October 3, 2007

Tropical J's Inc., Honolulu, HI, has been recognized with 2, 2007 International Achievement Awards. Presented by the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), two of their projects have been awarded for their exceptional specialty fabric accomplishments.

For 60 years, the International Achievement Awards have recognized skillful design, technological innovation and excellence in the specialty fabrics industry. The projects created by the industry continue to grow in scope as applications for specialty fabrics advance. The 60th annual competion received a record 387 entries, a high that has finally topped the 1998 record of 372 entries. Entries from 14 countries were submitted into 28 categories and judged by a diverse panel of industry experts, editors, architects, educators and design professionals who were selected for their knowledge of the category. Judges evaluated each entry based on complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness and function.

Tropical J's Inc. received an Award of Excellence for its Miramar Canopy, Awnings and Umbrellas project. The project was recognized in the competition’s Multiple Fabric Structures category.

Tropical J's Inc. also received an Outstanding Achievement Award for its Canopies at the Fairfield Hawaii at Waikiki (Ohana Reef) project. The project was also recognized in the competition’s Multiple Fabric Structures category.

Selected from 387 entries in 14 different countries, these winners represent many of today’s top professionals in the specialty fabrics industry. Entries in 28 categories were judged by a diverse panel of industry experts, editors, architects, educators and design professionals selected for their knowledge of the particular category of competition. Judging was based on complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness and function.

The competition is sponsored by IFAI, a not-for-profit trade association whose member companies represent the international specialty fabrics marketplace. The 2007 International Achievement awards were presented during IFAI Expo 2007, the largest annual specialty fabrics event.

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Category: Multiple Fabric Structures
Project Title: Miramar Canopy, Awnings and Umbrellas
Date Installed: May 07
Approximate Size: 620 sf

What is the project?
To create a new and inviting look and to rejuvinate the pool deck area at the Miramar Hotel In Waikiki. Different stuctures were developed and manufactured to create new meeting room awnings, umbrellas for outdoor seating/eating, and a center piece canopie over their bar and their special events room.

In which city, state, and country was the project installed or used?
Waikiki, Island of Oahu, Hawaii.

What is unique or complex about the project?
To provide a series of different type structures at an affordable cost. To seamlessly take our unique "cable-tensioned" structure around a 90 degree corner with different projections on each leg of the canopy.

What were the results of the project?
An extremely pleased customer who purposefully came to Tropical J's to do a variety of structures from wood framed umbrellas (manufactured by us in our factory), regular barrelled awnings and our "cable-tensioned" product. By the way, the only access to the pool deck was from the parking structure of the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel next door and having to pass everything over a 12ft wall.

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Category: Canopies, Commercial
Project Title: Fairfield Hawaii at Waikiki (Ohana Reef)
Date Installed: Dec 06
Approximate Size: 11 structures averaging 250sf each

What is the project?
Creation of 11 "leaf" designs over entries, escalators, walkways and pool sitting areas, with a unique design.

What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?
Take a basic flat canopy look into something more exciting and utilitarian.

In which city, state, and country was the project installed or used?
Waikiki, Island Of Oahu, Hawaii

What is unique or complex about the project?
The original concept was for something flat that was inconsistent with the character of fabric and fabric structures. The original concept would probably have collected water, dirt and cigarette butts. Plus the way it was designed would have cost twice the budget.

What were the results of the project?
It became the centerpiece of the renovation project. An extremely happy general contractor, providing rain and sun protection throughout the project.

Is there any other relevant information that may impact the judges' decision?
This is a classic example of where the awning contractor used his experience and design skills to take a customer's concept to a completely different and higher level than what was expected.

For more information on the annual International Achievement Awards competition, contact Christine Malmgren, International Achievement Awards Manager, at 1801 County Road B W., Roseville MN, 55113-4061, phone: +1 651 225 6926 or 800 225 4324, fax: +1 651 631 9334, e-mail awards@ifai.com, or visit www.ifai.com.