Managing remote workers

February 1, 2021  |  Business

Ways for both managers and employees to reap the benefits of remote work. by Lin Grensing-Pophal In 2020 the world suddenly changed for all of us. Impacted by COVID-19, companies around the country and around the world found themselves forced to consider an option that many had formally eschewed—r…
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Smart tax moves in the age of COVID-19

December 1, 2020  |  Business

By Mark E. Battersby Given the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy, keeping a specialty fabrics operation’s tax bill low shouldn’t be a problem this year. However, to keep the business’s tax bill low year after year requires planning, and what better place to start than in a tro…
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How to sell and market during a pandemic

October 1, 2020  |  Business

By Madeleine MacRae Determining the best way to sell and, even more so, how to effectively and appropriately market your products and services at a time of such widespread uncertainty and deep market disruption can be a daunting task. As a leader during this unprecedented time, you have a lot on you…
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Cash flow strategies and profits

May 1, 2020  |  Business

By Mark E. Battersby Cash flow is the lifeblood of every business. In fact, according to a recent U.S. Bank study, poor cash flow management causes 82 percent of U.S. business failures. Although seemingly counterintuitive, many experts advise putting cash flow management before profits. While profit…
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Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) clarifies organic product standards

March 12, 2020  |  Business, Industry News

GOTS has issued a statement in response to a recent claim by a company stating they hold a certification that’s “More important than organic” and “Textiles with the organic label can still be treated with toxic chemicals at a later stage of production.” While this is possible for uncertifi…
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GOTS registers highest growth rate ever in 2019

March 4, 2020  |  Business, Industry News

In 2019, the number of Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified facilities globally grew by 35 percent, from 5,760 to 7,765 located in 70 countries. The number demonstrates that GOTS successfully serves as a sustainable solution. The required certified organic fibers protect the climate by a…
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Richard Seaman on sustaining a family business

March 1, 2020  |  Business

By Rebecca Post An urgency runs through the pages of Richard Seaman’s book A Vibrant Vision: The Entrepreneurship of Multigenerational Family Business. That urgency stems from Seaman’s understanding that few family businesses survive beyond a third generation. Seaman, the chairman and former CEO…
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Small businesses with diverse workforces perform better financially

February 12, 2020  |  Business, Industry News

Small businesses with a diverse workforce are more innovative and financially successful, according to data gathered by SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. Data indicates that businesses with more diverse management have 19% higher revenue and are more likely…
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SBA announces funding opportunity through the State Trade Expansion Program 2020

February 7, 2020  |  Management

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the opening of the submission period for a funding opportunity through the State Trade Expansion Program. The purpose of the grant opportunity is to invite proposals for funding from eligible state entities interested in and capable of provi…
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