Andrea Lynn on how shade sails have kept her creative

October 1, 2023  |  Features, Perspective

It takes less than a five-minute conversation with Andrea Lynn to appreciate her earnest enthusiasm for shade sails—which is why her reflection on a decades-long career in the industry may come as a surprise. “I jumped into the business with rose-colored glasses on,” she muses. “This journey…
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Aerospace textiles: To the moon and back … and beyond

October 1, 2023  |  Features

Explorers may not yet have achieved Buzz Lightyear’s ability to go “to infinity and beyond,” but with innovative aerospace technology we’ve already headed to the moon and low Earth orbit (LEO) and have sights set on Mars. The future of life beyond Earth continues to be rife with possibilitie…
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Textiles enhance public and private spaces

October 1, 2023  |  Features

The great urban critic Jane Jacobs—known for her highly influential and transformative 1961 book The Death and Life of Great American Cities—noted that there are many repeatable factors that can determine the success of public spaces, not the least being that any neighborhood could be deemed wel…
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Onshoring profits and productivity

August 31, 2023  |  Features

From pandemic-caused supply chain disruptions and limited freight capacity to increased shipping costs from Asia and trade enforcement actions, there are challenges aplenty for companies that have their manufacturing located overseas. Because of these and other factors, more and more companies are t…
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Advanced Textiles Expo: New name, improved event

August 31, 2023  |  Features

Join thousands of textile professionals for the first Advanced Textiles Expo (formerly known as IFAI Expo). Orlando is always a great location for the industry’s flagship event, and this year we are partnering once again with Sun Shading Expo North America. Connect with the industry for four days …
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Safe travels: Airports zone in on geosynthetics

August 31, 2023  |  Features

Airport runways are not the same as roads. They need to be built smoother and stronger to support the loads of jet planes without buckling under the weight, which is no small task in areas that may be swampy; dry; or subject to heavy rains, earthquakes or myriad other challenging soil conditions.
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10 business lessons from Southern Stitch of Gulfport, Miss.

August 1, 2023  |  Features, Perspective

There’s a saying that chance favors the prepared. Sometimes that preparation can take some surprising forms. Just ask Steven Wayne, founder and operator at Southern Stitch Canvas & Upholstery LLC in Gulfport, Miss. 
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Multigenerational workplaces: Challenges and opportunities

August 1, 2023  |  Features

In today’s workforce, and particularly in the specialty fabrics industry, it’s difficult to bring in new, younger workers and make them feel engaged and productive. And with older workers delaying retirement, companies now must grapple with adapting to multigenerational workforces.
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Advanced Textiles Expo Exhibitor Product Preview

August 1, 2023  |  Exhibitor Product Preview, Features

Your first look at the new products and value-added services waiting for you on the show floor at Advanced Textiles Expo 2023 in Orlando, Fla., Nov 1–3.
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Scott Neville: Prioritize trust to join legacy companies

July 1, 2023  |  Features, Perspective

Fifteen years ago, Scott Neville was a newcomer to the shade industry. In partnership with his father, Ron, he has since acquired three renowned awning companies with more than 300 years of combined industry leadership. And he’s just getting started.
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