Entertainment markets offer manufacturers steady gigs

September 1, 2009  |  Fabric Structures, Features, Graphics, Projects

With a wide variety of fabric applications, the entertainment industry offers sweeping opportunities for manufacturers. By Barb Ernster Entertainment and related markets offer sweeping opportunities for fabric products manufacturers to make their mark. The breadth of the industry extends far beyond …
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Interactive tools to enhance your website

September 1, 2009  |  Features, Marketing

Reach out to your website visitors with interactivity. By Joe Dysart Increasing numbers of users view the web as a second home where they spend hours each day interacting with friends, colleagues, clients and customers. It just makes sense to tap into the many tools available to make your business&r…
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Operating leverage: Adapt your technology to new markets

September 1, 2009  |  Business, Features, Management

You’ve got the skills, the equipment, the employees, the opportunity. Go for it. By Carol Brzozowski In good economies, a rising tide lifts all boats, points out business speaker George Hedley. “Even people who weren’t following good business fundamentals were making money,” …
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Bradford brings virtual vision to life

September 1, 2009  |  Features, Management, Marine, Perspective

Katie Bradford uses computer imaging to master hard-to-design projects. By Sigrid Tornquist “We can take a photograph of a boat, create a computer model of it and add to it the virtual structure that we intend to build,” says Katie Bradford, MFC, IFM, owner of Custom Marine Canvas in Noank, Conn…
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Finding a niche: Small markets, big profits

August 30, 2009  |  Features, Graphics

How and why digital graphics companies are succeeding because they found their niche. By Gail Nickel-Kailing I was sent on a quest to find digital graphics companies that are printing on textiles in niche markets. So what is a niche? Why a niche market? And who are these people? “Merriam-Webst…
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Advancements in outdoor fabrics help get the message out

August 30, 2009  |  Features, Graphics

Improvements to outdoor fabrics have led to greater opportunities for digital printing. By Holly O’Dell Digital printing has opened the door to new possibilities in outdoor fabric applications. End product manufacturers, not to mention their customers, are becoming more aware of fabric capabil…
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Maximize your equipment efficiency

August 30, 2009  |  Features, Graphics

When to upgrade and when to buy a new printer: A guide to increasing your efficiency on a tight budget. By Andrea Swensson A downshift in the economy doesn’t necessarily have to mean a downshift in profits, and one of the most important aspects to consider when examining the financial side of …
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Gallagher visualizes success in the tent rental industry

August 1, 2009  |  Features, Marketing, Perspective, Tents

Jim Gallagher communicates excellence—professionally. By Sigrid Tornquist “Sure, I could go out and do everything myself. I could create my own website, put a couple of Polaroids on there and say ‘look at me.’ But how am I going to grow my business that way?” says Jim Gallagher, president …
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Fabric benefits tight exhibits market

August 1, 2009  |  Business, Fabric Structures, Features, Graphics, Projects

Fabric exhibits transcend economic and environmental concerns for a natural fit in a tight market. By Barb Ernster No one disputes the fact that the exhibits market is hurting, but exhibit builders are not dismayed. They’re adapting to new demands for efficient, economical and longer-lasting d…
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Keys to economic sustainability

August 1, 2009  |  Business, Features

Products, processes, people: environmental and economic sustainability are part of the same equation. By Janice Kleinschmidt Open a door and you’ll find 10 more doors. That’s how Paul Bennotti views sustainability. The director of marketing responsible for leading sustainability initiati…
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