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Sneak Peek: The New Issue of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces Magazine Inspires Fabricators to Embrace Change, a Catalyst for Innovation
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The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is credited with the idea that the only constant in life is change. Only fragments of his writings are on record, one in which he says, “Life is flux.” Other philosophers have quoted him saying something along the lines of: everything changes, and nothing remains still; you cannot step into the same stream twice. Heraclitus lived about 2500 years ago, by the way, so this is certainly not a new concept. Yet, many of us are surprised or derailed by change when, in fact, we should always expect it. What “it” is — well, that is just a matter of detail.
Over the years, the countertop has gone through a remarkable evolution, transcending beyond its utilitarian roots to become a centerpiece of expression in homes and public spaces. Gone are the days when countertops were mere functional surfaces; today, they serve as focal points that seamlessly blend style with substance. As we stand on the precipice of innovation, the industry must recognize change not as a threat but as a powerful force propelling us toward new horizons. And that's just one example.
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In this issue of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces, we cover:
- A Fabricator’s Guide for Annual Planning, including a month-to-month tool that forecasts your sales and helps you think through what staff changes you need to make as your sales change.
- Safety First: Growing concerns about respirable crystalline silica dust in fabrication shops spur additional regulations. Learn what you can do to put safety first in your shop.
- Stone Fabrication in the Age of the Great Retirement: Baby Boomers are calling it a career in record numbers. Over the next decade, there will be some 3.4 million open positions in manufacturing and fabrication but only 1.3 million workers to fill those spots. Learn what you can do to help offset ongoing labor shortages.
- The Integration of smart features, like embedded wireless charging stations and touch-sensitive faucets, transform countertops into interactive hubs within the modern home.
- Thirteen material manufacturers creating impressive designs including quartz, sintered stone and porcelain, offering durability, versatility and a spectrum of design possibilities.
- ISFA Fabricator Profile: Tower Industries, a manufacturer and fabricator in Ohio that embraced solid surface in the 90s and continues to find terrific success with the material today.
Because, in fact, the only constant is change, and when you apply a forward-thinking mindset, it’s an opportunity for growth. Find the inspiration you need to rise to the challenge in the next issue, which comes out at the end of the month.
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ICYMI: Part Two of Corian's Beneath the Surface Webinar Series Inspires Fabricators To Get Creative with Solid Surface |
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ISFA hosted part two of a three-part series about fabrication techniques for solid surface, brought to you by your friends at Corian Design.
Part two, Next-Level Techniques, included virtual tutorials presented by Corian Fabrication Specialist Jeffrey Hutchins, covering dye sublimation, thermoforming and a unique approach for making furniture and fixtures called Designing for Deconstruction.
"The seamless appearance of Corian Solid Surface is like a blank
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canvas waiting to be painted," said Jeffrey. "With image transfer by dye sublimation, color images can be embedded into the surface." Attendees saw the process step by step and asked questions in the Q&A.
In addition, the webinar covered thermoforming. Jeffrey provided best practices for temperatures, timing and how to make the forms, including ideal materials. In the third segment, attendees learned about Designing for Deconstruction, a way to build furniture that is assembled with notched joinery. Jeffrey's examples included tables, chairs and a cornhole game.
"This was an excellent webinar for fabricators to learn about new ways to work with solid surface," added ISFA Executive Director Marissa Bankert. "Solid surface is an amazing material; it provides so many opportunities for fabricators to get creative and find new ways to meet the needs of their customers."
ISFA Members: If you missed either of these Beneath the Surface webinars, you can watch the recording in the webinar library.
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Coverings 2024: Inspiration That’s Rock Solid |
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As a fabricator, you infuse functional beauty into spaces, demanding excellence in tile and stone fabrication machinery, tools and resources. At Coverings 2024, you’ll discover nine miles of natural and dimensional stone products, large porcelain panels, cutting-edge trends and technologies, and hands-on demonstrations, making it a hub of commerce, content and creativity that simply can’t be missed.
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Leave time in your busy show schedule to visit the Fabricator Stage. Sponsored by the ISFA and Rockheads Group, the Fabricator Stage will focus on the most relevant topics for tile and stone fabricators, providing you with the information and ideas you need to move your business forward and complete your next project.
There’s no time to waste. Join more than 25,000 industry professionals at North America’s premier tile and stone showcase, April 22-25 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Learn more and register at no cost at Coverings.com.
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Heading to KBIS? NEXTStage Aims to Educate and Inspire |
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NEXTStage will once again be a featured highlight of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), owned by National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and produced by partner Emerald Expositions. Located in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, NEXTStage offers attendees diverse and relevant programming that inspires thought-provoking dialogue and educates about the state of the kitchen and bath industry.
KBIS NEXTStage offers a once-a-year opportunity to interface with an exciting roster of the design industry’s top experts.
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This year promises to be the largest and most dynamic yet, with the return of daily hosts that will include well-known design influencers Michel Smith Boyd, Julee Ireland, and Alena Capra.
“Three full days of programming on NEXTStage will give KBIS attendees insight into the the kitchen and bath’s most critical topics and trends as well as look into the future thanks to some of our industry’s brightest minds,” said Suzie Williford, EVP & chief strategy officer for NKBA.
Four tracks will shape the NEXTStage schedule, each with targeted programming that will include panels, keynote speakers in the Disruptor Series, and the inaugural Visionaries, Innovators & Icons segments, a fireside chat format with key industry personalities. Attendees will have the opportunity to dive into the latest industry shifts and strategies through the Business and Trends Track sponsored by Monogram; shape the future of eco-conscious design through the Sustainability Track sponsored by Moen; explore the intersection of design and well-being in the Wellness Track; and uncover the tech innovations driving the kitchen and bath design world forward in Technology Track sponsored by Emtek.
All NEXTStage programming is included with KBIS registration. For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit kbis.com/nextstage.
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SolidSurface.com Helps Fabricators Source Hard-To-Find Designs |
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Fabricators, are you looking for a discontinued design? SolidSurface.com is here to help! By using the filter tools on its website to select Overstock, you can view both full and partial sheets that are currently available. This inventory is being constantly updated as materials are regularly acquired.
SolidSurface.com is an online marketplace with the largest selection of solid surface material. Now featuring Corian, Wilsonart, HIMACS and Viatera Outlets, industry professionals can find significant cost savings in the often-hard-to-find discontinued and overstock full and partial sheet material. Powerful search tools allow filtering by brand, color, pattern, size and price.
In addition to sheet material, you'll find a selection of accessories including color-matched adhesives, tooling and sinks.
SolidSurface.com is extending a Warehouse Special Price List to ISFA Fabricators only. Contact paul@solidsurface.com for your price list today.
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Mosaic Companies Announces New President of Showroom Division
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Mosaic Companies, a nationally recognized leader in the specialty wall and mosaic tile, floor tile and natural stone slab categories, is pleased to announce the appointment of Beth Cohn as the new president of the Showroom Division, taking the helm of Walker Zanger nationally and Opustone in South Florida.
Beth Cohn brings a wealth of experience to her role as president of the Showroom Division. With a background in senior leadership roles at The Shade Store and renowned fashion brands such as Kate Spade, Vince and Theory, Beth is poised to drive brand growth and foster strong teamwork within Mosaic Companies.
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Her appointment supports the corporate goal to strengthen and enhance Mosaic's well-established reputation as an industry leader. Her energetic leadership and team-building skills are anticipated to have a significant impact on the newly revamped Showroom Division for key brands.
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Fifth Gear Technologies Receives Disruptor Award at StonExpo 2024
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Fifth Gear Technologies, a leading provider of software solutions for the countertop industry, debuted its SPEEDsuite of cutting-edge products at The International Surface Event, including StonExpo, which was held from January 24-26, 2024, in Las Vegas.
Known for its popular flagship solution, SPEEDlabel, Fifth Gear Technologies introduced SPEEDfolder, SPEEDcad and its digital templating software, SPEEDtemplate, which is the result of acquisition of ETemplate Systems in April 2023. Fifth Gear was recognized with a Disruptor Award at StonExpo — a part of the Best of TISE Awards.
Founded by veteran countertop fabricators, Fifth Gear Technologies aims to bring innovative solutions to the surfacing industry that enhance production, profitability, quality and service. SPEEDlabel offers fabricators an efficient part-management system using labels and unique codes, mitigating the risk of losing parts or costly mistakes.
LEARN MORE ...
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ISFA is pleased to announce a webinar series brought to you by your friends at Corian Solid Surface.
BENEATH THE SURFACE is a live 3-part webinar series that will include various fabrication techniques for solid surface. Join Corian Fabrication Specialist Jeffrey Hutchins who will present tips, tricks and best practices for solid surface fabrication.
Part three of this webinar series will be on March 20 at 1 PM ET.
This webinar will cover Interior Cladding. See a live wall installation demonstration and learn the basics of vertical cladding with Corian Solid Surface.
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Next session: March 26-27, 2024 | San Antonio, Texas
This ISFA Certified Professional Solid Surface Fabrication Training program is the gold standard course for fabricating solid surface. The program is recognized by all major manufacturers and their network of certified fabricator partners.
This hands-on, two-day session provides attendees with the skills and knowledge in all facets of the fabrication process, including layout, templating, seaming, support, sanding, edges, cutouts, backsplashes, thermoforming, finishing and installation. Participants will complete a vanity application which includes an integral bowl sink, built-up edge profile, edge inlay and examples of coved as well as set-on style backsplash.
If you're in millwork looking to diversify your offerings or an existing fabrication shop that needs to train new hires, ISFA has you covered.
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Planning your next industry event or fundraiser? Let us know and we'll help you get the word out! |
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