For Immediate Release

(Roseville, Minn. - Oct. 23, 2008) - The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is proud to announce the winners of the 2008 International Achievement Awards.

For more than six decades, the International Achievement Awards has been recognizing excellence in design, innovation, as well as rewarding spectacular work in the specialty fabrics industry.

This year marks the 61st annual competition. Entrants were encouraged to submit projects and compete in 28 competition categories. We received 28 entries from 16 countries. Entries were judged by industry experts, editors, architects, educators and design professionals who were selected for their knowledge in particular field of study or product area. Winners are selected based on complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness and function.

IFAI encourages specialty fabric projects of all sizes and type. The goal of the International Achievement Awards is to promote awareness of the specialty fabrics used in thousands of products. All the entries receive prominent recognition at the annual IFAI Expo, the official trade show of the Industrial Fabrics Association International. Additional publicity is received through coverage in IFAI magazines, as well as through press releases sent to media professionals.

The International Achievement Awards competition is sponsored by IFAI, a not-for-profit trade association whose 2,000 member companies represent the international specialty fabrics marketplace. The 2008 International Achievement Awards were presented during IFAI Expo 2008, the Americas' largest annual specialty fabrics event, Oct. 21-23 in Charlotte, NC.