The future of smart materials

July 29, 2009  |  Business

Sustainable materials expert Blaine Brownell discusses possible futures for textile-based architecture. By Mason Riddle “Within this exploding environment of new materials, I quickly realized how limited the architect’s palette is” states Blaine Brownell, recounting his epiphany a …
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NuSign Supply Inc. provides latex and hybrid printers

July 1, 2009  |  Business, Graphics

The HP Designjet L65500 latex printer from NuSign Supply is a 104-inch, six-color, roll-to-roll printer that uses odorless and environmentally friendly latex inks and requires no special ventilation. Prints on most solvent-compatible media with resolutions up to 1200 dpi. The HP Scitex FB950 is a 98…
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Listening to your employees

July 1, 2009  |  Features, Management

Learning what matters to your employees is a key step in making your business more productive and profitable. By Amy Orchard As economists and politicians carry on the debate about whether we have seen the worst of the global economic meltdown or if there is more to come, business people across all …
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Attracting employees

July 1, 2009  |  Management

Strategic hiring practices and tax breaks combine to help attract and retain employees. By Mark E. Battersby The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expanded a tax credit (a direct reduction of a company’s tax bill) for hiring new workers from groups such as the disabled, welfare re…
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The ephemeralization of energy production: Photovoltaics using fabric

June 29, 2009  |  Awnings & Canopies, Business, Fabric Structures

The skinny on photovoltaics using fabric and where to find it By Amelia Amon Buckminster Fuller famously asked a group of architects “How much does your building weigh?” His query to us now might be, “How much energy is embedded in your photovoltaic installation?” Flexible am…
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Upholstery fabrics go green

June 22, 2009  |  Business, Upholstery

Upholstery fabric manufacturers are implementing earth-friendly production processes and developing high-quality fabrics with eco-sensitive features. By Holly O’Dell From magazine articles to seminars to trade show floors, the topic of sustainability has worked its way into the American busine…
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The changing workforce

June 17, 2009  |  Management

By Pat Hayes, CPP Businesses across all industries face changes in workforce and labor needs. Finding the right person with the right skills suited to specific job requirements continues to be the crux of all labor issues. No matter the size of the company, business owners may face similar employee …
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Customer service keeps businesses afloat

June 15, 2009  |  Management, Marine, Marketing

Focusing on customer service can help navigate a tough economic climate. By Abbie Yarger Businesses are doing all they can to stay afloat in today’s economic environment, from layoffs to budget cuts. One thing they shouldn’t cut is customer service. Creating and sustaining good customer …
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Green cost savings

June 10, 2009  |  Business

What cost-saving techniques does your company implement regarding recycling and textiles? “Never throw out any fabric scraps” is a policy at Glawe Tent and Awning. A bin of fabric scraps has resulted in a remnant sale of small lots of industrial fabrics to the public, a source of supplie…
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Cutting energy costs can cut taxes

June 1, 2009  |  Business

Federal tax incentive programs can significantly reduce day-to-day operating costs. By Mark E. Battersby Reducing the cost of energy and going green is on every businessperson’s mind these days. Although there can be additional initial costs associated with saving energy, provisions in our tax…
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