The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is now in effect. Under USMCA, there are no changes to the rules of origin for recreational marine engines and boats. However, importers will have to provide information in a new “certification of origin” to prove origin of goods and claim preferential tariff treatment. The certification can be completed by the [...]

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1061 into law, which creates the new Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve and protects about 400,000 acres of seagrass in the state’s waters. Off Florida’s west coast, seagrass beds stretch for miles and for decades have supported a significant part of the regional economy. The Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve off [...]

Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is offering a three-part series focused on the Budsin boat project that was featured at the 2019 Marine Fabricators Conference. During each webinar, Brooke Kahn, vice president of marketing for Keyston Bros, will interview key people involved in the project, explore how electric boats are manufactured and fabricated, and find [...]

By Cathy Broberg Those of us not on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic often feel helpless. Sheltering in place doesn’t feel like much of a contribution. Jamie and Bob Mills from Wm. J. Mills & Co., Greenport, N.Y., were among those who wanted pitch in. The brothers designed a face shield they planned [...]

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) posted a revised, borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application implementing the PPP Flexibility Act of 2020, which was signed into law by President Trump on June 5, 2020. In addition to revising the full forgiveness application, SBA also published a new EZ version of the forgiveness application [...]

Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) has issued a call for speakers for its Women in Textiles Summit being held March 3–5, 2021, in Braselton, Ga. The call for speakers is an opportunity for individuals and organizations to develop bold, valuable and worthwhile content attendees are eager to hear. The vision of the summit is to [...]

Austrian-made Profilen® PTFE sewing thread is now being distributed by Polyfab USA. The thread is an excellent choice for long-lasting outdoor items such as awnings, shade sails and marine covers. It is flame retardant, resistant to highly corrosive environments, competitively priced and is covered under a factory warranty for the lifespan of the fabric onto [...]

By Leo Pohlmann, in collaboration with Zach Pohlmann Throughout my 30 years of marine canvas experience as the owner of Uncharted Marine Canvas, I’ve seen many trends come and go. One that has emerged within the past five to 10 years is the creation of cockpit covers on sportfishing boats. Located in the Florida Panhandle, [...]

By Madeleine MacRae Determining the best way to sell and, even more so, how to effectively and appropriately market your products and services at a time of such widespread uncertainty and deep market disruption can be a daunting task. As a leader during this unprecedented time, you have a lot on your plate. You have [...]

By Terri Madden The COVID-19 pandemic offers opportunities and challenges. Hood Canvas LLC (above) and Signature CanvasMakers (below) are providing PPE to meet community needs and provide income to employees. When I moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and registered my business 23 years ago, I had only $2,000 in my pocket. It bought me [...]