sam Richter If your company is like most businesses, over the past few years you’ve probably spent thousands of dollars perfecting your messaging. You’ve hired marketing people to craft your website and brochures. You’ve…
Read More