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The article discusses the opening of canvas company Custom Canvas Alaska in January 2005 at Fairbanks, Alaska by workers Eric Walton and Devlin McKee. Topics discussed include the help rendered to their company by the owners of fabric supplier Alaska Dreams Inc. Meini and Anna Huser and the relevance of workplace safety measures in their company. Topics include the impact of climate on the product performance and challenges faced due to remote location of clients.

The article focuses on the business strategy of Jeff Schmitt, senior vice president of operations for outdoor recreation products company The Coleman Co. Inc. Topics include balance between off-shore manufacturing and production in the U.S., decision making on Coleman products, and development of automated processes at Coleman.

The article honors the members, readers and contributors of "Specialty Fabrics Review" journal of Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), due to whom, the journal has completed 100 years of its publications. It lists the various textile companies which have been associated with IFAI including Glen Raven, Robert Soper and Rainier Industries.

The article features Robert Cole, Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) Life Member and owner of California-based awning supplier Goodwin-Cole. Topics include a brief history of the company's beginnings since 1888 where its products were primarily awnings, its evolution into multiple custom textile solutions including a rare rescue tent, and how the company lasted by expanding its business model to deal with supply and demand factors. Cole gives 5 tips for lasting in the industry.

The article features Per Lindstrand, president of Lindstrand Technologies, formerly Lindstrand Balloons in Oswestry, Shropshire in the Great Britain and a member of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) since 2002. Topics discussed include Lindstrand's secret in developing methods and products for fabric engineering, how ballooning entered the public consciousness according to him, and their ongoing work on a tethered aerostat to replace their HyFlyer balloon launched in 1996.

The article discusses the important role of textile manufacturers in the aerospace industry. Topics covered include the impact of privatization and commercialization to fiber and textile manufacturers working for the aerospace industry, the properties and characteristics of composites and laminates used for multi-layer insulation MLI blankets for protecting spacecraft hardware, and the importance of innovation and adaptability in creating specialized textiles for aerospace.

The article offers information about various products that provide comfort and safety in extreme conditions, including the sleeping gear made by mountain hardwear manufacturer Q.Shield, the solar+ thermal control product from finishing technology company Schoeller Technologies, and the modularized insulation developed by Auburn Manufacturing.

The article discusses the profile of company president Conrad Masterson of general contractor Shade Industries. Topics covered include Masterson's employment history, the company profile and product and service offerings of Shade Industries, and the importance of customer satisfaction in Masterson's business. A list of five tips for effective selling is presented.

The article discusses establishment and business operations of custom fabric buildings manufacturer Shelter Structures Inc. under the leadership of president Patty Smail and vice president Charly Smail. Topics explored include the transition of the firm from mass-produced shelter distributor to customized structure producer, the way the firm accepts challenging projects to successfully address market competition, and the way the company prioritizes needs of its clients.

The article focuses on how shade structures are playing an important role in architectural regeneration. Topics discussed include the influx of people to older urban neighborhoods and the incorporation of shade structures, awnings, and exterior shades into renewal designs for historic architecture. Consideration for interior solar heat gain which contributes to energy conservation and the use of specialized fabric for constructing shade structures are also mentioned.

The article discusses the important role played by flexible and durable power-generating textiles in meeting the energy requirements of the future as of March 2015. Also cited are the concept of photovoltaics, the comment by textile engineering firm Fabdesigns Inc.'s Connie Huffa on photovoltaic cells, and the technology developed by Professor John Wilson for the integration of solar cells into fabric.

The article features Charles Webster, who serves as president and chief executive officer (CEO) at Dowco Inc. (formerly Dow Canvas Products) of Manitowoc, Wisconsin as of March 2015. The company is mainly involved in the design and manufacture of high quality accessories for marine and power sports vehicles for original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and aftermarkets. Also cited are Webster's top tips for process improvement, including asking help from lean manufacturing advisors.

The article focuses on Vernon Schaefer, chief executive officer (CEO) of Glawe Awnings & Tents and former president of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), and the succession of his business to his daughter, Kathy. It highlights Schaefer's embrace of technology and his value judgments when it comes to purchasing equipment. Also discussed are the transition of company leadership and the responsibilities of Kathy in running the business during the process.

The article profiles Pinz Pty. Ltd. managing director David Sinoad and his advocacy for low-stress management in businesses. Topics covered include his management background originated on the training experience at McDonald's Hamburger University centered on process and work flow, the role of micro-management in improving his work-life balance as a managing director, and low-stress management tips like not having concern for outcomes and empowering workers and professionals.

The article profiles Sadao Izumi, owner and president of tent rental firm Izumi Co. Ltd. and chairman of the Japan Tent Sheet Manufacturers Association. Topics covered include his role in introducing the concept of radio exercise or informal calisthenics among the firm's employees, the creation of titles and job descriptions for the employees, the provision of tents during Shinto festivals, and the relationship between the government and tent manufacturers in Japan.

The article reports on the collaboration between training services provider and nonprofit organization The Makers Coalition (TMC) and Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) on workforce development project for the cut-and-sew industry in the U.S. Topics noted include the emergence of the Maker Movement which includes entrepreneurs focusing on self-made products, mission and vision of the TMC and IFAI, and benefits of the partnership to industrial fabric manufacturers.

The article reports on the role of the textile industry in providing military supplies with improved protection of soldiers in the U.S. Topics cited include key priorities of the military such as blast protection, antimicrobial and insect repellent, advanced closure systems, and tent-skin and insulating textiles for shelters, development of camouflage for soldiers uniform, integration of electrically conductive threads into fabrics, and use of fabric composites with biochemical protection.

The accelerated expansion of swine production in Brazil has increased the generation of liquid wastes, which are usually applied to agricultural soils after a simplified treatment and pose potential environmental impacts. The objective of this study was to assess the agronomic and environmental impacts of long-term application of swine slurry (SS) on soil and stream water properties in watersheds dominated by Oxisols in Quinze de Novembro of Southern Brazil. Soil samples (0–30 cm) were collected from farms with continuous application of SS since 1990 at low (40–80 m3SS ha−1year−1) and high (120–300 m3SS ha−1year−1) rates of SS. Surface water samples were collected from streams adjacent to the farm fields. Long-term SS application did not change total organic C and particulate organic C compared to cropland and woodland soils without SS application. The high rates of SS increased total N, P, Cu, and Zn and available P and Cu in the topsoil (0–10 cm) compared to woodland and cropland soils without SS application. Surface water analyses showed that fecal coliform bacteria and biological oxygen demand exceeded the legal limits for high quality water (Class 1). Other water parameters (such as NO−3, phosphate and total suspended solids) were within the acceptable limits. Long-term disposal of SS in cropland under no-tillage had impaired water quality in Quinze de Novembro, especially biological parameters. Some best management practices should be adopted, including more rigorous control of SS application to cropland as well as requiring edge-of-field and riparian vegetative buffers.

The article reports on trends and challenges in the specialty fabrics industry as of 2014. Topics discussed include the U.S. textile industry resurgence due in part to consumer demand and academic research and innovation, the rising growth rates of smart fabrics worldwide, and the enactment of new flame- and arc- resistant standards for workwear of concerned individuals. Also mentioned are the growing demand for high performance, lightweight fabrics, and green products.

The article features Bob Jacquart of Jaquart Fabric Products Inc. (JPP) in Michigan, who discusses how he built a strong brand identity and expanded his company, as of 2014. Topics covered include his educational and entrepreneurial background, his openness to unexpected opportunities, which he refers to as the power of pluck, and his engagement of a marketing and branding firm to make his brand known. Also given are Jacquart's practical business tips.

The article features Steve Frost, who serves as president of Stamford Tent & Events Services of Stamford, Connecticut as of September 2014. It claims that Frost is responsible in expanding the firm into an operation with 160-180 staff and over 50 vehicles from just five workers and two trucks in 1972. According to Frost, his employee management style is to consult with staff in order to gain consensus.

The article discusses the trends in performance upholstery fabrics. Topics covered include sustainability trends including the use of natural fibers and bio-based synthetics, the importance of stain and water resistance in fabrics finishes, textile environmental labels and red list of ingredients and materials that are considered harmful.

The article presents an interview with Carol Racine, president of boat restoration firm Racine Design based in Jacksonville, Florida. Among the issues she discussed include her introduction into textile fabrication while working as furniture reupholsterer, her move to marine fabrication and eventually launching Racine Design with her husband Don in 1996, and the new business model and location of their business.

The article focuses on Calhoun Super Structure Ltd. in Tara, Ontario. According to Jeremy Calhoun, president of the fabric building manufacturer, the company's success lay in its dealer network strategy. Topics discussed include a brief background of Calhoun's foray into the business, co-founding of his own company and expansion of its product lines. It examines activities of the company with its dealer network, quality control reviews and team building approach.

The article profiles tent frames developer Economy Tent International based in Miami, Florida. Hal Lapping, the firm's president, states that the company is focused on providing best quality products at the most competitive costs. It adds that the company has been acquired by Evansville, Indiana-based fabric tents manufacturer Anchor Industries Inc. in 2011 due to its steady success.

The article discusses development of electronic textiles (e-textiles) for military applications. It presents remarks from Eugene Wilusz of the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) regarding desirable qualities of e-textiles that make it suitable for soldiers. Topics explored include the commercial availability of solar array blankets, studies into the integration of renewable energy in clothing systems, and the use of photovoltaics in textiles.

The article discusses development, benefits and features of biomedical textiles. It cites examples of biotextiles such as orthopedic attachment devices and medical textiles which include filtration masks and protective apparel. Aside from providing protection to patients, it acknowledges textile innovations that can stimulate the healing process. It also explores studies which investigated the use of textiles incorporated with the Celliant thermo-reactive technology by diabetic patients.

An interview with John Conroy, owner of awnings, canopies and canvas products manufacturer House of Canvas, is presented. He explains his philosophy of teamwork between the business owner and employees and the culture of mutual respect that exist between them. He discusses the goal of the company to produce quality product beginning in the design process, as well as the viability of the business through a combination of large and small jobs.

There is a huge unmet need for veterinary diagnostic laboratory services in developing nations such as Liberia. One way of bridging the service gap is for visiting experts to provide veterinary laboratory training to technicians in a central location in a short-course format. An intensive 1-week training workshop was organized for 18 student and faculty participants from the College of Agriculture and Integrated Development Studies (CAIDS) at Cuttington University in rural central Liberia. The training was designed and delivered by the non-governmental organization Veterinarians Without Borders US and funded through a Farmer-to-Farmer grant provided by the United States Agency for International Development. Although at the start of training none of the students had any veterinary laboratory experience, by the end of the course over 80% of the students were able to discuss appropriate care and use of a microscope and name at least three important components of laboratory record keeping; over 60% were able to describe how to make and stain a blood smear and how to perform a passive fecal flotation; and over 30% were able to describe what a packed cell volume is and how it is measured and name at least three criteria for classifying bacteria. The intensive training workshop greatly improved the knowledge of trainees about veterinary diagnostic laboratory techniques. The training provided initial skills to students and faculty who are awaiting the arrival of additional grant-funded laboratory equipment to continue their training.

The article discusses nanotechnology developments that could be beneficial to the specialty fabrics industry. It acknowledges possibility of incorporating nanoscale technologies in fibers and fabric coatings. It describes efforts of scientists to create fabrics that can resist soil and oil due to environmental hazards associated with fluorocarbons. Brief details about features of military interactive camouflage fabrics for soldiers are also presented.

The article discusses an interview with vice president Alex Kouzmanoff of tent designer and manufacturer Aztec Tents. He describes significance being given by the firm to customer service, noting how this is associated to achieving sales. He relates learning business and tent manufacturing skills from then-vice president Bill Bie. He also talks about growth of the company sales team, training support and sales staff, and importance of listening to customer concerns.

The article reports on the efforts of U.S. businesspeople Andrea Lampson and Mark Lampson to help improve the performance of their struggling business in 2013. The couple spent time strategizing how to enhance the productivity of their people. According to the author, the couple offers benefit packages to people.

The article focuses on architect Nic Goldsmith, senior principal of FTL Design and Engineering Studio in New York. According to the author, Goldsmith started innovating fabric structures as a student of Cornell University when he and his classmates launched E-Z Builders, a company that designs and builds pavilions for festivals at the university. The author adds that Goldsmith applied this experience to FTL-designed music pavilions.

The article features Dan Nolan III, managing partner of Tents Unlimited Inc. According to Nolan, working with the company founded by his father and uncle afforded him to work in a newly-developed business and to learn the scope of what the business could become. For Nolan, the 1996 Atlanta Olympics experience exposed him to big budget and provided him enough experience to transform the company from merely a tent rental company to an event infrastructure rental company.

The article features Ron Houle, vice president of government relations at Orangeburg, New York-based DHS Systems. According to Houle, it is important to understand the need of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in order to succeed in defense procurement. Houle also worked as a career Army officer for 25 years. DHS Systems makes mobile tactical shelters and mobile power and environmental control units.

The article discusses lessons learned by Cindy Boersema, owner of The Nautical Needle, a shop in Holland, Michigan that crafts custom options for boats and yachts, when she to transited into sole ownership after her partners left the business. For anyone entering a partnership, Boersema offers pieces of advice, which include having an exit plan, including an non-compete agreement and creating a back-up plan. After become sole owner, Boersema focused on replacing staff that left.

The article discusses Michael König's, the president of the Outdoor Fabric Products Association of New Zealand (OFPANZ) New Zealand's branch of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), way of business planning and growth. Topics include König's transition from corporate life to buying a group of companies in the outdoor fabric industry, managing the company without having much knowledge about fabricating shade products, and the importance of seeking inputs from the rest of the team.