ARTICLE FEATURES LOCAL FABRIC FIRM

A local fabric company sewed up national exposure by being featured in a leading magazine in the draperies industry.

The company, R&M Enterprises, 2355 Rusmar, is featured in Draperies and Window Coverings, which is considered the No. 1 publication in the field.

R&M distributes decorator drapery and upholstery fabric, drapery hardware, blinds, bedspreads and other window treatments.

Sales director Mike Watson said R&M was selected by the magazine based on reports from wholesalers who are R&M customers.

Writer Diane Wintroub Calmenson credits two factors for R&M's success. She cites the company's efforts to maintain personal contact with their customers combined with an aggressive marketing plan.

The story tells of R&M's expansion since owner Jim Rust founded it in 1969 as a distributor of drapery hardware, window treatments and supplies.

The firm moved to its own building in 1972, when it added fabrics. It re-situated to its present 27,000-square-foot quarters in 1978, and added a drapery workroom. In 1987, the company formed COCO Designs to offer 54-inch decorative designer prints and solids.

R&M has 11 salespeople servicing 32 states.

The magazine commissioned Cape Girardeau photographer Tom Neumeyer for photographs to illustrate the article.