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 %>	TASC News TASC launches newsletter —The Competitive Edge Facing criticism for high trade deficits, outmoded industrial plants, poor product quality, out-of-synch management practices, and an inability to compete against foreign counterparts has been a humbling experience for many American businessmen. That's why Business Week devoted a special edition to the subject of Innovation in America. The reader response to this special edition was very good, according to an independent readership study and a similar Business Week study. TASC realized the potential of this special issue and placed its first advertorial to business readers in it. As a way to reinforce the benefits of textile rental, as featured in the first special advertising section on our industry, TASC's new ad campaign featuring a series of four-color ads has been placed in four trade publications. To further strengthen its promotion campaign, TASC begins production of a quarterly newsletter, The Competitive Edge, for distribution to those inquiring about TASC and to TASC members. Each newsletter shares stories that demonstrate that textile and apparel services are an integral part of America's innovative approach to marketing, image, safety, productivity, and quality performance. Six growth companies are highlighted in the first newsletter—each a leader in its respective industry. Each story cites the role that uniform and/or dust mat rental service plays in its formula for success. Here are a few quotes: "We uniformed our work force in rental garments to show our pride by looking sharp, clean and crisp . . . it's important to have everyone dressed in work clothing that's safe." Janet Wendelken, Adolph Coors "We feel that uniforms on the shop floor help us maintain quality." Carol Shuttlewoith, Carol Shuttlewoith, Inc. "Our primary reason for using a uniform (rental) program is morale and image." Ken Aspach, Thundeibird Fonnula Products "Our rental uniform program is designed to enhance professionalism." Lyn Wood, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. A case history The following is an excerpt from the first TASC newsletter featuring Chaparral Steel*, a Texas Industries Co. of Midlothian, Texas. Chaparral is a state-of-the-art mini-mill steel producer, honored by Fortune magazine as one of the 10 best-managed companies in America. The plant runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and ships structural and bar steel throughout the U.S., Canada, Japan, and Germany. It's the 10th largest U.S. producer—a pioneer in new steel-making technology and an example of how new market-directed management focus can succeed in an essentially depressed industry. Chaparral had many needs that could be fulfilled by a professional textile and apparel rental service. The company needed flame-retardant and hazard-free work clothes to lessen the risk of accidents to employees. The company also needed floor mats and other dust control products to further assure safety. Glen Richardson, who manages buildings and grounds for Chaparral said, "We welcome visitors from all over the world. Not only do our uniforms create a good image—but the 300 floor mats we rent keep the floors clean and prevent people from slipping and falling. The floor mats promote safety and upgrade the build-big's appearance. "The workers like our uniform program. . . they're not carrying dirt home and work clothes don't have to be laundered. The kind of grease emanating from our plant can actually harm home washing machines—so our rental and maintenance program saves money in more ways than one," he says. "In addition to the floor mats and uniforms, Chaparral also rents towels for its shower rooms and wiping towels for use throughout the plant. The janitors use rental mops—using a professional rental service is a time and money saver for us. It's very important to be able to secure the uniforms, dust control equipment, and linens from one reliable source," Richardson concluded. The Competitive Edge is a publication by and for the Textile & Apparel Services Council. The newsletter has been developed as a mailing piece for TASC companies. Each member company receives a list of those persons in their state(s) that subscribe to the trade magazines featuring TASC advertising. Members can then imprint the newsletter with their logo for distribution in their service areas. Each newsletter highlights one of the four services that the industry provides for business: apparel, dust control mats and mops, hospitality, and healthcare products. *A company highlighted in Tom Peters Thriving On Chaos, over seven months on the national best seller lists, "Market Creation through Manufacturing at Chaparral," pages 205-229.