Wednesday, October 20, 2010

This is what it's all about!

Go get 'em girl!


Updates, News, and More!

Bluefig, our quilting and sewing division, will be showcasing our line at the International Quilt Market next week in glorious Houston, TX. Now if my beloved Giants make it to the World Series against the Texans, maybe a short ride to Arlington is in the works? Probably not, but it's nice to dream about. Coming in the Spring of 2011 will be our new rolling cases. From the initial prototypes we are seeing we know you will be impressed.

Joe is doing well, just about finished with 3 weeks of radiation treatments, and preparing for the next stage of his treatment. I wish him nothing but the best. God bless, brother!

Keep an eye out for our new electronic newsletter coming out next month. We look to showcase some more projects in the works and keep you better informed!


Monday, October 11, 2010

Off topic!

OK, I am going to illustrate a point that some seem to overlook, and it's way off the normal jive for me. It's the age old issue of over zealous soccer parents wanting their kids to be stars on the field, at whatever the cost.

This weekend, once again, we see the middle aged, portly coach pacing the sideline raising a voice at the player for not putting his full effort out. Said player looks dejected, returns to the sideline, where he slumps over himself while drizzle overtakes his body. Dripping wet, and appearing to feel as though he failed, he returns to the game where he misses a clear shot with a whiff. The coach again berates his ability, and the parent gasps at the error, thus reinforcing the negative input.

I am not against wanting to win, nor am I against encouraging full effort and participation in sport, but I vehemently oppose those who wish to live vicariously through their children on the soccer field. Seriously people, do you want to know your kid's chances of becoming a professional soccer player are? It ain't pretty - like 1 in 1.8 million in fact. Stop worrying about each missed kick or pass and just support them with positive reinforcement. Maybe they'll play harder, longer, and get more out of the experience, and eventually pass it down to their kids if they actually enjoy what they're doing.

Sorry for the rant, but it drove me nuts this past weekend and has been stewing ever since!

Friday, October 1, 2010

The Swing of Things

So, for about 10 years now we have maintained our manufacturing balance by producing both domestic and international volumes of goods. This balance has always provided an avenue for both the young start up and a large producer to leverage our talents and relationships to get the products developed they need. Recently, the market in Asia has changed, bringing the cost of goods skyrocketing quickly, with labor shortages the norm. Product is delayed, materials harder to come by, and the climate uncertain for those of us relying on what used to be the consistency of Asia with the ingenuity of the US. As prices in Asia rise, and labor difficulties mount, the ability for hybrid producers such as ourselves begin to take a different look. Our capabilities in the US have increased greatly, and more of our clients are seeing the need for US made goods. Is this a total swing back home? Not quite, but the balance of equity between the US and China is evening out, leaving questions as to how the low price retailers in the US will be able to satisfy their 'inexpensive minded' consumers... One thing is for sure, the culture and business climate overseas is changing, giving us a good chance to look in the mirror and respond appropriately.