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February 2008
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Leland M2

"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. "

-Ronald Reagan

(click image for M2)

Expecting the best
There is lingering uncertainty about what kind of economic activity will unfold in 2008-due in part to the pronounced troubles in the housing market and resulting credit crunches. Despite the fact that U.S. economic growth as a whole may not be as robust as once expected, Interiors & Sources remains confident that the A&D industry will fare well in the days and months ahead.

There are several indicators that suggest commercial construction will remain strong this year. For example, "The Construction Outlook," a quarterly market forecast developed by FMI's Research Services Group, states that nonresidential construction was booming in 2007 and will increase again in 2008, although at a slower rate. Nonresidential construction will expand at a 5 percent rate in 2008 and at a 4 percent rate in 2009 as the declines in residential begin to lower demand for certain nonresidential segments, according to the report.

Further, according to the "2008 AEC Industry Outlook: Strategy and Insight for Design & Construction Firms," healthcare, higher education, and power and energy will be among the hottest markets for design and construction firms in 2008.

Perhaps even more encouraging is the fact that, after posting an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23 percent through 2006, the market for green building materials is expected to continue growing from almost $2.2 billion in 2006 to $4.7 billion by 2011, according to Green Building Materials in the U.S., a new report from market research publisher Specialists in Business Information (SBI).

While some analysts say an economic recession hasn't been completely ruled out, it seems more likely that 2008 will see steady growth, albeit slow.Interiors & Sources fully anticipates another year characterized by inspiring design projects and innovative product launches.
Mode & Cadre
Quick Response
With the HBF Quick Response program, choose up to ten of their popular Mode and Cadre high back and mid back swivel tilt chairs with shipment in 10 days from receipt of the order.



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Faux Leather
HBF Textiles new website delivers!
If you haven't stopped by hbftextiles.com recently, be sure to put this effective resource at the top of your list. You'll find a comprehensive "sort and search" feature available to locate and view products by designer name, product category, product name, color palette, price point, pattern or solid.

High-resolution images and downloadable specification pages are available for every product. Additionally, product pages offer users the ability to drill down on the high-resolution images to the point where the actual weave is visible.
Interiors & Sources
Interiors & Sources is a publication with an exclusive focus on commercial interior designers who have the decision making power to recommend and purchase products and services utilized in commercial structures. Each issue provides commercial interior designers with timely, provocative news as well as behind-the-scenes research that impacts the business of commercial design.

All the best,

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Bill Meyer
Contract Specialities, Inc. (CSI)

phone: 954-389-1295 or 800-808-8274