Protect your people

July 1, 2014  |  Management

And keep workers’ compensation costs under control. By William J. Lynott If you’re a typical specialty fabrics business owner, workers’ compensation costs—or the threat of them—can quickly become a major expense burden. Almost every business in the United States that ha…
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Trust the process

July 1, 2014  |  Features, Management, Perspective

James Gallagher manages projects from conception to completion–by paying attention to detail and practicing transparency. By Sigrid Tornquist At the end of the day our work isn’t only about making a sale; it’s about engaging in relationships where we understand client application, identify…
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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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Mist methodologies

June 1, 2014  |  Business

NCSU lab rethinks chemical/biological hazard protection testing and derives important new conclusions. By Bryan Ormond, Ph.D. When you ask first responders if they are more concerned about having enough protection against flash fire exposures, ballistic and physical hazards, heat stress, or chemical…
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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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New frontiers

May 1, 2014  |  Advanced Textiles, Business

Improvements in radiation protective textiles for earth and beyond. With close to $1.46 billion in investments since 2008, the commercial space industry is blasting ahead at speeds close to their supersonic vehicles. Key players include former Paypal co-founder Elon Musk, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, …
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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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