2018 International Achievement Award Winners Announced
October 17th, 2018
The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) has awarded this year’s International Achievement Awards (IAA) for design excellence in specialty fabrics applications, announced at the awards breakfast on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at IFAI Expo 2018. IFAI Expo is the largest specialty fabrics trade show in North America, held this year at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention […]
Sharpen your competitive edge
October 17th, 2018
Asking yourself one simple question can help make your business a magnet for new customers, says marketing professional Madeleine MacRae, owner of MM MacRae Coaching & Consulting. “That question is ‘Who is your ideal client?’” In her Oct. 16 Expo session on distinguishing yourself in the marketplace, MacRae says answering this question is the key […]
Evolon product receives ECARF seal
October 17th, 2018
Freudenberg’s Evolon New Generation has been awarded the European seal of quality from the independent European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF). The seal aims to help people with allergies select appropriate goods and services. The new Evolon anti-mite fabric meets the testing criteria for filtration performance and sleeping comfort. Made from super-microfilaments that are half the […]
GlideWear finds new applications in reducing friction
October 16th, 2018
A variety of advanced textile products were discussed in sessions during IFAI’s Pre-Expo Conference Oct. 15. Caroline Portoghese explained how her company’s product, called GlideWear, offers innovative skin protection by reducing friction and shear to prevent skin tears and blisters. The product has been used by athletes, burn patients wearing compression garments, in wheelchair components […]
Digital presence is key to acquiring new customers in 2019
October 16th, 2018
It’s no surprise the digital world means a company’s ability to attract and keep customers requires a dramatic shift in strategy, tools and resources. Ed Keough, vice president of sales for FutureGuard Building Products Inc. in Auburn, Maine, told business owners they need to embrace digital advertising or be “left in the dust” during his […]
IFAI Expo keynote speaker Mark Scharenbroich: “acknowledge, honor and connect” with employees and customers
October 16th, 2018
Keynote speaker Mark Scharenbroich has straightforward advice for growing a business: Make a true connection with employees and customers and positive results will follow. Scharenbroich shared his humor and motivational wisdom with a packed room at IFAI’s 2018 Expo annual meeting October 16. Rain, wind and cold outside the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in […]
Textile testing for comfort
October 16th, 2018
IFAI’s Pre-Expo Conference Oct. 15 in Dallas offered a range of presentations—many of them focused on topics of particular interest in the advanced textiles area. Textile testing is one topic that will be addressed in more than one session. At the beginning of his talk yesterday on testing and evaluating fabrics’ human comfort, performance and […]
Zund America breaks ground on new North American headquarters
October 16th, 2018
Zund America Inc. (Zünd) will construct a new North American headquarters in Oak Creek, Wis. The building will include loading docks for shipping and receiving, offices, as well as spaces for product display, customer and employee training, and warehousing for their product and miscellaneous materials that support the installation and servicing of Zünd equipment. The […]
Useful social media for companies of all sizes
October 15th, 2018
Should you bother with social media? Most definitely yes, says Luke Gusman, marketing manager for Sta-Lok Inc., a longtime manufacturer of marine and architectural rigging hardware. Gusman says that no matter how large or small your company, there are five social media platforms that can increase engagement with your product or service and raise your […]
Successful multigenerational workplaces
October 15th, 2018
This is the first time in history that five distinct generations are working in a single workplace, says J. Karl Sherrill Jr., a certified risk manager with Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, in his 2018 Expo session “Leading Successful Teams in a Multigenerational Workplace.” “It’s a trend affecting every business,” says Sherrill. “You have people […]