February 2020

  • Published On: February 28, 2020

    The second annual Women in Textiles Summit, held February 19–21, almost doubled in attendance and gave attendees ample opportunities to build new business alliances while learning about emerging trends in the industry. The event, sponsored by Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), was held in Nashville, Tenn. "This event was born through the remarkable stories of [...]

  • Published On: February 27, 2020

    The Great Waters Research Collaborative (GWRC), a federal grant-funded research program of the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Lake Superior Research Institute (LSRI) is currently seeking applications from developers of ballast water compliance monitoring devices to participate in a verification program for the Laurentian Great Lakes. This one-time program is made possible through funding from the United [...]

  • Published On: February 25, 2020

    After decades of debate, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved the Biscayne National Park (BNP) Fisheries Management Plan. The plan enters into force on July 1, 2020, and addresses the following: Increases the minimum size limit for ten major finfish by 20 percent and establishes new limits on fish such as grunts, [...]

  • Published On: February 20, 2020

    The Northeast Canvas Products Association (NECPA) celebrated its 100th anniversary on January 16-18 in Worcester, Mass. The conference event included a full slate of Friday seminars presented by NECPA in conjunction with the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) and the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), divisions of IFAI, plus a full Expo day with more than [...]

  • Published On: February 20, 2020

    The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) December New Powerboat Registrations Report shows new powerboat retail unit sales closed the fourth quarter of 2019 up 4 percent on a rolling 3-month year-over-year (R3M YOY) basis and closed 2019 down 1 percent on a rolling 12-month year-over-year basis, marking the second highest level of new powerboat sales [...]

  • Published On: February 18, 2020

    Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) has partnered with Alliance Funding Group to provide members of IFAI fast financing at competitive rates. IFAI’s Vice President, New Business Development, Andrew Aho says, “IFAI is enthusiastic about offering members access to one more resource when considering financing equipment or looking for working capital. Alliance Funding Group has been [...]

  • Published On: February 13, 2020

    The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2019 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, Outboard Engine Sales Trends report shows sales increased for the eighth consecutive year in 2019, nearly reaching pre-recession levels with a 13-year high. “We’re seeing the trend in consumer demand for higher performance engines continue with outboard engine sales growth in 2019 led [...]

  • Published On: February 11, 2020

    The seats on this luxury yacht are damaged from mold and pink stain bacteria, a typical problem for marine and other outdoor fabrics. Pink staining bacteria produces a red liquid that diffuses into vinyl, creating a stain that cannot be cleaned. Antimicrobial topcoats can help to prevent such damage. Photo: APV Engineered Coatings. When compounded [...]

  • Published On: February 6, 2020

    Track time for better bidding By Sigrid Tornquist Just as the first step in money management is to understand your spending habits, the first step in shop efficiency is to know how your workers are spending their time. The formula to figure out how much chargeable time versus non-chargeable time your shop spends is simple: [...]

  • Published On: February 4, 2020

    The Indiana Senate Natural Resources committee unanimously approved Senate Concurrent Resolution #15, which calls for establishing an Indiana Office of Outdoor Recreation Development. The resolution outlines the Office's priorities and encourages it to be established within the Indiana Destination Development Corporation. The priorities detailed in the resolution include increasing outdoor recreation-based economic development, tourism, and [...]