Making informed choices in printing

April 1, 2009  |  Business, Graphics, Markets

Understanding the differences in printing technologies is an important step in making printer decisions. By Dr. Nicholas Hellmuth Fabric graphics are everywhere. With the pressure on to innovate and diversify to weather the current financial turmoil, more companies may be looking at printing, or par…
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Industry innovations meet consumer needs

April 1, 2009  |  Advanced Textiles, Business, Products

Improvements in performance fabrics are well suited to work wear, sports and active apparel markets. From the editors of TUT (Technical Usage Textiles) magazine in Paris. Software solutions: design your own The Brandvis Group, Donegal, Ireland, was awarded the innovation trophy for work wear at Expo…
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Health Savings Accounts benefit small businesses

March 1, 2009  |  Management

Health Savings Accounts are an increasingly popular option, especially for smaller businesses. By Mark E. Battersby How many small businesses can afford to offer fringe benefits, let alone good health insurance, to keep or attract good workers? Why, especially in these troubled economic times, are t…
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Innovation helps fabrics industry expand

March 1, 2009  |  Features, Management

Processes that spark innovation are just good business By Barb Ernster Most people agree that innovation is the key to growth and expansion, but some innovative business practices are truly inspired in their creativity and utility. Innovation is a widely used term, but not readily understood, says L…
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Hendee finds new market opportunities

March 1, 2009  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Management, Perspective

Demand and supply: Chuck Hendee creates products to meet customer needs. By Sigrid Tornquist “In general, I don’t think we’ve ever developed a product—or spent any money to develop one—where there wasn’t an existing demand,” says Chuck Hendee, IFM, MFC, president of Hendee Enterprises …
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Maintaining quality standards in a tough economy

February 1, 2009  |  Business, Marketing

Times are tough, so should you cut corners to compete? “No!” is the adamant response from quality advocates. By Marc Hequet So you’re known for your quality…Great! But how are you supposed to sell quality in this economy? That’s the challenge manufacturers face: persua…
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Banking strategies save money

February 1, 2009  |  Management

How to boost your bottom line at your bank’s expense. By William J. Lynott The upheaval in our current economy is forcing banks to find new ways to strengthen their bottom lines—and much of their success in that effort is coming at the expense of their small business customers. New servi…
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Technologies meet demand for digitally printed fabric products

January 1, 2009  |  Business, Features, Graphics

As the digital fabric printing industry matures, the machines are faster, the inks are more vibrant, and the most important color in the spectrum is green. By Janice Kleinschmidt The marketing phrase “new and improved” has been slapped on every kind of product at one time or another, wit…
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Partnerships and subcontracting benefit businesses

January 1, 2009  |  Features, Graphics, Marketing, Tents

Partnerships and subcontracting offer opportunities and solutions. By Janet Preus It’s not so complicated: there are certain things your company does very well, and there are other things that could be done more expediently by someone else. It could be a matter of expertise, time available, or…
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