Tag: ThinkGlobal

World of Concrete 2019 Sets 10-Year Attendance Record

 

 

World of Concrete 2019 exceeded expectations across the board and concluded its 44th edition as the largest World of Concrete in over a decade. This signature annual event for the industries drew 60,511 registered professionals and featured more than 1,500 companies (including 259 brand new companies) exhibiting across more than 776,800 net square feet of exhibit space.

Jackie James, Group Director,  World of Concrete, said: “This year has been a very successful event–World of Concrete 2019 attendees, both domestic and international, experienced the newest products, technologies and educational offerings. Having our largest event in 10 years proves that the construction sector is strong globally. The education program was well received with a 5% increase in attendance. We want to thank all the exhibitors and attendees who made WOC a must-attend event for 2019, and we look forward to a successful WOC 2020!”

Kevin Archibald, Show Manager, World of Concrete,  said: “We are very excited with the results. The positive energy indicates a strong year ahead. This year brought in record breaking attendees, exceptional exhibits, and a very solid rebook rate of just over 538,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space, rebooking 70% of the total 2019 square footage onsite for next year’s show.”

Highlights of the 2019 edition included the Bob Weatherton Award established by World of Concrete to honor his contributions to the concrete industry. The award includes a $2,500 scholarship and was presented at the CIM National Board Meeting at WOC 2019. This year’s recipient of the Weatherton Award was Paige Silva, who attends California State University – Chico.

The 17th Annual SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® World Championship brought in crowds full of spectators from across the globe. 27 bricklaying teams travel from all over North America and Australia to Las Vegas to compete for the title World’s Best Bricklayer. This year’s winner Mason – Mario Alves – A&M Masonry, Hamilton, Ontario with the help of Tender – Michael Alves took home the coveted title and went home with a 2019 FORD F-250 4×4 truck and $10,000 in cash and prizes.

Concrete Industry Management (CIM) is a business program that has been developed specifically for the concrete industry to provide students with a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management. The program gives students entering the concrete work force industry experience early in their careers. CIM held its 14th annual unreserved silent and live auctions at World of Concrete 2019. The silent and live auctions raised gross revenues of $1.2 million, setting a record for funds raised at WOC, and bringing a total of over $10 million to the CIM program in the past 14 years. More information on the CIM Program can be found at www.concretedegree.com.

World of Concrete 2020 will be held February 4-7; Seminars  3-7, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

 

 

Get Ready for World of Concrete 2019 in Las Vegas Next Week

 

Informa Exhibitions, which runs the annual World of Concrete event in Las Vegas, anticipating significant growth over World of Concrete 2018–which was the largest event in nine years, with 58,000 registered professionals featuring 1,564 leading-industry suppliers exhibiting across more than 746,000 net square feet of space.

“We are anticipating another exciting event for 2019,” says Jackie James, Group Director of World of Concrete. “We look forward to serving the concrete and masonry industries with this annual international platform to network, source, and receive valuable education to start the year off strong.”

There are some very positive changes to the show floor for 2019. “We have moved the Masonry area to Central Hall, and Technology to the North Hall, to accommodate both of these growing sectors of our industry,” says Kevin Archibald, Show Manager. “We look forward to filling what is left in available booth space throughout the summer and fall, culminating in another action-packed event for our attendees.”

World of Concrete 2019, taking place January 22-25; Seminars 21-25, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will feature a week of exciting new products, the latest equipment, cutting-edge technologies, exciting spectator events and competitions, and more than 150 educational sessions including luncheons, interactive workshops, hands-on training, and industry and hands-on training.

Visit the event’s website for information on the World of Concrete 2019.

SHOT Show Celebrated 40th Anniversary in 2018

The 40th Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade ShowSM(SHOT Show®), owned and operated by the National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®), celebrated the milestone with more events than ever before. Strong attendance, upbeat buyers and sellers, and a series of packed special events that collectively made up “SHOT Week” resulted in another top-rated SHOT Show.

SHOT Show is the largest trade show of its kind in the world, attracting attendees from more than 100 countries. “From our humble beginnings in St. Louis in 1979, to now being one of the leading trade shows in the world, we’ve come a long way in 40 years,” said Chris Dolnack, NSSF Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.

The show spanned Jan. 23-26 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. More than 60,000 industry professionals packed the aisles over four days eager to view new, innovative products used for target shooting, hunting, outdoor recreation and law enforcement purposes.

“We had good, reputable media coverage, both print writers and video, and had more time to discuss products with buyers and media,” said JJ Reich of Vista Outdoor. “It was a great show all together, with lots of traffic.”

Smith & Wesson’s Chris Bovat stated, “Everything went smoothly, from set up and arrival of all of our gear, to the actual running of the booth. 2018 was great for us.”

“It was a hugely successful year for us … we’ve done more business at the 2018 show than ever before,” Patty Cueller at Aguila Ammunition reported.

The SHOT Show has grown exponentially since it started in 1979, in St. Louis. That inaugural show attracted 5,600 attendees and had 290 exhibitors covering 51,153 net square feet of exhibit space. Compare that to the 2018 show with an attendance of more than 60,000 and attracting 1,660 exhibiting companies occupying more than 645,000 net square feet of space, completing filling the Sands Expo. Taking the new, two-day Suppliers Showcase into account, more than 2,100 companies exhibited at SHOT Show this year.

NSSF introduced a new, streamlined State of the Industry format that was well received. Big moments at the reception were the presentation of the NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary outdoor communicator Tom Gresham and NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti sharing a series of priorities that industry will focus on to help protect its future and that of its customers.

There were thousands of products for buyers to see on the show floor, encompassing firearms, ammunition, accessories, optics, knives, gun safes, apparel and law enforcement equipment, among other categories. Nearly 550 new products from 367 companies were on display in the show’s New Product Center, sponsored by U.S. Concealed Carry Association. In addition to the more than 1,660 exhibiting companies on the main show floors, the NEXT 2.0 Pavilion provided 100 first-time vendors from the show’s extensive waiting list with welcome visibility and potential new customers.

The show drew excellent reviews.

“Our company has only been up and running since October, so I don’t think there has ever been an actual brand-launch here at SHOT Show, so that may be a first,” said Phil Davy at VIKTØS.

“All of our expectations were met, and as always we had a great show, doing lots of business. We’re looking forward to next year, for sure,” said Winchester Ammunition’s Nathan Robinson.

SHOT Show’s official opening on Tuesday was preceded by many events.

The kickoff event was the 4th Annual NSSF/HAVA Golf Classic on Sunday in support of Honored American Veterans Afield, which works to aid the healing process of military veterans through hunting and other shooting sports activities. More than $200,000 has been raised in support of this effort since the golf outing began in 2015.

Monday saw some of the SHOT Show’s most popular pre-show events — SHOT Show University, an education forum for retailers; Industry Day at the Range, an opportunity for media and buyers to experience hands-on testing of products; the Executive Management Seminar, providing business information to executives and rising managers; and the expanded two-day Supplier Showcase, featuring more than 460 third-party OEM suppliers of plastics, metals, tools, fabrics and software that were able to reach a crowd of more than 4,000 designers, engineers, purchasing agents and others in the manufacturing sector.

In addition to title sponsors Ram Trucks, U.S. Concealed Carry Association and Daniel Defense, SHOT Show supporters included Aguila Ammunition, Lucas Oil, Freedom Munitions, GunBroker.com, Mossy Oak, Carhartt, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, VIKTØS, Vista Outdoor and Winchester Ammunition.

Preparations have already begun for next year’s 41st SHOT Show, which will return to the Sands Expo on January 22-25, 2019.

More details are available online.

Enterprise Florida Leads Small Businesses to 2018 Farnborough International Airshow

Enterprise Florida Inc. (EFI), the principal economic development organization for the State of Florida, led a delegation of 12 Florida-based aviation and aerospace businesses, partners and organizations to the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow from July 16-20.

The international business development and trade mission provided Florida with a unique opportunity to demonstrate its competitive advantages in the aviation, aerospace and defense sectors. Over two days of meetings, EFI leadership talked with nearly 40 aviation and aerospace industry leaders about what makes Florida a leading business location.

“Events like the Farnborough Airshow allow us not only to help small and medium-sized Florida businesses expand their international footprint, but also to meet with leadership and decision-makers for some of the world’s leading aviation and aerospace companies.” said Tim Vanderhoof, senior vice president of business development for EFI. “The Florida Pavilion demonstrates the state’s leadership in the industry in a way no other state can match.”

In addition to the business development meetings, Enterprise Florida hosted the Florida Pavilion located in Hall 3-190, showcasing 12 Florida-based aviation and aerospace companies and economic development partner organizations marketing their products and services to a top-level international audience. The pavilion allowed small and mid-sized Florida companies to cost-effectively exhibit at the show.

The Florida companies and organizations exhibiting in the Florida Pavilion included:

Florida is home to more than 2,200 aerospace and aviation companies employing more than 93,800 skilled workers. Florida is also a major hub for flight training; a leader in maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) operations; and home to leading manufacturers of all types of aircraft and components. Florida’s manufacturing sector has more than 20,290 companies that employ more than 354,000 Floridians.

Last year, leading Florida-origin exports reached $6.3 billion in civilian aircraft, engines and parts. Another $678 million in turbojets, turbo propellers and parts was exported to countries around the globe.

EFI maintains an extensive schedule of overseas trade missions and exhibitions worldwide. Last year, merchandise trade valued at $147.7 billion flowed through Florida’s ports with Florida-origin exports reaching $55 billion. Florida exported more goods than 190 countries in 2017, making the state one of the world’s leaders in international trade.

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Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida | The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.

Plan Ahead for the 2018 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas

The 2017 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) featured more than 2,500 exhibitors from 43 countries, 47,500 targeted buyers, 19 official international buying delegations, and over 40 AAPEXedu sessions. More than162,000 automotive aftermarket professionals, 23% of whom are international, are in Las Vegas during AAPEX.

The AAPEX show represents the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket industry. The show is co-owned by the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).

AAPEX 2018 will be held October 30-November 1, 2018 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas.

Learn more on the AAPEX website.

Southwest Louisiana Offers Economic Development Opportunities

 

Southwest Louisiana is featured in the 2018 Louisiana Trade Guide as a prime area for foreign direct investment, as well as a great location for exporters.

In Southwest Louisiana you can enjoy a day of sun, sand, and surf on the coast of the “The Cajun Riviera,” or canoe the Ouiska Chitto River. You can hit the track or the casinos for Vegas-style gaming, visit museums with exhibits ranging from fine art to railroad history, and explore a re-created general store. Don’t leave without touring the Lake Charles Charpentier District, the architectural legacy of Michigan lumbermen who chopped down the trees here, then built their own distinct style of houses.

Allen Parish is diverse in culture and plentiful in natural resources and beauty, Allen Parish is where Cajun food and culture meet the timber-rich, piney woods of central Louisiana. Allen Parish is home to four Natural and Scenic Rivers, including the spring-fed Ouiska Chitto, which attracts canoeists and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the South. The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana makes its home in Allen Parish and operates Louisiana’s premier land-based casino resort, Coushatta Casino & Resort and Koasati Pines Golf Course, its 18-hole championship course near Kinder. The gaming and hospitality industries, along with a plywood manufacturing facility, three prison facilities and a natural gas relay facility are the major private sector employers in the parish. Allen Parish has some of the most fertile farmland in the South, producing primarily rice and soybeans. The parish is served by two federal highway systems and extensive rail facilities.

Beauregard Parish is home to such industries as paper and plastics production, chemical production and insurance providers. The area is centered on one of the largest aquifers in the world. The 4,200-acre Beauregard Parish Airport has a 5,495-foot north-south runway. The airport, located just minutes away from major industry, boasts the largest land area in the state and one of the largest in the nation. US Hwy 171 and 190 provide transportation arteries. There are abundant opportunities for Nature lovers with its lakes, wildlife preserve and natural scenic beauty. Just north of the parish is Fort Polk, the state’s largest military installation and home to the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC).

Calcasieu Parish’s rich history combined with a modern, diversified economy and numerous recreational opportunities make this area a wonderful place to live and visit. The petrochemical industry is the mainstay economically for the parish, and the past decade has seen the aerospace and gaming industries broaden that base. The Port of Lake Charles is accessible to ocean-going vessels and is only 34 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, the closest of any deep-water port in Louisiana. Chennault International Airpark is a major feature for the area with more than 10,000 feet of runway, capable of handling most commercial aircraft. Lake Charles is the home of McNeese State University, a four-year, fully accredited university, as well as Sowela Technical Community College, one of Louisiana’s largest vocational schools. An abundance of streams, rivers and lakes along with museums, art galleries and festivals make the parish a true paradise.

The beautiful natural scenery of Cameron Parish is something not to be missed. The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, a 180-mile drive through “Louisiana Outback” is a paradise which features beautiful plants and wildflowers and exotic wildlife, such as alligators, rare birds and many other colorful critters, all amidst the marshes and bayous of Southwest Louisiana. Cameron’s plentiful flora and fauna attract over 200,000 visitors each year, from nature lovers looking for native critters like alligators to photographers wanting to catch a breathtaking sunset or nautical scene, to bird watchers eyeing the vast variety of species found here, to beachcombers enjoying the shoreline. Cameron Parish offers a great opportunity for hunting and fishing and is a natural backdrop for industry, especially oil and gas. With its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, it is no wonder that pipeline companies, petroleum companies, marine support vessels, offshore drilling operations and associated businesses top the list of revenue-producing businesses for the parish. For sportsmen, the area is known as “Sportsman’s Paradise” which has easy access to fishing, hunting, and wildlife which makes the region among the best in the world.

People from all over the world visit Jefferson Davis Parish to enjoy and experience rich Cajun and Indian culture. The film industry has long since discovered the unique scenery of Jeff Davis Parish, and has featured the parish in many productions. Four main transportation arteries run through the parish with I-10, US 90 and US 190 east to west, and US 165 to the north and Jeff Davis is strategically located between two major markets. The parish’s economic base includes health care services, shipbuilding, construction, agriculture, and oil field services. The Jennings Airport has a 5,000 foot runway, and the parish has many industrial sites including the Lacassine Industrial Park on I-10.

Learn more about the SWLA Economic Development Alliance.

Earlybird Discount Offered for Annual EXIM Bank Conference

 

The EXIM Bank’s 2018 Annual Conference is on tap for April 19-20.

The event presents a unique opportunity for American small business exporters to grow their international sales. During the conference, you will learn how to:

  • Find new buyers
  • Reduce nonpayment risk
  • Extend credit terms to customers
  • Obtain loans for you and your buyers
  • Finance large projects

Other benefits include:

  • Hearing the brightest minds in business, economic policy, media, and government discuss their thoughts on the U.S. and world economies and the changing landscape of the global marketplace
  • Participating in a variety of sessions on overcoming trade challenges and identifying opportunities
  • Networking at a reception and session breaks with more than 1,100 exporters and representatives of financial institutions, foreign trade partners, international buyers, and government officials.

Register by Friday, March 16 and save 15% off the regular registration fee.

The cost to small business participants is $315/person ($370/person after Friday, March 16, 2018). Small business is defined as having 500 or fewer employees. Seminars and meals are included.

To learn more and register, go to: EXIM 2018 Annual Conference.

Luster Products: Leader in African American Hair Care Products Celebrates 6oth Anniversary

Fred Luster, Sr.

 

Luster Products, Inc. , the leading African-American owned manufacturer of premium personal care products, is celebrating its 6oth anniversary this year. Luster Products’ brands include You Be-Natural, Pink Brand, S-Curl, PCJ, and YOU. The company’s product lines serve men, women, children and the stylist market — worldwide.

Today, Luster Products, Inc. employs more than 400 people worldwide. Luster’s products are sold nationally and internationally through a dynamic sales force and numerous retail outlets. The company’s main facility – corporate offices, plant and warehouse – is situated on 17 acres in Chicago’s Stockyard Industrial Park. An aerosol production plant is located in suburban Blue Island, Illinois. The company also has a branch office in London.

The phenomenal growth and success of Luster Products, Inc. has been attributed to the business savvy and commitment of the company’s founder and first president, the late Fred Luster, Sr., a staff of hardworking, loyal employees, and a family spirit that permeates the entire organization.

Virgin Voyages to Create 300 Jobs at New Headquarters in Florida

 

Florida Governor Rick Scott recently announced that Virgin Voyages, a new cruise company by the global Virgin brands, has selected Plantation, Florida, for its new headquarters, which will create 300 new jobs. The company will also invest $15.9 million in the local community.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Virgin Voyages has selected Florida to locate their new headquarters, which will create more than 300 new jobs for families in South Florida. As a top tourism destination, the gateway to Latin America and one of the most business-friendly states, Florida is the best place for Virgin Voyages’ new headquarters.”

Thomas McAlpin, President and CEO of Virgin Voyages said, “Virgin brands have a long history of raising the bar in every industry we enter. We are proud to bring that mindset to the South Florida community and introduce new jobs and business opportunities to the area.”

Richard Branson, founder of Virgin said, “We basically decided, ‘Let’s have a blank sheet of paper, let’s create the kind of voyage company that we would like to go on,’ and that’s what we’ve done.”

Virgin Voyages cited the strength of Broward County’s diverse, educated and multicultural workforce, infrastructure, quality of life, proximity to major seaports and a competitive tax and business environment as strategic reasons for headquarters location. Virgin Voyages will be hiring a range of roles in different departments from Finance to Customer Care.

This project was made possible through partnerships between the State of Florida, the City of Plantation, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and Broward County.

Peter Antonacci, CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc., said, “Broward County is the ideal location for Virgin to launch its new cruise line Virgin Voyages. Enterprise Florida’s Board of Directors are enthusiastic that Florida won this exciting new project.”

VISIT FLORIDA President & CEO Ken Lawson said, “Virgin Voyages decision to open headquarters in South Florida is fantastic news for tourism in our state. At VISIT FLORIDA, we are marketing the diversity and beauty of our state to the rest of the world. By creating more opportunities for travelers from around the world to experience Florida, Virgin Voyages is helping us make Florida the number one global destination, and I look forward to their continued success.”

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Congratulations to Virgin Voyages on locating their new headquarters in the Sunshine State. South Florida is an excellent choice for growing a company, with its strong business community and robust workforce. We look forward to your success.”

Bob Swindell, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance said, “Congratulations Virgin Voyages, we are thrilled to be home to a company with the great potential to reinvent the cruise industry under the iconic Virgin flag.”

Mayor Diane Veltri Bendekovic of the City of Plantation said, “Plantation has a long reputation as a location of choice for game-changing companies like Virgin Voyages. We look forward to their success and are proud to be home to the newest Virgin brand.”

Mayor Beam Furr of Broward County said, “We’re glad that Virgin Voyages and other major global companies continue to choose Broward County for their headquarters operations. We look forward to the company’s continued growth as part of an important targeted industry for our community.”

…

Virgin Voyages’ first ship, of about 110,000 gross tons, will arrive at PortMiami in 2020. The ship will host more than 2,700 sailors and 1,150 spirited crew members. The first ship in the fleet will offer a range of Caribbean itineraries to ports that deliver Virgin styled and deeply social experiences. Future sailors are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visiting www.virginvoyages.com or follow @virginvoyages on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

World of Concrete Trade Show Hits Nine-Year Attendance High

 

World of Concrete 2018 exceeded expectations across the board, and concluded the 43rd edition as the largest World of Concrete in nine years. This signature event for the concrete & masonry industries drew 58,222 registered professionals, and featured more than 1,567 companies (including 302 brand new companies) exhibiting across more than 747,411 net square feet of exhibit space.

“This has been an incredible year – the success of World of Concrete 2018 helps solidify WOC as the only annual event for concrete & masonry professionals,” said Jackie James, Group Director, World of Concrete. “Having our largest event in nine years proves that the construction sector is going strong worldwide. Participants, both domestic and international, experienced the very best the industry has to offer in terms of suppliers, products, services and education, and we look forward to an even larger event at WOC 2019.”

World of Concrete established the Bob Weatherton Award to honor his contributions to the concrete industry. The award includes a $2,500 scholarship and a $200 gift card which was presented at the CIM National Board Meeting at WOC 2018. This year’s recipient of the Weatherton Award was Damien Bonis, who attends California State University – Chico. His presentation was “A Concrete Advantage: How the CIM Program Fosters Unique Research and Internship Opportunities.”

Concrete Industry Management (CIM) is a business program that has been developed specifically for the concrete industry to provide students with a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management. The program gives students entering the concrete work force industry experience early in their careers. In addition, CIM held its 13th annual unreserved silent and live auctions at World of Concrete. The silent and live auctions raised gross revenues of just over $1.1 million, setting a record for funds raised at WOC, and bringing a total of over $7 million to the CIM program in the past 13 years. More information on the CIM Program can be found at concretedegree.com

Despite a brief government shutdown, International Delegation Leaders and Delegates from across the globe made it to WOC 2018 to do business at this premier global event, including a large delegation from India organized by the American Embassy in New Delhi. Mr. Sanjay Mathur, CEO of UltraTech Cement Ltd. and Mr. Ramesh Joshi, Sr. VP, visited the event along with others from the delegation. WOC once again partnered with the U.S. Commercial Service to support U.S. exhibitors interested in expanding their international sales and to recruit international attendees to the show.

The International Buyer Program at World of Concrete featured Construction Market and Industry Specialists from the U.S. Commercial Service. A special Export Achievement Certificate was presented to Verti-Crete LLC (precast concrete wall systems mfg.) by the U.S. Commercial Service for their contribution and recent success in international trade at WOC. Modelco, from Algeria, and Verti-Crete signed a long-term contract (customer/supplier), with a strategic partnership vision for the Algerian market. The Export Achievement Certificate (EAC) was created in 2001 to recognize small and medium-sized U.S. enterprises that have successfully entered the international marketplace for the first time or that have successfully entered a new market. Mike Sharp and Brent Baker from Verti-Crete accepted the award.

World of Concrete 2019 will be held January 22-25; Seminars 21-25, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.