2013

The Refinishing Touch blog poll investigates the top drivers of change in higher education

March 26, 2013 By admin

Spring marks a busy season for prospective college students, as acceptance and rejection letters are received, open houses are attended and final decisions come to a close.

But while students are weighing their collegiate options, higher education institutions are under pressure of a different kind – the need to demonstrate environmental leadership. With the recent uptake in sustainable course curriculum, rise in eco-friendly activism, and the emergence of ‘greener’ campuses nationwide, colleges and universities must implement sustainable practices to meet the expectations of students, staff, parents and shareholders alike.

Higher education establishments are making major operational changes to meet these demands and remain consistent with the trends. For example, now more than ever, campuses are implementing tray-less dining options in an effort to reduce water consumption and food waste. Dormitory managers are investing in more efficient lighting, and repurposing existing assets when renovating student rooms.

With so many pressures driving these green changes, we took to our weekly blog poll to ask our readers, ‘What do you think will be the most influential driver for change in the higher education industry during 2013?’ Here’s what we found:

One-third of respondents agreed public perception is the main motivation this year.

According to an article in The Chronicle of Higher Education, the public’s view of colleges and universities is on a negative decline, with most agreeing administrators are not doing enough to innovate and keep costs low for students. The need to meet these expectations and increase overall positivity in the sector has become a top priority for collegiate officials.

An additional one-third suggested competition with other schools would be a top driver in 2013.

With the rise in rankings systems, such as the annual US News’ Best Colleges list, higher education facilities are looking to improve on sustainability efforts and more, including overall aesthetic appearance, student coursework options and ease of accessibility throughout the campus.

The remainder of the respondents were split between a university’s determination to improve its environmental commitment, student and staff satisfaction, or increase in student enrollment.

Here at The Refinishing Touch, we’ve worked with hundreds of colleges and universities, delivering fast, on-site furniture asset management services like refinishing and re-upholstery to meet expectations and help campuses stay ahead of competitors. Some of our past clientele include California State University, Duke University, Cornell University, Eastern Michigan University and many more.

By investing in furniture refinishing, re-upholstery and remanufacturing during renovations, campus leaders can create a modern, aesthetically-pleasing property, without breaking the bank. From our studies, furniture asset management saves approximately 90 percent in budget costs when compared to buying new. Our services also contribute to a campus’ overall sustainability plan, by reducing the amount of projected greenhouse gases and preventing deforestation – dangers that are difficult to avoid when purchasing new furniture.

For more on The Refinishing Touch and how our services can benefit your campus, please visit our site or email us for a free quote today.

The Refinishing Touch wishes you a happy (and green) New Year!

January 1, 2013 By admin

This year held significant meaning for The Refinishing Touch team. We celebrated 35 years of delivering cost efficient, sustainable and aesthetically-pleasing furniture asset management solutions to the hospitality, government and collegiate industries. We love what we do and we’re proud of our achievements to date.

We also added to those achievements in 2012 with several new milestones.

First, we expanded internationally with a new administrative office in Canada. 2013 New Year Green Recycle

We also continued to recognize the environmental and economic best practices of our customers. In 2012 we distributed our quarterly Sustainability Awards to 29 companies in recognition for their environmental leadership and commitment. We also continued to expand our Customer Communications program with participation from organizations committed to sharing their passion and perspective for sustainable business practices, including The Dover House Resort and Hampton Inn Batesville.

As we begin a new year, we want to take a moment to thank our loyal customer base – including government buyers, business leaders, hoteliers, university employees, and facilities managers who share our goals for cost-effective, green and sensible approaches to furniture asset management and refinishing. Thank you – without your support, our successes in 2012 would not have been made possible.

We’d also like to thank you, our blog readers and those of you who contribute your opinions to our weekly polls. Your contributions and engagement are appreciated.

The Refinishing Touch team wishes you all a happy, healthy and safe New Year. May 2013 be filled with laughter, prosperity and opportunities for you and yours.

As for us? Well, we will continue to meet and exceed the financial and environmental needs of our clientele – here’s to a green 2013!

BITAC Owners Poll reveals top hospitality concerns for 2013

December 18, 2012 By admin

Where the purpose of BITAC is to help hoteliers, suppliers and other resources in hospitality network, share insights and increase profits year-round, the pending New Year seems like an even more appropriate time to predict and discuss trends for 2013. When hoteliers and their suppliers put their heads together, guest experiences and bottom lines benefit, as proven by the BITAC Owners Poll findings published in Hotel Interactive.

BITAC Owners event For example, the poll showed concerns regarding the fiscal cliff — when a hike in the capital gains tax could to go into effect if government can’t reach a deal. Of respondents, 48.8 percent said it was their top concern heading into 2013. It’s likely influencing major corporate decisions, such as staffing, as it could be more expensive to do business. Twenty-five percent said the New Year will be great, “no worries.” An inability to push rates got a 20.2-percent tally, and the expansion of ADA requirements garnered six percent of the vote.

Fifty-four percent of hotel owners say there is a little bit of wiggle room to cut expenses at their hotel; 27.9 percent say they can still reduce costs in many areas. Eighteen percent say “no way,” they’ve cut back everywhere they can.

Nineteen percent of hotel owners say a lobby renovation brings them the best ROI, topped only by energy management, at 50.8 percent. Upgrading bathroom equipment got 17.5 percent of the vote, with Internet connectivity gathering 12.7 percent of respondents.

The Refinishing Touch has been addressing both of these hotel concerns – cutting overhead costs and reaping renovation rewards – since 1977. Our quick revamping solutions allow our production team to refinish and renovate up to 10 to 20 guest rooms each day, with little to no downtime involved for your business.

Our award-winning, on-site furniture refinishing and re-upholstery services make the most of existing furniture assets, avoiding the hazardous pile up in landfill wastes around the globe. Our environmentally-safe processes save hotels, universities and government facilities up to 80 percent in budget costs when compared to buying new furniture, preparing business owners to meet the marketplace challenges of 2013 while leaving more money in their pocket.