Letter to Members of the Textile Services Industry

In late summer 2005, the members of TRSA and the members of UTSA voted overwhelmingly to consolidate the two associations effective January 1, 2006. A Joint Executive Committee including Jim Buik, Chair of UTSA; Kevin Crotty, Vice Chairman of UTSA; Michael Potack, Chair of TRSA; Woody Ostrow, Treasurer of TRSA and Steve Donly, President of ARAMARK a joint member of both associations were given the task of developing a plan to integrate the operations of the two associations and hire a President and CEO of the consolidated association so that operations be up and running as of January 1, 2006.

We did not get the job done. As explained in the attached memo, as of November 18, 2005 the consolidated association, which was to begin operating January 1, 2005:

1. Had no approved budget for 2006;
2. Had a proposed associate member dues rate that had a starting level 500% higher than the current starting level for TRSA associate member dues;
3. Had no confirmed committee structure;
4. Had no new President and CEO;
5. Has a 40% proposed advertising rate increase for the magazine;
6. Had no decisions on association staffing; and
7. There was a certain amount of conflict within the Joint Executive Committee (which was not unexpected) but Steve Donly, the swingman on the Committee, resigned from ARAMARK, and would no longer qualify to serve on the Committee.

Under these circumstances, the TRSA Board unanimously voted to request that UTSA agree to extend the date of the consolidation from January 1, 2006 to January 1, 2007. The TRSA Board recommended that a consultant be brought in to develop a comprehensive plan for integrating the operations of the two associations. It was emphasized that TRSA wanted to proceed with consolidation but not until the proper foundation had been established.

UTSA’s initial reaction has been to take the position that TRSA has backed away from its agreement. This is not so. However, we were not in a position to close on January 1, 2006 and the TRSA proposal presented a reasonable means of salvaging the situation.

We hope that UTSA reconsiders its position. However, if it does not, we assure the entire industry that TRSA will continue to represent the interests of its members as it has done for more than 90 years.

For 2006, TRSA is well situated to provide its members with education seminars (see attached list), Washington representation, the best publications in the industry and a spirit of camaraderie and industry togetherness that is unique.

We ask UTSA to continue to work with us, but whether they do or not, my pledge in 2006 is to convince you that the dollars your company spends on TRSA dues provides the best value of any investment that your business makes.

Please read the attachments, if you have any questions, call or email any of the TRSA officers, directors or staff, our telephone numbers and email addresses are attached.

Very truly yours,
Michael Potack

TRSA Memo	View/Download (PDF)
TRSA Activities	View/Download (PDF)
TRSA Board	View/Download (PDF)