By Sigrid Tornquist When Jeri, Jim and Joe Perillo of Custom Canvas of Charleston first saw this older model Carver yacht it had a crooked frame that was on backwards with a blue tarp tied on top. The owner spent a lot of time on the bridge enjoying the views and asked to have the [...]

By Barb Ernster Businesses that don’t have the time to research the government system or are confused about getting registered and certified can get assistance from their local Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). Nearly every state has at least one PTAC, which provides free counseling services. The PTACs are funded by the Department of Defense, [...]

By Barb Ernster The federal government has three requirements that each business must fulfill before it can bid on a contract. It is critical to keep your passwords in a place where you can readily find them in the future. Your firm must have a Dunn & Bradstreet number. If you do not have one, [...]

By Dale Salamacha Remove as much hardware (rub rail, trolling motor, etc.) as possible before applying the wrap. Wash the boat before applying the film using these tips: Use a solvent-based cleaner, not alcohol-based, to thoroughly remove any wax residue on the boat. This will ensure the most thorough cleaning. Don’t use soaps or preparations [...]

By Charlene Clark Google Places click on Business Solutions at the bottom Google is the dominant search engine in the U.S. market with approximately 65.5 percent of the market share. In addition to basic information, you can include photos, offers and promotions. Yellow Pages Free listings include a brief description of your business. Yellow Pages [...]

By Marc Hequet With Peachtree Accounting software from Sage Group plc, Mark Matson relentlessly monitors material and labor costs as a percentage of overall revenue. “We focus on the total cost in a few categories versus job-by-job comparison of estimates to actual cost,” says Matson, president of ACF Tarp and Awning in Fort Worth, Texas. [...]

Eric Walton of Custom Canvas Alaska LLC, of Fairbanks, says that electronic needle positioning is paramount. In fact, he explains the importance of retrofitting your compound-feed walking foot machine for needle positioning. Did you know that a standard compound-feed walking foot sewing machine can be retrofitted to have needle positioning? “How many times a day [...]

By William J. Lynott Despite using the best internal programs, theft can still occur. It’s important to keep aware of early warning signals of possible employee dishonesty, including: Any hint of substance abuse An employee with a disgruntled, belligerent attitude, often complaining to others Bad temper or unpleasant behavior that tends to discourage or avoid [...]

> By Maura Keller Density Density is the weight per unit volume of the foam normally expressed in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3). The general range of polyether flexible polyurethane foams is 16 to 64 kg/m3. This density is not a measure of firmness as it is with latex rubber foams. Density is an important [...]

By Mark E. Battersby So-called “bonus” depreciation has long been used by lawmakers as an economic stimulus. The tax law currently allows 50 percent bonus depreciation write-off for equipment and property placed in service through the 2013 tax year. Some transportation and longer-lived property is even eligible for bonus depreciation through 2014. With bonus depreciation, [...]