NWBC public meeting: Innovative strategies for women to raise capital

June 17, 2014  |  Management

June 25 webinar to feature Tina Tchen, chief of staff to Michelle Obama The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) will hold its quarterly virtual public meeting June 25 to communicate its efforts in advancing the women’s entrepreneurship agenda. The focus is women entrepreneurs’…
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New rules for repair

June 1, 2014  |  Management

The IRS has issued final regulations: Is it a deductible repair or a capital expenditure? By Mark E. Battersby Since the inception of the Internal Revenue Code, the IRS and specialty fabric professionals have often been at odds over whether expenditures made are currently deductible as repair costs,…
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The next steps

June 1, 2014  |  Features, Management, Marine, Perspective

Carol Racine takes on one challenge after another as she and her husband build a business and make plans for a sewing school. “I know my limitations—but I’m always challenging those limits,” says Carol Racine, president of Racine Design in Jacksonville, Fla. “I don’t let the fact tha…
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First impressions…last chance?

May 1, 2014  |  Management

First (and fast) impressions can have lasting impacts on customers and business relationships. First impressions are often lasting impressions. When you meet a business acquaintance for the first time—a customer, a colleague, a vendor or a manager—you make an impression on that person. W…
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Supporting small business

May 1, 2014  |  Management

SBA awards funding entrepreneurship training for veterans; Surety Bond Guarantee program contracts increase 61 percent in 2013. As part of its “Boots to Business” program, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that it has awarded a $3 million grant to Syracuse Univer…
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The structure of success

May 1, 2014  |  Features, Management, Perspective

Jeremy Calhoun builds strong dealer networks to support customer service. By Sigrid Tornquist Our strength is in our structure,” says Jeremy Calhoun, president of Calhoun Super Structure Ltd., Tara, Ont., Canada. “And that structure includes our diligent pursuit of excellence in product design, …
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Seven steps to success

April 1, 2014  |  Features, Management, Perspective

A professional shares his formula for improved sales and customer relationships that last. By Bill Foster There is certainly no lack of advice on how to increase your sales success. Books and seminars can be counted by the hundreds, and many of these are quite good. Firsthand experience working for …
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Sharp focus, broad impact

April 1, 2014  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Management, Perspective

Hal Lapping tightens his company’s focus to make quality products affordable. We remain focused on our core products, and because we stay focused we offer the best quality products at the most competitive prices,” says Hal Lapping, president of Economy Tent Intl. (an Anchor company), Miami. Fla.…
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No guessing game

March 1, 2014  |  Management

Getting good at estimating taxes. By Mark E. Battersby It will come as no surprise to anyone that Uncle Sam wants taxes paid in full during the course of the year. Avoiding the penalties associated with guessing wrong about estimated tax payments is easy—with some preparation. Any person, and …
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Positively powerful

March 1, 2014  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Industry News, Management, Perspective

Kisha Moldovan builds relationships with sincerity and enthusiasm to boost business and advance the industry. “I don’t think about other awning companies as competition or in any way as a negative, because the more people who are spreading the word about awnings, the more we all have an opportun…
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