Archives

Banner Canvas’ Faith Roberts on the value of ATA networking

November 1st, 2023

Photography by Dani Werner Photography  Although Faith Roberts’ business has been mostly a one-woman show for almost 40 years, she has always been a firm believer in the power of networking.  When she graduated with a degree in apparel design, Roberts envisioned going to New York and designing eveningwear. Instead, she began working at a growing […]

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Cutting through the fabric ceiling

February 1st, 2022

Faith Roberts, Ltm, MFC, IFM, owner of Ham Lake, Minn.-based Banner Canvas, can think of several examples of gender-based discrimination she’s encountered over her 40-year career.  Some struck her as blatantly offensive when she experienced them. Others were less obvious until she really dissected them years later.  “Some things I didn’t know were discriminatory until […]

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Jumping on design trends in the marine market

August 1st, 2020

by Sigrid Tornquist Aft deck entertaining is at its finest on the upper level of this Viking Yacht Co.’s 93’ Motor Yacht. The Lloyd Flanders furniture is covered in fabric by Sunbrella® and Crown barstools are upholstered in Ultrafabrics® Ultraleather®. Project by WBC Design. Photo: Forrest Johnson. Maybe it’s because boats are so special to […]

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Automation advantages

June 1st, 2020

Adding automation can prove challenging, with costs to consider, processes to change and nervous employees to reckon with. Still, fabricators who have taken the leap say there’s no other way to go.  by Pamela Mills-Senn Wizard Screen Solutions began automating in 2017 using computerized TigerStop™ cutting guides at cutting stations, a customized testing station for […]

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IFAI’s Manufacturing for Good booth assembles duffel bags for homeless recovery center

December 1st, 2018

IFAI’s Manufacturing for Good booth made its second appearance at Expo 2018 held in October in Dallas, Texas. Workers at the live manufacturing booth assembled 74 red duffel bags from start to finish. The bags, made from 14 oz. vinyl, were donated to The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center, a North Texas-based organization devoted to helping […]

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