TRSA /UTSA ANNOUNCE
PLAN TO CONSOLIDATE

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 26, 2005)—Jim Buik, Chairman of the Board of the Uniform and Textile Service Association (UTSA), and David Rawlinson, Chairman of the Board of the Textile Rental Services Association of America (TRSA), have announced that the Boards of Directors of both associations have agreed in concept to a plan to consolidate TRSA and UTSA into a single association effective January 1, 2006.

TRSA and UTSA each serve corporations engaged predominantly in textile service, e.g. providing commercial, industrial, and institutional accounts with laundered uniforms, linens, walk-off mats, and other workplace textiles through rental agreements. Associate members of UTSA (Arlington , Va.) and TRSA (Alexandria, Va.) sell services, equipment, or supplies to textile service members.

The industry had sales in 2004 in excess of $11 billion and employed more than 110,000 workers.

The two groups have been working together on various issues for many years and, according to Buik and Rawlinson, the industry has reached a consensus that a consolidated association would grow and serve the industry most effectively.

The new organization will be led by Jim Buik, UTSA Chairman, as Chairman; Michael Potack, Chair-Elect of TRSA, as Vice Chairman; Douglas (Woody) Ostrow, Treasurer of TRSA, as Treasurer; and Kevin Crotty, Vice Chairman of UTSA, as Secretary.

The plan of consolidation will be submitted to the respective Boards of Directors and to the membership of both associations for formal approval within the next few weeks, following completion of mutual due diligence evaluations of financial structure and operation.

Mr. Buik and Mr. Rawlinson commended the work by UTSA President David Hobson and TRSA President Roger Cocivera in helping the two organizations make this historic decision. Officers of the combined organizations will act as a Search Committee and begin work to find a candidate to serve as CEO and President of the new association. Both Mr. Cocivera and Mr. Hobson have been given the opportunity to apply for the position.

For further information, contact Roger Cocivera, President, TRSA, at (703) 519-0029 or David Hobson, President, UTSA, at (703) 247-2600.