| May 7, 2003 | Contact: Jack Morgan |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 877/770-9274 jmorgan@trsa.org |
GR director secured $225,000 grant to launch compliance assistance program for auto recyclers
Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) President and CEO Richard Ekfelt has named career business advocate Michael E. Wilson as the association’s new director of government affairs.
“Michael Wilson has spent his entire professional career in and around Washington DC, and has extensive experience in legislative and regulatory matters,” Ekfelt said. “He is acutely aware of the environmental, labor, tax and other issues facing our members. Just as importantly, he has a demonstrated record of success as both a strategist and advocate.” Wilson will handle a number of significant issues of concern to the textile rental service industry, including bloodborne pathogens, ergonomics, estate taxes, wastewater and stormwater matters, hazardous material transport, prison industries, POTWs, shop towels and Department of Veterans Affairs issues.
Proactive focus
Ekfelt noted that in Wilson’s most recent position as director, government & industry relations, for the Automotive Recyclers Association, he secured a $225,000 grant commitment from the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and oversee a Web-based compliance aid center for professional auto recyclers. “We need someone in this position who will roll up their sleeves and work proactively with Congress and federal agencies so that the textile rental industry continues to contribute to the U.S. economy,” Ekfelt said. “In Michael Wilson, we have found that person.”
Wilson began working for TRSA last month. Previously, his duties at the Automotive Recyclers Association, based in Fairfax, VA, included analyzing legislative and regulatory changes. He also oversaw the development of association positions on various issues and prepared congressional testimony. From 1997-2000, Wilson served as manager, government affairs, for the auto recyclers.
High-profile experience
From 1996-97,
Wilson worked as a Washington representative for the Associated Builders
and Contractors in Rosslyn, VA. While there, he focused primarily on environment,
labor and small-business concerns. From 1993-96, he worked as health,
safety and environmental analyst for Shell Oil Co. in Reston, VA. From
1990-92 he was a legislative aide for Paul Arneson PC, a lobbying firm
based in Washington DC.
Wilson interned from
1989-90 on the staffs of two, Colorado Republican Members of Congress,
Rep. (later Sen.) Hank Brown and Sen. William Armstrong. Wilson graduated
in 1988 from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree
in political science and history.
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