Citizens of some of Hurricane Sandy's most ravaged communities in New Jersey and New York have one less thing to worry about - a hot, comforting meal - thanks to the efforts of Operation BBQ Relief. The coalition of competition barbecue teams from all across the U.S. quickly galvanized and descended upon several hard-hit areas with cookers, food and fuel and began serving meals, along with a side of compassion and friendship, on Friday, November 2.  

Despite power outages, gas shortages, and a follow-up Nor'Easter storm that dumped six inches of snow on the already devastated region, the teams have served nearly 90,000 meals from sites in Brick, Neptune and Hoboken, New Jersey, and Brooklyn, Staten Island and Long Island, New York.



The 501c3 non-profit organization was founded in May 2011 in response to the tornadoes that devastated Joplin, Missouri. Hurricane Sandy is the 13th natural disaster to which the group has responded to provide assistance.

Operation BBQ Relief expects to remain in the New Jersey and New York area through November 18, according to the organization's co-founder Jeff Stith. "The need is great," he says. "People have lost everything and are so appreciative of the food we're giving them. And we appreciate any support the barbecue industry can provide to help us feed these people who are really suffering."

To support the manpower donated by competition teams who have traveled from as far away as the Carolinas, Vermont and Ohio, Stith says companies within the barbecue industry have provided charcoal and wood fuels, propane, rubs, sauces, meats and monetary donations. "There is great need in these communities," Stith notes.
Donations may be made through Operation BBQ Relief's website or Facebook page, or by email.

All donations are tax deductible and Stith stresses all donations toward Hurricane Sandy relief will be used to aid this specific effort. To receive regular updates from the field, "Like" the Operation BBQ Relief Facebook page.

Americans are setting up house at the fastest rate in more than six years, according to U.S. Census Bureau, an indication that recession anxiety, which prompted adult children to move in with their parents and single people to postpone marriage, is starting to ease.

The nation added 1.15 million households in the 12 months that ended in September. That is a significant rise from the past four years when an average of 650,000 households were formed annually.

Global performance fabric manufacturer Sattler AG takes another step toward the future. After recently announcing the restructuring of its two U.S. based subsidiaries - Sattler North America Corp. and Outdura Corp. - into Sattler Corp., Sattler AG will formally unveil a new logo for the Outdura brand.


In line with the company's vision to further grow the brand, the Outdura logo has been refined and updated to reflect a modernized version of the previous logo, and aesthetically bring the two together.

"We value and appreciate the virtues the Outdura logo represents - durability, longevity and high quality - and wanted to sustain them," Manfred Heissenberger, executive director and CEO, Sattler Corp. said. "We kept the sun as a well established key element but gave it a light, abstract twist and combined it with a simple yet elegant font in different shades of silver and grey. The yellow/orange implies future and progress whereas the metallic spectrum represents aluminum and chrome, which is commonly used in outdoor furniture and marine fabric applications."

The result is an eye-catching, sophisticated and modern logo that embodies everything Outdura stands for and appeals with stylish simplicity.

The new Outdura logo also corresponds with the Sattler AG branding and other trademarks under the family brand and was designed by the Sattler marketing group.

"Outdura is an essential part of our company and it was important for us to visualize this. A consistent brand image and appearance is not only crucial for the strength of the company itself, but reflects back to every single member of it," said Heissenberger.

The new logo made its first public appearance at the IFAI Expo in Boston on November 7 and will be gradually implemented in all advertising and communication efforts from that point forward.

For more information contact,
Natalie Scott, VP of Sales and Marketing Casual Furniture Fabrics
704.301.6769 or email.
Jeff Jimison, VP of Sales and Marketing Marine Fabrics
828.381.0591 or email.

The brand that defined beach living for generations of consumers now is redefining carefree living for growing numbers of customers. Panama Jack made its name in sun care and beachwear products. Today it's attracting new business and new fans with related product categories featuring furniture and bicycles that reflect the brand's personality.             

New to the home-furnishings market last year, Panama Jack now offers 10 collections of indoor and outdoor furniture in the Panama Jack Home Collection. The stylish and affordable furniture is popular with consumers, allowing them to live Panama Jack's laidback lifestyle at home.             

The collection is a big seller at many retailers. More than 100 of the country's top retailers carry Panama Jack furniture. Stores include El Dorado Furniture, Furnitureland South, Kittle's, Johnny Janosik, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Raymour & Flanigan, Walkers Furniture and Willis Wayside. Increasingly, retailers are combining indoor and outdoor pieces in a custom-designed, "Panama Jack Oasis," display area. The company recently opened two warehouses, in Hickory, North Carolina, and Ontario, California, to speed furniture deliveries.    


Panama Jack entered the bicycle market two years ago, launching an inaugural line of Huffy beach-cruiser bikes. The beach-colored bicycles' lower cost and wider, fuller frames make them must-have vehicles for many families and casual cyclists. Retail giants Wal-Mart and Target both carry the hugely popular bicycles.         
 
"Panama Jack has been part of people's lives for 38 years," said Kim Manna, Panama Jack president. "From the beginning, our core products have been in sun care and apparel. Because of the strength of those products, we've been able to develop other product categories that fit the brand, stay true to its meaning, and integrate Panama Jack's lifestyle more fully into people's lives. Whether people are at the beach, riding a bike or enjoying a barbecue at home with friends, Panama Jack just adds more fun -more joy - to their experience."     

Panama Jack is also extending its global reach. The company recently hired Brazilian licensing agent Supermarcas to promote the brand in Argentina, Brazil and Chile. Exim Licensing USA currently represents the brand in the Caribbean, Central America and other parts of South America; and Bradford Licensing promotes the brand in Europe, Asia and India.  Panama Jack marketed itself solely in the United States prior to this year.
 
"Panama Jack has a huge potential in Latin America because it represents what, deep down, we all seek today - peace, fun, time in the sun and sand, and more time with our loved ones," said Moacir Galbinski, vice president of Supermarcas. "The brand represents the good things in life."