The Insiders section of Specialty Fabrics Review, IFAI’s flagship publication, is dedicated to member news, updates and profiles. Check out the stories below to learn more.
Pairing fabric and film
February 1, 2012Not many in the specialty fabrics industry can also add the moniker “film maker” after their name.
IFAI prepares for new leadership
February 1, 2012As you may know, IFAI is going through the process of choosing a new leader.
Workshops highlight SWIFA event
February 1, 2012PAMA will host a “Value-Added Selling and New Technologies” workshop at the SWIFA 2012 Convention.
MFA unveils new logo
February 1, 2012The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) recently completed the process of developing a new logo.
PAMA promotes Zone awards
February 1, 2012Did your company project win an award at a Zone meeting in the last year? If so, PAMA will promote it.
IFAI member company Engineered Textile Products Inc.
February 1, 2012Ken Robinson solves problems and establishes credibility through IFAI.
Raised in “a wool town”
January 1, 2012Howard Spector of Spector Textiles Inc. speaks first-hand about much of the company’s history.
FGA recognizes Pat Hayes
January 1, 2012During the annual Fabric Graphics Association (FGA) meeting, FGA gave special recognition to Pat Hayes, CPP, president of Fabric Images Inc.
TRD provides code certificate
January 1, 2012The Tent Rental Division (TRD) of IFAI supplies a Code of Ethics Certificate for TRD members.
Master Fabric Craftsman awarded
January 1, 2012Mark Hood, owner of Hood Marine Canvas Co., Merrimac, Mass., recently achieved certification as a Master Fabric Craftsman in Marine Exterior.
USIFI updates military specs
January 1, 2012The U.S. Industrial Fabrics Institute (USIFI) has updated several fabric specifications used in military applications.
IFAI member company Glawe Awnings and Tents
January 1, 2012Kathy Schaefer networks with IFAI contacts to keep her business running smoothly.
IFAI board of directors elected
December 1, 2011New members and positions on IFAI’s board of directors were announced at IFAI Expo Americas 2011.
Tent Installer training
December 1, 2011The next workshop will be held Feb. 27, 2012, as part of Tent Conference 2012 at Allsite Structure Rentals in Las Vegas, Nev.
PAMA participates in conference
December 1, 2011PAMA participated in several events at the Virginia-Carolinas Canvas Products Association Zone 4 Conference, Sept. 22-24.
Students take top honors
December 1, 2011A team from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, took home first place honors in the 2011 Safety Products Student Design Challenge.
IFAI member company TCT&A Industries
December 1, 2011Kevin Yonce's parents joined IFAI when he was three months old, and he has attended every Expo since 1991.
Intentionally different
November 1, 2011Ernie Arango and Pat Campobasso have a success story for Sierra Shading Solutions Inc. in Sparks, Nev.
IFAI announces position changes
November 1, 2011IFAI announces changes in positions for IFAI employees Ruth Stephens and Beth Hungiville.
FSA elects new board
November 1, 2011The Fabric Structures Association (FSA) held its annual meeting Oct. 25 in Baltimore, Md., and elected new board members.
PAMA website sponsorships
November 1, 2011The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) is offering website sponsorships for both fabricator and supplier members.
IFAI member company J. Miller Canvas
November 1, 2011Jim Miller says having an association that promotes our industry is very important for business owners.
A passion for old-fashioned quality
October 1, 2011Roughly 20 years ago, Tim Bischel attended his first IFAI Expo in Denver.
A letter of thanks for industry support
October 1, 2011The undersigned companies would like to thank you for supporting our association.
IFAI member company Eventstar Structures
October 1, 2011Alain Perez gets involved with IFAI to take advantage of the many benefits of his IFAI membership.
High profile “hobby”
September 1, 2011JJL Events in Toronto, Ont., Canada is no ordinary event rental business, “selling complicated awnings and custom tents,” as John Lee calls it.
Coal ash bill in progress
September 1, 2011GMA has been advocating for regulations that would require geosynthetic lining of coal ash disposal sites.
Enhanced listings offered
September 1, 2011Listings for the Diamond Premium option for PAMA members on the PAMA website have recently been enhanced.
PAMA featured on website
September 1, 2011PAMA is featured on a new website created by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories and Building Green.
IFAI member company Ohio Awning and Manufacturing Co.
September 1, 2011Andy Morse is excited to be on the PAMA (Professional Awning Manufacturers Association) board.
Sew perfect
August 1, 2011When Linda Harrell was still in school, she sewed all her own clothes—even prom dresses and college formals.
Banner contest announced
August 1, 2011The Fabric Graphics Association is sponsoring a Banner Design Competition to celebrate IFAI’s 100th anniversary.
Awnings Today campaign concludes
August 1, 2011Over the last five years the Awnings Today campaign has educated residential and commercial markets about the benefits of awnings.
Tent planning app available
August 1, 2011A new app will help event planners, producers, designers, venues and caterers select the appropriate tent for the occasion.
IFAI member company Riverside Covers
August 1, 2011Keith Purves loves attending IFAI Expo and the MFA (Marine Fabricators Association) National Convention.
Part of the heritage
July 1, 2011Todd Brewer is now the president of a venerable specialty fabrics business, but he didn’t grow up playing in his grandfather’s canvas shop.
IFAI member company Lawrence Fabric & Metal Structures
July 1, 2011Jerry Grimaud risks making changes in products and policies to be ready for whatever is coming.
Right in your own backyard
June 1, 2011“This is the best spring we’ve had for 20 years,” Ray Sweet says of his business, Fiberlite Umbrellas Inc.
A thank you from IFAI Japan
June 1, 2011On behalf of IFAI Japan members, we would like to say thank you for the response to the devastation caused by the earthquake.
Focus on innovation
June 1, 2011Assembling under the theme “innovation,” specialty fabrics professionals will meet at the 2011 OFPANZ Conference in Nelson, N. Z., June 24–26.
New MFA website launched
June 1, 2011The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) has launched a new website with a user-friendly design and enhanced features.
IFAI member company Rubb Inc.
June 1, 2011David Nickerson says IFAI trade shows and publications have been a great resource for bringing together industry participants.
Fourth generation awning man
May 1, 2011Tim McGill’s great-grandfather bought out F. Thoms in 1911 and founded the company that is now American Canvas and Awnings.
TRD meets with building inspectors
May 1, 2011Representatives from TRD and ARA Massachusetts met with representatives of the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety.
California continues Title 19 revision
May 1, 2011The California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) is updating its textile flammability document, Title 19, for the first time since 1993.
IFAI board seeks candidates
May 1, 2011The IFAI Leadership Development Committee is seeking candidates to fill several positions.
IFAI member company Sand Sea and Air Interiors Inc.
May 1, 2011Every day IFAI and MFA help Terri Madden of Sand Sea and Air Interiors Inc. in her business.
Best of both worlds
April 1, 2011Dan Nolan knows his way around a tent; he started doing installations for the Tennessee-based, family-owned business when he turned 18.
TRD honors 2011 award winners
April 1, 2011The Tent Rental Division (TRD) congratulates all participating companies in the TRD Award of Excellence program.
IFAI Japan Forum and Reception
April 1, 2011This year’s IFAI Japan Forum and New Year Reception was held January 18, 2011 at the Shin Osaka Washington Hotel Plaza in Osaka, Japan.
IFAI member company Baytex Manufacturing Co.
April 1, 2011Wendy Tankard has belonged to IFAI for a very long time and has especially benefited from the international contacts.
From “mom and pop” to multinational
March 1, 2011HDT Engineered Technologies specializes in tough jobs in extreme environments.
Outlook presents “creative change”
March 1, 2011Jeff Patnaude will present “Creative Change” at Outlook Conference 2011 in White Sulphur Springs, W.V., May 2-3.
FGA presents graphics seminar
March 1, 2011Fabric Graphics Association (FGA) will present a workshop at the International Sign Show April 29 in Las Vegas, Nev.
More ways to serve
March 1, 2011Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) members often express an interest in being more actively involved in the organization.
IFAI member company Globe Manufacturing LLC
March 1, 2011Belonging to IFAI and Safety and Technical Products (S+TP) enables Globe Manufacturing to network within the industry.
Dirty boots
February 1, 2011Mike Groh, product development manager with Geo-Synthetics LLC (GSI) in Waukesha, Wisc., is a true enthusiast about the geosynthetics industry.
PAMA members win big
February 1, 2011PAMA members were well represented in IFAI’s 2010 International Achievement Awards (IAA).
Tweets for awning case study
February 1, 2011Case studies featured on the “Awnings Provide Successful Solutions for Commercial Buildings” video were distributed to targeted audiences.
Customize TV spots to reach end-users
February 1, 2011PAMA members can now promote awnings and canopies to their commercial market by using new broadcast TV spots.
IFAI member company Calypso
February 1, 2011One of the two things that steered Riad Shakeer in the direction he is going now is his involvement in IFAI.
Dream maker
January 1, 2011A tool rental company became Ultimate Events in Minneapolis, Minn., and that’s the short version of how Kevin Moore came into the business.
IFAI Japan discusses photovoltaics
January 1, 2011An IFAI Japan workshop on photovoltaics in fabric was held in Tokyo on Sept. 6, 2010.
TRD website revamped
January 1, 2011The Tent Rental Division (TRD) of IFAI has redesigned and updated the division website, www.tentexperts.org.
Combined website launched
January 1, 2011The three Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) websites have been consolidated into one website.
PAMA survey results tallied
January 1, 2011Earlier this year the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association conducted a survey to gauge the value of member benefits.
IFAI member company Mt. Lebanon Awning
January 1, 2011Being involved in trade associations opened Robert Campbell's eyes to what the industry was doing outside of Pittsburgh.
IFAI’s highest award
December 1, 2010Nine Honored Life Members were recognized with IFAI’s highest award at the IFAI Expo Americas 2010 Chairman’s Gala.
Students win for safety garment
December 1, 2010An aircraft marshaller’s safety jacket took first place honors in the seventh annual Safety Products Student Design Challenge.
SPPD becomes Safety and Technical Products
December 1, 2010IFAI’s Safety & Protective Products Division (SPPD) has changed its name to Safety and Technical Products (S+TP).
MFC certification awarded
December 1, 2010Keith Purves, Riverside Covers in Ft. Myers, Fla., successfully completed and passed the MFC Marine Exterior Certification Program.
IFAI member company ML IngenierĂa
December 1, 2010Knowledge is the thing that comes to mind when Marco Sánchez thinks about how our company benefits from being a member of IFAI.
Cars, trucks and tarps
November 1, 2010It was a small step for Glenn Ray to move from working in sales and the auto industry to a sales position with Pulltarps Manufacturing.
PAMA video launch soars
November 1, 2010The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association’s (PAMA) new video garnered over 133 million impressions in the first month.
New sponsor benefits offered
November 1, 2010PAMA’s Awnings Today campaign has been rewarded with over 16 billion media impressions in its fourth year.
IFAI Canada Expo 2011 keynoter confirmed
November 1, 2010IFAI Canada Expo 2011 has confirmed that communications and management expert Isabelle Fontaine will serve as keynote speaker.
IFAI member company L.H. Woodhouse & Co. Ltd.
November 1, 2010Tony Marsh uses IFAI as a window into the U.S. market by attending IFAI Expo or IFAI Tent Expo.
Her father's daughter
October 1, 2010Michelle Quadri practically grew up in Al’s Awning Shop, a business her grandparents started in 1945.
IFAI Japan elects new board
October 1, 2010On July 21, 2010, IFAI Japan held its annual meeting in the Shin‑Osaka Washington Hotel Plaza in Osaka and elected its board of directors.
The industry voice
October 1, 2010IFAI member companies responded quickly to the Gulf oil spill and—in some cases—grappled with inventory overstock and dropped contracts.
IFAI member company Bellon Industries
October 1, 2010When Carole Bellon needs information about products and practices related to the specialty fabrics industry she contacts INFOcentral.
It’s all about the boats
September 1, 2010Randy Kent of Marine Concepts loves his boats, but each weekend when he faced cleaning them, it took the fun out of it.
2010 OFPANZ “best ever”
September 1, 2010"Best ever in 10 years” was the verdict of Merv and Roslyn Garrett from following the 2010 OFPANZ Conference and Trade Expo.
John Herber Ltd., dba The Canvas Technology Centre
September 1, 2010John Herber Ltd., dba The Canvas Technology Centre joined IFAI about 18 months ago.
The problem solver
August 1, 2010Mike Taranto is a product developer, the kind of guy who is in business to come up with a better way to do something.
Growing success for Awnings Today
August 1, 2010The fourth year of the Awnings Today campaign proved to be the project’s best to date.
Standards committee formed
August 1, 2010Standards and specifications are playing an increasing role in the specialty fabrics industry.
Improved credit card rate
August 1, 2010A new merchant processing credit card rate has been negotiated by IFAI with First National Merchant Solutions.
Enhanced Specifier’s Guide
August 1, 2010PAMA's Interactive Awning and Canopy Fabric Specifiers’ Guide allows architects, designers and builders to source fabrics.
IFAI member company Donovan Enterprises Inc.
August 1, 2010If Michael Ciferri Jr. has a problem or needs some help he calls around to members of IFAI, even if the question is outside of their specialty.
A self-taught success
Ron Root is the kind of guy that’s great to have as a neighbor—handy, resourceful and a certified mechanic with a knack for figuring things out.
Certification “Intent to Apply” opens
July 1, 2010With revisions nearing completion, IFAI is now accepting Intent to Apply applications for its professional certificatin program.
Awning course for architects approved
July 1, 2010PAMA's “Awnings: Enhancing Your Design” education program has been approved and accredited by the American Institute of Architects.
Flammability updates underway
July 1, 2010The California State Fire Marshal’s office is updating its textile flammability document, Title 19, for the first time since 1993.
IFAI member company Raymond Brothers Ltd.
July 1, 2010Meeting many members of IFAI and getting acquainted with the benefits that come with membership have really helped Ken Jacobs.
The enjoyment of growing a business
June 1, 2010When Mary Orlando-Llewellyn’s husband learned about a business that was for sale, the couple acted on the opportunity.
GMA lobby effort succeeds
June 1, 2010The EPA has announced that it plans to regulate coal ash containment sites by requiring that all sites be fitted with geomembrane liners.
IFAI Japan spring meeting
June 1, 2010IFAI Japan held its spring meeting on March 10, 2010, at Canvas Japan, which is included in a construction material show.
PAMA supports HomeStar® initiative
June 1, 2010On March 2, 2010, President Obama gave an energy efficiency speech outlining the new HomeStar® program.
MFA embraces social media
June 1, 2010IFAI’s Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) has created a YouTube Channel and a LinkedIn group for members.
Training for the Tent Installer
June 1, 2010On March 6, 2010, IFAI’s Tent Rental Division held a training workshop for crew chiefs and lead installers at Karl’s Event Rental in Milwaukee, Wisc.
IFAI member company Alameda Canvas & Coverings
June 1, 2010When Jeff Viehmeyer goes MFA events, he gains confidence that he's learning from those who do the very best work in the industry.
On-the-job training
May 1, 2010When Dawn Taylor was a little girl, her dad started out ‘doing canvas’ in his shop in Ohio, then moved the family to Florida to start a custom shop.
Specialty fabrics promoted at Lobby Days
May 1, 2010Twenty-eight members from the USIFI, IFAI staff and IFAI’s GMA attended this year’s Lobby Days, March 1-3, 2010 in Washington D.C.
IFAI member company Rainier Industries Ltd.
May 1, 2010Networking, friendships and business relationships Scott Campbell has built through IFAI have been invaluable.
