TRSA Reception: Clean Attendees Get their ‘Kicks’

More than 500 TRSA members, friends and family members gathered at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta on April 15, the night before the opening of the 2015 Clean Show, to network and celebrate this great industry tradition.

“TRSA’s reception provided a great opportunity for old friends to renew their acquaintances and to make new ones in an exciting and colorful setting,” said TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci. “The tradition of teamwork that’s fueled the success of college football for more than a century is a great model for our industry’s dedication to its customers in restaurants, hotels and manufacturing and healthcare organizations.”

Newly opened last August, a team of cheerleaders shouted a welcome to attendees to the Hall, which features a wall of more than 600 helmets representing college football teams from across the nation, plus a mural highlighting the history of the game and its many stars.

As it turned out, at least one member of the Hall of Fame is now a laundry operator who joined with other TRSA colleagues at the reception. Standing among the interactive electronic displays on the second floor of the Hall, we found Scott Reppert, CEO, Superior Health Linens LLC, reviewing his own entry with David Stern, Paris Companies. Reppert, who earned the nickname “Scooter” was a running back for Lawrence University in Appleton, WI. He was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2003, alongside other football greats, including Dan Marino. From 1979-’82, he rushed for a nation-leading 4,442 yards over three years. Reppert also played professionally, including a stint with the Chicago Bears before a knee injury led him to consider other career options.

On the main level of the Hall, other attendees were testing their football skills with passing and kicking attempts on a 45-yard indoor football field equipped with goal posts. Others simply enjoyed visiting with colleagues, nibbling a host of hors d’oeuvres and sipping beverages available at several open bars.

A good time was had by all, and TRSA’s Kickoff Tailgate served as a great “pregame warmup” for the four-day Clean Show that would follow.