Robert Allen Contract introduces Sunbrella Contract fabrics
March 28th, 2012
Patterns are first to meet Silver level compliance with NSF-ANSI 336 Sustainable Assessment Standard Taking advantage of new technology in the contract textile industry, Robert Allen Contract is bringing to market the first Sunbrella Contract collection. This group of outdoor fabrics debuts Sunbrella’s first contract-grade upholstery and is garnering sustainability kudos. Two patterns in the […]
Mist-er-Comfort at International Boat Show March 22-25
March 22nd, 2012
Canvas Designers, Inc., a custom marine canvas shop, will display marine misting systems manufactured by Mist-er-Comfort, Inc., at the 2012 Palm Beach International Boat Show (Land space 772, March 22–25). A Mist-er-Comfort misting system can lower cockpit temperatures as much as 25 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing boaters to go boating comfortably—even on the hottest days. All […]
Bedding, upholstered furniture makers bracing for foam price hikes
March 19th, 2012
Bedding and upholstered furniture manufacturers say they are bracing for foam price hikes that are expected to hit double digits. “With significant price increases, products would need to be de-speced or bedding prices would go up,” said Therapedic president Gerry Borreggine. He also said the timing would be “most inopportune” for his group, which just […]
American Boating Congress registration opens
March 14th, 2012
Registration for the American Boating Congress is now open and spaces are rapidly filling. Registration began just after the addition of two more event cohosts, the National Marine Bankers Association and the Michigan Boating Industries Association, bringing the total to 11. Committed cohosts to date include the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the Marine Retailers Association […]
Boating Summit addresses industry growth
March 1st, 2012
Approximately 160 executives and leaders from the recreational boating community gathered in Chicago, Ill., last December for the Recreational Boating Stakeholder Growth Summit. Hosted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and facilitated by the Consensus Center from Florida State University, the Summit discussed how to grow the recreational boating industry. Presentations addressed topics such […]
NMMA addresses USCG’s proposed safety measures
March 1st, 2012
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is on the right path in asking for guidance on how to best prevent recreational boating casualties caused by propeller strikes and carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). In response to the USCG’s release of an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM), the NMMA encouraged […]
The business of government contracts
March 1st, 2012
Winning a government contract is not easy, but they offer tremendous revenue opportunities that should not be ignored. By Barb Ernster Despite all the focus on cutting government budgets, including across-the-board military cuts, Uncle Sam still needs good contractors. Winning a government contract is not easy, but once you learn how to navigate the system, […]
Fabricator profile: Keith Purves
March 1st, 2012
“It’s usually after I’ve banged my head a few times when facing a problem that I think: There’s got to be an easier way,” says Keith Purves, MFC, owner of Riverside Covers in Ft. Myers, Fla. “And then I just try it.” About five years ago Purves and his wife took over the custom marine […]
Reinforce dodger top panels
March 1st, 2012
At Hood Canvas we developed a method of folding in the sides of our California dodger top panels to reinforce the edge. We did not like the look of binding on the sides of our panels. We prefer a crisp folded edge instead. We chose to show the procedure on a Navy Top because it […]
Quality vs. price
March 1st, 2012
By Pat Hayes, CPP During a recent management meeting, our vice president of marketing presented an updated global business plan. In the process, he did an analysis of our competition over the past 10 years. Interesting to note was the number of businesses that went by the wayside. I would say the majority failed due […]