It is our pleasure to feature U.S. Solutions Group, Inc. as our first "Customer Spotlight" in our inaugural newsletter. I remember receiving a telephone call from Mr. David Matheson in 2001, indicating his needs to have some furniture installed on State Street in Bristol. After some conversation we determined that it was a full truck load of systems furniture and arriving within the week. We immediately went to work evaluating the site for receipt and unloading. We created drawings to ensure that the product would fit the designated space and that there would be appropriate electrical and voice/data circuts.  Consequently, when the product arrived  the installation went smoothly  was completed on time, and all within budgetary parameters.

That has been seven years and multiple projects ago. We have been honored to assist them in their continued efforts at the State Street location, which now encompasses four floors of operations. We have also had the privilege to work beside them in the development of their new Abingdon and Marion, VA locations. The Marion location was awarded the 2007 Smyth County, VA Area Beautification Award for the work completed on an existing building on Main Street.

"Mike and his team have always given us the finest service. They work on a personal basis with us, understanding our needs in complete detail, then guiding us to the best available solutions. I highly recommend Mike and the MD team."  -Quote from David Matheson

ModularDesigns participated in the Big Brothers-Big Sisters Bowl-For-Kids fundraising event. We formed two teams and had a wonderful time bowling for a good cause. We are looking forward to this event next year. To learn more about the Big Brothers-Big Sisters program visit their website: Big Brothers-Big Sisters

Neo-Flex™ Mobile WorkSpace
Low-cost, height-adjustable computer cart from Ergotron supports your mobile computing needs today and tomorrow. A versatile design configures for notebooks or LCDs. Features 20+ inches (51 cm) of height adjustment (work sitting or standing), small footprint, rugged open architecture and a fleet of accessories. This product is great for Education and Healthcare environments as well as retail and manufacturing areas. 

Shaw Contract Group is an industry leader when it comes to eco-friendly carpet and carpet backing. EcoLogix cushioned carpet tile backing is made with 88% plastic soda bottles (even the green colored soda bottles) and is 100% recyclable. And it's four times stronger than traditional cushion backing - which means we are improving our world and our products at the same time. To learn more about Shaw's environmental programs and view their extensive line of commercial carpet visit: www.shawcontractgroup.com

I was very fortunate to attend this years World's Trade Fair 2008 called NeoCon.  It was the 40th year of this event that showcases thousands of innovative products and resources for corporate, hospitality, healthcare, retail, government, institutional and residential interiors from more than 1,200 showrooms and exhibitors.  Held in Chicago, the excitement and inspiration of the show is contagious and the wealth of knowledge about innovations in our industry is extremely valuable.
 
This year the emphasis was very much about products that are considered green, sustainable or eco-friendly.  As a designer, it is wonderful to see the multitude of choices for our clients that are eco-friendly but not limited in design. There are a wealth of carpets, tile, vct, fabrics, wall coverings and furniture products available for selection.  With these many resources we can guide our clients so their building and furniture choices can help them qualify for LEED credits under the U.S. Green Building Council while providing an exquisite design for their facility.
 
Having been in the design field for many years, some really interesting items this year at market were:
 
Conference chairs you do not have to continually reposition-Global has a mechanism in their chair that will keep the chair always facing forward.   www.globaltotaloffice.com

Wood office furniture that is extremely attractive but also provides a full spectrum of wire management capabilities-Paoli has a new line called Fuse.   www.paoli.com 

Vinyl seating upholstry from Architex with special coating that allows for easy removal of tough stains like ink.  www.architex-ljh.com
 
Paint that can transform any surface into a seamless high performance dry erase surface-MDC wall covering introduced Idea Paint.  www.mdcwall.com 

Please visit our showroom or contact me at 423.467.0071 so I can share my excitement about these new products that can transform and enhance your space.
 

Connie Whitaker

Senior Designer
 

Enter to Win an Ergotron Monitor Arm!

Come see our new showroom expansion and be entered to win a free Ergotron Monitor Arm! Bring your business card by our office before September 26, 2008 to be entered into the drawing. Drawing will be held September 30, 2008 and the winner will be announced in the November Newsletter.