Creating the future of textiles: E-textile technology

May 1, 2012  |  Advanced Textiles, Business, Markets

E-textile technology for personal safety and health applications will someday provide smart garments for everyday wear. By Tom Martin What are the most exciting or intriguing developments in the industry in advanced textiles? The most exciting development is the potential for textiles to sense and r…
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Sustainability programs for businesses

May 1, 2012  |  Business, Features

Achieve “green” goals incrementally with an ongoing program and employee participation. By Janice Kleinschmidt When stepping up to the plate, most baseball players concentrate on getting to first base, not making a home run. Businesses that want to achieve “green” goals when …
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Chandler Clark beats the recession with hard work and ingenuity

May 1, 2012  |  Features, Management, Marine, Perspective

Chandler Clark relies on hard work and ingenuity to build a thriving business during the recession. By Sigrid Tornquist “In the Navy they call it deckplate leadership,” says Chandler Clark, owner of Signature CanvasMakers in Hampton, Va. “It’s a leadership style that involves teamwork, commo…
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Creating a brand

May 1, 2012  |  Marketing

Your company, and your products, should have a distinct identity for your customers. By William J. Lynott Take a moment and think of one of your favorite brands. Whether it’s a professional product for use in your business or a favorite personal product, chances are you chose it because you&rs…
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Creating the future of textiles: Developments in medical textiles

April 1, 2012  |  Advanced Textiles, Business, Markets

Medical textiles meet the growing need for protection and comfort in health care apparel. By Ben Favret What are the newest, most exciting or intriguing developments in the industry in advanced textiles? Active barrier protective fabrics are a game changer for medical textiles and a tremendous leap …
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Tax regulations: Deduct, or capitalize?

April 1, 2012  |  Management

New tax regulations on replacing or repairing business property or equipment. By Mark E. Battersby The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has finally released new regulations to determine whether certain business expenditures are currently deductible as repair expenses, or must be capitalized and deduct…
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Cheryl Gomes emphasizes safety throughout the manufacturing process

April 1, 2012  |  Advanced Textiles, Features, Management, Perspective

Cheryl Gomes tracks quality and reliability from process through life-saving product. By Sigrid Tornquist “If you make a mistake when you’re developing safety and protective products, people could be injured or die,” says Cheryl Gomes, lead principal materials engineer for QinetiQ North Americ…
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Small Business Administration offers several advantages

April 1, 2012  |  Marketing

Selling products and services to the U.S. government? It’s a big market, and potentially a very lucrative one; in fact, Uncle Sam buys nearly 100 billion dollars worth of goods and services from small businesses each year. Selling to the government, however, is different from selling in the co…
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Bryan Loane keeps his 197-year-old business focused and flexible

March 1, 2012  |  Features, Management, Perspective, Tents

Bryan Loane grows his family’s company by planning ahead and thinking on his feet. By Sigrid Tornquist “We’re unusual because we’re probably the oldest tent company in the country,” says Bryan Loane, president of Loane Brothers Inc. in Baltimore, Md. “A lot of people feel that’s really…
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Integrated marketing strategies

March 1, 2012  |  Features, Marketing

The branding battleground moves to customers’ hearts. By Anne M. Berg Modern marketing is in a state of evolution—driven by a power shift of nearly seismic proportions. Today, true brand power exists not within the environs of the manufacturer or service provider, but within the hearts a…
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