Keyword or Search: <% Dim MyValue2 Randomize MyValue2 = Int((6 * Rnd) + 1) Set Conn = Server.CreateObject("ADODB.Connection") Conn.Open Session("trsa_ConnectionString2") MySQL = "Select * From HouseAds Where HouseAdID Like '%" & MyValue2 & "%' " Set Conn = Conn.Execute(MySQL) %> "> " alt="" width=130 height=85 border=1 align=top> <% conn.close %>	Board approves change in LSAA's name At its October meeting, the LSAA Board of Directors approved a change in the name of the association to:TEXTILE RENTAL SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA The board asked that members be notified in advance that the change in name will be discussed and voted upon by members at the Annual Meeting during LSAA's 1979 convention in Washington, D.C. Visual examples of the new name and accompanying logo will be prepared. The board asked that the new name and logo connote the concept of a better image and a more encompassing association. WHY A NAME CHANGE? For a number of years, many members have felt that the name, "Linen Supply Association of America," did not properly describe our industry or our current business. Suggestions for an association name change have come up so often and over such a long period of time that a change in name of the association was clearly indicated. The reasons given by a number of our members for a name change were that our present name: did not describe our industry's current range of services and product offerings; did not properly describe many of our members' businesses; did not enhance our image; did not sound "professional"; did not represent to the general public a proper image to promote through our national advertising program; might have a negative effect on attracting to membership those companies involved in industrial or commercial laundering operations; and was even redundant, because few (if any) of our members exclusively ''supply linen." Beginning last March, heads of all parent companies in LSAA were asked to either approve or disapprove consideration of a name change by the LSAA Board of Directors. Further, they were asked, if the name were changed, what their suggestions might be. A second request was sent to those who had not yet responded at the end of April. By mid-June, almost 40 per cent of our members responded. Those who did, overwhelmingly —by more than a 3-to-i margin — recommended that the name of the association be changed. Some of their comments were: "A new name is like new blood to a business -- new, younger people and ideas always perk up any endeavor." "We are presently contemplating a new name for our own company as we do not feel the term, 'linen supply,' is truly representative of the services we now provide." "A concise, basically recognizable name is needed." "Most large organizations and companies find they must change their names as they grow and change so as to reflect their new functions." "The name, 'Linen Supply Association of America,' is not appropriate — it's too narrow a name. "The new name should be more representative of the entire industry." "The new name should better reflect the thought of complete textile rental." "The present name is not all-embracing of the activities of members. We have changed our company name for similar reasons. "A more descriptive name could be used to include all of the services we offer today." "I believe a new name would improve our image to the public." "I believe a name change is appropriate as the term, 'linen supply,' projects the association as only representing linen suppliers." The general consensus of members by their strong votes was that the name, "Linen Supply Association of America," was not sufficiently descriptive of the current range of services offered by our members. Not all companies agreed, and some indicated they did not want the name changed. However, in many of the "nay" comments, many members said that they would consider a name change if, in fact, the name selected would be an improvement over the existing name. LSAA President Donald L. Struminger called on a Name Change Task Force to aid in the decision of a new name. The task force was composed of himself as chairman, and with four members: Vice-President/President-Elect William N. Genematas; Director Tony Richman; Director and past Marketing Committee Chairman Kermit Hiller; and current Marketing Committee Chairman Jerry Tonner. Ira B. Brichta of the LSAA advertising agency of Baker & Brichta, Inc., Chicago, acted as a consultant; and John J. Contney and Bruce A. Johnson of the LSAA staff acted as liaison. In late June, each member of the task force was given a copy of the recap of the member survey results on the tally of the ballot considering a name change of LSAA. A conference telephone call was held in mid-August to discuss the survey results. Well over 100 different names had been suggested by members. As a result of the task force discussing the member survey results and member suggestions, each task force member agreed to send in one name for consideration by the LSAA Executive Committee. (Ira Brichta was asked to send in his three preferred names). At the LSAA Executive Committee meeting in September, the name, "Textile Rental Services Association of America," was unanimously chosen by the Executive Committee to be recommended to the LSAA Board of Directors. A full member discussion and vote on the name change will take place at the LSAA Annual Meeting on Wednesday morning, May 2, during LSAA's 67th Annual Convention at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Washington, D.C. Although, under the existing LSAA corporate structure, the board has the authority to change the name of the association, it was felt by the board that members should become fully involved in the decision to change the name of their association.