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June 2008
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AzuzA

"Prepare your mind to receive the best that life has to offer."

-Ernest Holmes

(click image for AzuzA)

Facilities costs on the rise, says IFMA
Led by a dramatic increase in utility costs, the overall cost of running a facility is 10% higher than it was just four years ago, according to results from an International Facility Management Association (IFMA) research report. The study, Benchmarks V: Annual Facility Costs, shows that utility costs - which include electricity, gasoline, fuel oil, steam water and sewage - have jumped 19% compared to similar data from 2006.

While the increase in utility costs may come as no surprise to some, it is happening at a time when energy consumption is down.

IFMA annually conducts a benchmarking survey of its members in an effort to collect data that allows for easy comparisons of built environment costs and practices. These reports allow facility professionals to gauge their performance against similar facilities - whether in the same industry or a different one. This year's report includes data from more than 1,000 facilities and is IFMA's largest benchmarking study to date, with many survey respondents supplying information from multiple facilities.

To learn more about the Benchmarks V: Annual Facility Costs survey results and methodology, or to order a copy of the report, click here.
Brit Bench
Leland receives Best of NeoCon Award!
Leland was honored with a Best of NeoCon 2008 silver Award for the Brit Bench Metallic. Tim Korzon, president and CEO of Leland International says, "The Brit Bench Metallic, with its sculptural presence, exemplifies our commitment to inspired designs and truly great products. It's an honor to be recognized with this distinguished industry award."

London-based designer Simon Pengelly's elegant and simple form was inspired by propeller-like seedpods falling from a tree. The product is offered in stainless steel or powder coated steel. An optional table appears to float over the bench and can serve as a surface for a drink, small meal or laptop.

This is one cool bench you'll want to straddle - we promise!
Harmony in Contrast
Harmony in Contrast
HBF Textiles introduces an exciting new, multi faceted contract upholstery and drapery collection, Harmony in Contrast, created by the renowned Amsterdam-based designer, Christiane Muller.

Diverse images from nature primarily inspired Christiane Muller as she developed Harmony in Contrast -- for example, a large sea shell with its rough outer surface juxtaposed against the shell's lustrous pearlized interior. Therefore, the upholstery collection is informed throughout by intriguing interplays of opposing qualities and textures: shine/matte, flowing/solid, flat/ribbed. The sheers, on the other hand, have more fluid, water-inspired qualities offset by the addition of somewhat rigid features to the weave of each design. This makes them remarkably fluid and structured at the same time.

Reflecting Muller's passion for incorporating unique textures in a single design, the patterns in the new collection are also notable for working -- harmoniously -- with one another. When viewed as a whole, they present a true "Harmony in Contrast."
A picture is worth a thousand words
In case you missed NeoCon 2008, be sure to visit their photo gallery segmented by the following categories - it's almost like being there!·

  • Education
  • Innovation
  • Exhibits/Products
  • Parties/Networking

All the best,

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Bill Meyer
Contract Specialities, Inc. (CSI)

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