Trends you should watch, from the Marks Group P.C.

December 2, 2013  |  Management

By Galynn Nordstrom “Successful people think ahead,” says Gene Marks, president of sales and marketing consultant company The Marks Group P. C. Speaking on political, economic and tech trends at IFAI Specialty Fabrics Expo 2013 in Orlando, Fla., he emphasized three basic things that shou…
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Creating the future of textiles: make it from milk

December 1, 2013  |  Advanced Textiles, Business

Qmilch IP GmbH makes a silky smooth, all-natural fabric from milk that’s highly desirable for high fashion, but well suited for more industrial applications, too. A lot of milk in the world is simply thrown away as unsuitable—for food, that is. German-based company Qmilch IP GmbH has found a use…
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Health care: ACA, on the way

December 1, 2013  |  Management

Is this the way to do health insurance? Stay tuned. By Marc Hequet Kevin Yonce has gone to a lot of work trying to figure it out. He may still be uncertain—and you may know the feeling. The chief executive at TCT&A Industries, an awning maker and tent renter in Urbana, Ill. (and the immedi…
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Advancing small business growth

December 1, 2013  |  Industry News, Management, Markets

SBA lending activity in FY 2013 tops $29 billion. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced its third highest year of SBA lending to date, surpassed only by two record years of supporting more than $30 billion in FY 2011 and 2012. In FY 2013, SBA supported more than $29 billion in l…
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Dave Clarke’s good business

December 1, 2013  |  Features, Industry News, Management, Perspective

Dave Clarke’s vision for The Industrial Fabrics Association International starts with strengthening its market-specific groups–known as Divisions. By Sigrid Tornquist “Generating new revenue streams without losing focus on your mission is a challenge for any organization but it can be done,”…
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SBA’s online portal now accepting Small Business Week Awards nominations

November 26, 2013  |  Business, Industry News

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) online portal is ready to accept nominations for the 2014 National Small Business Week Awards, including the annual Small Business Person of the Year award. Now in its second year, the dedicated web portal has made it easier to submit and track su…
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Water control and conservation

November 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Business, Fabric Structures, Features, Markets

By Sigrid Tornquist Harvesting rainwater is nothing new—but using fabric shade structures to collect and distribute rainwater, while providing an attractive aesthetic, is largely an untapped resource that can translate into growth potential for fabricators. Architen Landrell, Chepstow, Monmout…
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Energy efficiency and sustainability

November 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Business, Fabric Structures, Features

Is more heat in a home or office a good thing? It depends on the season, of course. As more people turn to solar and geothermal systems to heat and cool their homes and places of business, ambient heat gain can be a challenge—one that can, to some extent, be addressed by well-designed shade struct…
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Creating the future of textiles: wear and forget

November 1, 2013  |  Advanced Textiles, Business

New smart textile products will need to collect and quantify information for the user—and offer comfort and durability at a competitive price. What are the most exciting or intriguing developments in the industry in advanced textiles? Although advanced textiles are expanding in many directions, th…
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Business holidays and tax deductions

November 1, 2013  |  Management

Parties, gifts, happy workers and tax deductions. By Mark E. Battersby The season for gift-giving and holiday parties is fast approaching. And although many specialty fabrics products business owners and managers clearly know how to celebrate and show their appreciation to both customers and employe…
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