The Refinishing Touch Blog

Last week, a few key members of the TRT team traveled the Hilton Atlanta Northeast for one of our armoire projects. Amy Parson, our Sales Coordinator and our Ryan Riopko, our Marketing Coordinator, went down to the property and met with Scott Deutsch the Director of Production who came see the crew in action.

We are currently completing armoire modifications within each of the Hilton Atlanta 272 elegantly appointed hotel guest rooms and suites and enjoying a real onsite production atmosphere.

As part of the TRT family, we're proud to present an impeccably organized, clean and swift operation from start to finish.

TRT has a long standing relationship with the Hilton Atlanta Northeast and has completed several jobs for them over the past few years, including the refinishing and upholstery of both guest rooms and public spaces. We look forward to bringing the same distinguished service for many more years to come.

Labels: Armoire Modification, Hospitality

President-Elect Barack Obama campaigned hard along the road to the White House. Amongst his platform issues, Obama slated very specific initiatives to move this nation toward greener practices extending from energy efficiency to green building.

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) continues to work tirelessly using the momentum of the campaign and existing green strategy to ensure sound policies are put in place with his new administration.

Among its initiatives, the USGBC is an institution that remains a strong force in ensuring that promoting green building and efficiency goals remain a priority for the new administration. With these proposals and incentives President-Elect Obama's plans for smart growth have the potential to create some 5 million new green jobs and $35 billion in annual economic activity.

The Presidential election may be over, but we here at The Refinishing Touch are elated to see the campaign efforts of the USGBC continue as we move forward toward a greener America.

Labels: government, Green, USGBC

Labels: Green, Hospitality, USGBC

We all witnessed, and many of us participated, in what will be remembered for generations to come as a landmark election in the history of the United States.

Today our world is facing many serious problems. Currently, the most pressing and on everyone's minds is the financial crisis, however, another serious problem, with deeper and longer lasting effects, is global warming.

With Barack Obama and Joe Biden taking office in January 2009 we will hopefully begin to see a renewed focus on the environment. To date, they have outlined some ambitious plans to combat global warming. At the top of the list is the goal to reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2050. They would start reducing emissions immediately upon taking office and implement a mandate that would reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

Obama and Biden are planning to use a cap-and-trade program to reduce emissions. An overall national cap on carbon emissions would be established and companies would be given an allowance that represents a permission to emit a certain amount of carbon. A bartering system would be established allowing companies to buy and sell allowances. Companies able to reduce pollution at low cost would be able to sell extra allowances to companies facing high costs. The number of allowances would be reduced each year to coincide with the annual reduction targets.

Currently, there are three main laws in support of furniture refinishing for Federal departments and agencies they include; Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, USC Title 40 which points out the Federal Government may not purchase furniture if the Adminstrator of General Services detmines that the needs could be met by transferring excess furniture from other departments including refinished furniture and the Executive Order 13423 signed by George W. Bush to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3% annually through the end of 2015.

Under the new administration, they are also planning to establish national standards to ensure that less carbon intensive energy is used in our energy supply. And it will be important to see how the current laws in support of furniture refinishing are supported moving forward.

Energy conversation will be a high priority. Obama and Biden plan to make the Federal Government the leader in saving electricity by making federal buildings more energy efficient and revamping Federal Efficiency codes. Conserving existing resources and assets is truly critical. Whether the focus is on energy or recycling to decrease landfill dumping - we believe the government (on a federal and local level) and corporate America need to be accountable for utilizing existing assets.

We are looking forward to seeing focus on the environment from the new administration. Cost savings and concern for the environment to reduce carbon footprints should be a priority for everyone including; businesses, the hospitality industry and the government. If you haven't already looked at the Obama and Biden energy and environment plans take an opportunity to see their plans.

Labels: Election, Energy Efficiency, Environmentally friendly furniture, Green, Politics

It seems the recent financial state of our nation has begun affecting our educational sector. News of cutbacks and hiring freezes has surfaced, raising eyebrows and concern levels even amongst some of our nation's most prestigious educational institutions.

Boston University announced its plan to freeze non-critical hires in anticipation of rising demand for financial aid, while universities such as Stanford and other California universities have responded with plans to tighten their belts as well - all in an effort to brace themselves for expected budget cuts.

When news that the Ivy League's 'Big Red,' Cornell University, had responded to financial difficulties with budget cuts of its own, we were again struck with the overwhelming realization that distressing times often result in defining movements. In the days to come, individuals, families and corporations will continue to restructure their daily lives according to the vitality of our nation and its economic prosperity. We have all been urged and invited to redefine the way we manage our assets, and to reclaim control of our financial health

Today, Americans are exercising their right to vote in one of the most focal Presidential elections of our time. Whomever the American people choose to elect into office will be responsible for leading our nation out of a global financial crisis with a renewed sense of establishment towards restored economic security.

As the election campaigns have shown, education is a common priority throughout our nation. Further education is preparing our future generation of leaders. The Refinishing Touch is proud to have had a hand in collaborating with universities and looks forward to work yet to come. We can't think of a better investment than one in our future.

Labels: Education, Election, Financial Crisis

In my last post I chronicled my recent trip to China and shared more of my personal experiences throughout the journey. I wanted to take some to write about the trip from a business perspective as well and highlight the journey to the stone manufacturers plant as well as share some of my overall business and economic observations that came about during my trip.

The relationship between China and the United States becomes more and more apparent as the financial crisis continues to impact our economy. The housing economy has supported China's growth and the financial issues in the US have greatly affected China as a whole. US factories in China are continually growing more concerned about our economy and the potential loss of business due to our struggling economy. I learned, in fact, that many factories and businesses are closing down due to the economic slow down. China is throttling back exports to avoid overheating internal growth.

As we entered Hong Kong through customs we were the 5^th car in line and saw less than a dozen containers on trucks. Coming through customs usually takes 2-3 hours and seeing thousands of cars and containers on trucks is not an unusual sight. Even the hotels were empty - a sure sign of the times taking effect world wide.

On my trip I travelled to Shenzhen, now known as the furniture capital of the world. More than twenty years ago, Shenzhen just was a small fishing village called Baoan County, but in 1979, it was renamed Shenzhen City. When the Special Economic Zone was built, the city was divided into six zones, four of which are located in the Special Economic Zone.

While in town, I had dinner with a furniture manufacturer for whom we had done business with to finish furniture pieces on their arrival to the states. They own the factories and reported firsthand that many small and large factories are going out of business. Mostly all of the factories were dependent on the housing market bubble in the US, however now because of decline in the housing market they are now shutting down more and more.

The Chinese have a different approach to business. The locals I spoke to share a more thoughtful way of doing business they say it is "communism that works." Despite the fact that there are strong Western influences everywhere, the business side of things is still very rooted in Communism. I learned the average pay of a factory worker is $65-150 per month. I had the pleasure to have dinner with a group of workers from the solid surface factories and these people are highly educated with engineering degrees from universities. What astounded me was that these people make $350 a month at the factory and they are thankful for their pay.

The work ethic, conditions and culture in China are certainly nothing like they are in the US. Something struck me as interesting as I was sitting in the car waiting for some friends, I noticed leaves falling off of the trees onto the side walk- just as they do on an ordinary fall day in the states. The peculiar thing was not the leaves but that there were two women walking up either side of the street sweeping the sidewalks by hand to clear them of the fallen leaves. I couldn't help but think how this incident showed a very distinct culturally difference between the US and China - which is reflected in the culture both personally and professionally. This trip truly enlightened me.

Labels: China, Culture, economy, Financial Crisis

This month I had the pleasure and experience of visiting the People's Republic of China. It was a combination of business - visiting our stone manufacturing facilities- and pleasure, visiting friends.

On October 2^nd after traveling more than 8,400 miles, I stepped off a Boeing 747 onto Hong Kong International Airport to change planes. I've been lucky to travel extensively throughout my life and career, but a 20 hour flight and a 12-hour time difference resulted in one of the most grueling travel experiences.

Security, something that Americans are now getting more used to since the awful events of 2001, was incredibly tight, with various levels of security checks including a point where you have to stand still for three seconds and stare into an infra-red camera.

Finally, after I'd been up for 36 hours straight, I landed in Xiamen. Xiamen is an island city situated on the south east tip. With a population of slightly over two million, it is regarded as "the most agreeable city in China." The port ranks among the country's top ten and it boasts a modern airport that has become a major aviation hub. It has a bustling economy, thanks to its designation as one of several Special Economic Zones in China and the large amount of foreign investment that the hub is known for.

After the grueling journey, I was exhausted but glad to see my friends waiting to pick me up at Xiamen airport. They drove me to the luxury that is the Sofitel Hotel in Xiamen. By then, I urgently needed a rest, and I wasn't disappointed. The hotel's standards were incredibly high with impeccably crisp and clean rooms that would be inviting to any traveler, but especially so to such a weary one!

My whole experience was a mixture of the unusual and the out-of-context, including an Italian meal in Xiamen. As an Italian-American, I have a deep love and appreciation of Italian food - though the meal itself seemed to be lacking in the 'Italian' aspect, aside from the Chianti Classico, which was authentic.

Meanwhile, my temporary 'base' of the Sofitel with its slick service and presentation, reflects my overall impression of the People's Republic of China. As a visitor, I found every part of the country that I visited to be immaculately organized and business-like. Any service was like clockwork, and while smiling and welcoming, there was a work ethic that seems to pervade every person. There was a constant sense of control and management, which, as a business person, I can fully appreciate.

My meetings were fruitful - details of those to follow in my next post - and the time I spent with my friends was unforgettable.

The worst bit? The jet lag, both on the journey out and returning home, took its toll, with my body taking days to catch up. Visiting China made me feel like I'd really traveled!

Labels: China, Hospitality, travel

We've just returned from this week's Buyer Interactive Trade Alliance and Conference: Purchasing and Design West (BITAC) sponsored by Hotel Interactive, and had a chance to meet with both current and potential clients amongst 75 different groups. Amidst strengthening old friendships and forging new ones, we heard a lot of the talk at this year's event about the current conditions of the marketplace and where the hospitality industry stands. Based on the buzz at the event, it continues to ring true that the financial state of our nation has had its effect on the hospitality industry.

In the panic of the financial situation many capital budgets have been frozen and hotel owners and developers are realizing the need to be proactive whenever possible. We learned from our industry friends that the feeling is that renovations are more important than ever. Since a good number of the new builds in the pipeline may be shelved, industry players are coming to realize that keeping existing properties in a competitive stance is extremely important.

Another hot topic at the event was the greening of the industry. A panel discussion at the event discussed the definition of "green" in the hospitality industry and the need for universal standards throughout. The industry brings in a whole new set of issues and obstacles when it comes to implementing green standards and proves to be a challenge that everyone agreed is well worth the effort.

The hospitality business is one built on relationships. BITAC and Hotel Interactive understand this and cultivate it within their events. With a format lending itself to free thinking and relationship building without any constraints, BITAC is always an event that The Refinishing Touch looks forward to and is delighted to participate in.

Labels: BITAC, economy, Green, Hospitality

When we talk about budgets and bottom lines, it's not just the hospitality industry that we're helping. We spend a lot of time using our skill and expertise to help government agencies. Just like any business, these agencies need to ensure, and demonstrate, that they are meeting budgets and furniture standards, while being as environmentally friendly as possible. Furthermore, any government or federal institution has to ensure that they are working with suppliers that meet high procurement standards. The Refinishing Touch meets these standards, and has been awarded several contracts with the US government.

Since then, we have undertaken refurbishing projects for the FBI, a number of Federal courthouses, the U.S. House of Representatives, numerous military housing facilities, and last but not least, The White House. Our work was formally recognized when we were appointed the Evergreen Award from the GSA.

It just goes to show - it doesn't matter if it's a multi-national hotel, a campus-based college or a Federal agency, refinishing your furniture assets has the added bonus of preserving resources and is a good purchasing decision whatever your needs or budget.

Labels: finance, government, saving money

Labels: Green, Hospitality, saving money