• How Mike Erickson grew his Canvas Designers business

    Published On: March 1, 2009Categories: Features, Management

    By Sigrid Tornquist “I believe that as responsible corporate citizens, we must provide living wages for our employees,” says Mike Erickson, MFC, president and owner of Canvas Designers Inc. in Riviera Beach, Fla., who pays his staff above the industry standard. “I want employees who stay on long term.” And that’s exactly what he’s got, [...]

  • Tax cuts for cutting energy consumption

    Published On: March 1, 2009Categories: Management

    By Mark E. Battersby Reducing the cost of energy is on every marine fabricator’s mind these days. Saving energy may come with additional costs, but provisions in our tax laws, benefits that increased significantly with last fall’s “Bailout” bill, offset some of those higher, up-front costs. While lawmakers push for and pass more energy-related tax [...]

  • Marine industry survey

    Published On: January 1, 2009Categories: Features, Industry News, Management

    This summary of the U.S./Canadian marine fabric market segment focuses mostly on the U.S. marketplace, particularly as it relates to the state of the marine fabric market over the past few years: trends, top marine fabric applications and the market outlook. Much of the information was derived from a recent survey conducted by the Industrial [...]

  • Writing off expenses

    Published On: September 1, 2008Categories: Management

    Write off trade show and convention expenses—as long as you know the laws. By Mark E. Battersby Imagine an enjoyable—and educational—vacation with Uncle Sam, in the form of our tax laws, picking up part of the tab. That’s right, every marine fabrication business, the owner and employees of that business can legitimately claim an income [...]

  • Investing in equipment

    Published On: September 1, 2008Categories: Features, Management

    Making a significant equipment purchase can be a daunting task, but many financing options exist to help improve operations, stay competitive and realize the return on your investment. By Holly O’Dell One look around the shop, and business owners are faced with constant reminders of necessary improvements, such as tools that need to be replaced [...]

  • How to handle hassles in administering human resource programs

    Published On: July 1, 2008Categories: Management

    Story and photos by Marshall Spiegel You know the basics to keep in compliance with federal and state employment laws, but there always seem to be unique issues and questions that you are not sure how to handle. Kay Robinson, SPHR, Director of Human Resource Consulting Services with RSM McGladrey, answers your questions. This information [...]

  • Human resources dos and don’ts (Part 3 of 3)

    Published On: May 1, 2008Categories: Management

    Policy administration, anti-harassment and best practices. By Kay Robinson This is the final article in a series about human resources basics. In this issue, Kay Robinson, SPHR, Director of Human Resources Consulting Services with RSM McGladrey, discusses policy administration, anti-harassment and best practices. This article should not be construed as legal advice. In the past [...]

  • Custom Covers utilizes technology to stay on top

    Published On: March 1, 2008Categories: Features, Management

    Top. The dictionary has numerous definitions for the word. For Custom Covers, a marine fabrication business based in Salt Lake City, the word takes on its own meanings. Top, as in boat top, is what the company manufactures. Top, as in top of the market, is where the company has been since creating the first [...]

  • Human resources dos and don’ts (Part 2 of 3)

    Published On: March 1, 2008Categories: Management

    Fair Labor Standards Act and high-level benefits requirements. By Kay Robinson This is the second in a series of articles about human resources basics. In this issue, Kay Robinson, SPHR, Director of Human Resources Consulting Services with RSM McGladrey, discusses the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and some high-level benefits requirements.This article should not be [...]

  • Human resources dos and don’ts (Part 1 of 3)

    Published On: January 1, 2008Categories: Management

    Recruitment, reference checks and record keeping. By Kay Robinson This is the first of three consecutive articles about human resources basics. In this issue, Kay Robinson, SPHR, Director of Human Resources Consulting Services with RSM McGladrey, discusses the dos and don’ts of recruitment, reference checks and record keeping. This article should not be construed as [...]