A primer on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)
January 1st, 2021
An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) offers lots of attractive benefits: studies have shown that ESOPs improve productivity, increase sales and improve return on assets, plus they offer great tax advantages. But more than any of these attributes, an ESOP offers the owner of a company peace of mind and an enduring legacy. “Many times, […]
Smart tax moves in the age of COVID-19
January 1st, 2021
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 troubled tax year? This may […]
Mesh structure evokes Atlanta’s tree canopy
January 1st, 2021
A mesh canopy installation at the High Museum of Art was inspired by bird murmuration, a phenomenon of a flock of birds seemingly suspended in midair. Photos: Fredrik Bauer. Atlanta, Ga., is known as the “city in the forest” because of its abundance of trees. A mesh sculpture installed at the High Museum of Art […]
Carolyn Hajek on staying small and strong
January 1st, 2021
Pride City Awning & Canvas founder Carolyn Hajek has built her business on trust and loyalty. by Laurie F. Junker The successful formula for Pride City Awning & Canvas is the application of a simple principle—treat customers, suppliers and employees with honesty, fairness and loyalty. It’s an approach that has kept the Pueblo, Colo.-based manufacturer […]
Inside-out tent hosts summer cinema
January 1st, 2021
The winning structure in a competition for the Garage Screen pop-up summer cinema pavilion was designed to resemble an inside-out Bedouin tent. Photos: Garage Screen 2020. During the self-isolation period of the 2020 pandemic, “it became clear that some films can only exist and be perceived in theaters,” according to Evgeny Gusyatinskiy, film program curator […]
Meet the Newly Elected and Re-elected 2021 IFAI Board of Directors
January 1st, 2021
Each year, Industrial Fabrics Association International’s (IFAI) Leadership Development Committee follows a detailed process outlined in our bylaws for electing board members. It is IFAI’s pleasure to announce the newly elected and re-elected individuals who were chosen to serve on the 2021 IFAI Board of Directors. Newly Elected Directors Jennifer Fennell, Polo Custom ProductsJennifer Fennell […]
Sign up now for the 2021 Fabric Architecture Specifier’s Guide
January 1st, 2021
The 2021 Fabric Architecture Specifier’s Guide is a one-stop guide for architects, designers and fabricators. This guide features the versatility and reliability of fabric, whether your focus is on awnings and canopies or air, tent and tensile structures. The guide highlights products, services, supplier directories and detailed specifier guides. Make sure you are part of the 2021 […]
Take IFAI’s survey: COVID-19’s Business Impact in 2020
December 22nd, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic will be remembered as one of the most challenging and unprecedented periods ever for the specialty, technical and engineered textile industries. As 2020 comes to a close, Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) would like your help in understanding how businesses in our industries were affected by the events of this year and […]
Glen Raven Custom Fabrics announces multiphase expansion plan
December 21st, 2020
Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, Burlington, N.C., has announced the latest milestones in a multiphase global expansion plan, representing a $65 million investment to create additional capacity and support sustainability initiatives, according to a company press release. The first phase, initiated at the end of 2019, includes new and upgraded equipment to support the continuing growth […]
Get stand-out awnings with digital printing
December 1st, 2020
With today’s digital printing options, there’s no reason for an awning client to be limited to colors and patterns in a book or traditional customization methods, according to Andrew Medley, regional sales manager for Trivantage. “Digital printing offers unlimited capabilities, and it is a solution to providing the customer exactly what they want—personalized messaging, the […]