| CSI
Contract Specialties,
Inc.
your link to workplace news
April
2010 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
Patrician - Repertoire Lounge
Chair, Tight Back
Click image for more
info
 |
"A consensus means that everyone agrees to say
collectively what no one believes individually."
- Abba Eban
(1915-2002) |
| in the
know |
Searching for
Signs of Recovery
While some
areas of the economy are experiencing an upswing,
architects likely won't see a boost until next year.
For
architects standing vigil for a sign that the Great
Recession might be easing in 2010, macroeconomic
conditions indicate it may be so, but that they must be
patient. U.S. real GDP rose 5.7 percent in the fourth
quarter of 2009, and the unemployment rate declined to
9.7 percent in January. But despite such positive signs,
economists who follow patterns in construction predict
that the architecture industry might not see a boost
until 2011. Why? Tight credit, high unemployment,
drastic decreases in tax revenue, and overbuilding are
among the reasons. "The tough environment for
construction that was present in 2009 will be with us in
2010 as well, even with the pickup in economic growth,"
says Robert Murray, vice president of economic affairs
at McGraw-Hill Construction. While the forecasts
are grim, economists and architects alike are seeing
smart firms move into markets they might not have been
so enthusiastic about before.
MARKET OVERVIEW Just how bad is it? Evidence can
be found in the AIA's Architecture Billings Index, which
reflects a nine- to 12-month lag between when an
architect bills for a project and when construction
spending begins. The ABI was up in December 2009, with a
billings score of 43.4, compared to 34.1 in December
2008. But the index has fallen below 50 for 23 straight
months; anything above 50 indicates an increase in
billings, and below 50, a decrease.
 | | |
|
| news @
CSI |
|
Spring is here
People are thinking of outdoor activity, so what better
time to suggest outdoor furniture. Westin
Nielsen has a terrific outdoor stacking chair that has
found application in outdoor cafes and bistro
locations as well as for higher education student dining
facilities.
Azuza
chairs are strong and flexible. Zinc legs with powder coat
protection support the reinforced fiberglass frame that allows
Azuza to self-level on uneven surfaces. The curved back
surrounds and supports you while the unique design creates
comfortable elbow rests. Sixteen standard colors are available
for seats and backs, or have a custom color created for your
project. The chair
Features:
-
Stacks six chairs
high
- Stacking stool
version stacks 3 high
-
Reinforced flexible fiberglass
frame
- Chairs
self-level on uneven
surfaces
- Weather
resistant polypropylene seat and
back
- Suitable for
indoor and outdoor
use
- Sixteen standard
seat and back colors
-
Mix and match seats and
backs
- Meets
ANSI/BIFMA x5.1 chair standards. Passed 300# drop
test
The photo to the left shows the secret to the
strong construction, a reinforced fiberglass frame with
the steel legs bolted to the frame.
The chair to the right is shown in one of the 16 standard
colors #14 Pistachio. The seat and back can be in
different colors, plus, custom colors are
available.
Bar
stools are available in both stacking and non-stacking
versions.
Matching tables
complete the offering, allowing the designer to create a
coordinated look with products that will stand up to the
blazing Florida or Caribbean sun and survive the harsh outdoor
enviornment.
|
| Healtcare News @
CSI |
Patrician grades
in EnviroLeather
 Addressing the growing demand for high
performance, PVC-Free synthetic leather, Patrician
Furniture partnered with LDI
Corporation to offer the EnviroLeather™ California
Collection of fabrics as a grade 7 option. LDI's
EnviroLeather™ was chosen as a soft, luxurious upholstery
fabric with enhanced environmental benefits.
Areas where EnviroLeather™ may help contribute to LEED
points: · Meeting
stringent CAL 01350 VOC emission standards (Indoor Air
Quality) · Cotton is a
raw material (Renewable Resource Content) · Recycle content  Other EnviroLeather™ sustainable
features include: · No
PVC, chlorine, or bromine · No halogenated flame retardants
(HFRs) · No Persistent
Bioaccumulative Toxins (PBTs) · No heavy metals · No plasticizers (phthalate-free)
· No Azo dyes
· No Perfluorocarbons
(PFCs) In addition
to the environmental benefits, EnviroLeather™ provides
outstanding durability and superior chemical resistance.
LDI has successfully tested alcohol based cleaners,
quaternary ammonia solutions, and bleach. The launch of
the EnviroLeather™ California Collection grade in program
offers Patrician customers a new line of 37 fresh and soothing
colors. Healthcare
and Corporate clients are becoming increasingly aware of the
importance of choosing eco-friendly materials for their
facility projects. EnviroLeather™ gives them the dual benefit
of having a durable, luxury product that is also much better
for the environment.
|
|
tips & tools |
|
Marketing in a Recession: 5 Ideas to Win
Sales
Given below are 5
effective and affordable marketing ideas that will help you
win sales during a recession.
- Follow-up on Old Leads Bring out
every old business card, brochure or any other lead that you
may have and start calling your contacts.
You will need perseverance, because
you might not strike gold in your first or even your second
try. But keep on following those leads, since you don't have
anything to lose - and lots to gain if you can pull it
off.
Take out any old
inquiries that had not been converted into orders and follow
up on every single one of them.
 Take Extra
Care Of Your Existing Clients Your existing clients are what
keep your business running during lean times. You will need
to take special care of them, since your competitors will no
doubt have their eyes on your clients. Remember, they are
also facing rough economic weather as well.
Keep in regular touch with all of
your customers, even those that have only purchased from
your business once. Tell them how you appreciate their
support over such a trying period without mentioning the
word 'recession'.
You
can also reward them by offering them special discounts or
gifts as a token of your appreciation. Let them know that
you appreciate their business and their loyalty.
- Take
the Road Less Traveled To Find New Clients If you have rigid
views on taking in odd or small clients, then you should
become more flexible. If you have not previously entertained
clients with different needs, such as smaller orders or
staggered deliveries, now is the time to do
so.
Keep an open mind
and bend your rules a little to accommodate them, since they
could not only pull you out of the recession, but over time
could bring in new clients.
The best part is that if their
business grows quickly, then their order values could
quickly come into your regular scope of business.
There is no
financial harm in servicing smaller clients or those with
special needs, as long as it doesn't eat into your profits.
You can start by taking a few trial orders before deciding
if this route suits you or not.
Read Complete
Article | |
|
All the best and have a Happy
Easter, |
|
Bill Meyer
Contract
Specialties, Inc. (CSI)
phone: 904-220-0221 or
800-808-8274
| |
| |
