Additional recent headlines from consumer media of interest to linen, uniform and facility services operators, and especially readers of Textile Services Weekly.

TRSA continues to raise the bar on industry professional-development opportunities with the premiere of a new production management certificate.

TRSA and CSCNetwork have announced the formation of a partnership that offers CSCNetwork members discounted application fees to pursue TRSA’s Hygienically Clean and Clean Green certifications.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently released the long-awaited proposed regulation updating the salary level test for determining when an employee is exempt from earning overtime pay.

Superior Linen Service, a 5-generation, family-owned laundry with more than 90 years of service to the Tacoma, WA area, has been certified Clean Green. This certification reflects the company’s dedication to operational efficiency and sustainability. Linen, uniform and facility services companies receive this distinction by adhering to TRSA-designated water and energy use thresholds and deploying best management practices (BMPs) consistent with the ASTM International environmental laundering standard.

Ecolab Inc. recently announced highlights of its commitment to supporting communities in 2018 through a range of charitable initiatives, including corporate giving, grants to nonprofit groups, in-kind product donations and employee volunteerism. The combined efforts had a total impact worth nearly $17 million, according to a news release.

When TRSA’s 30th Annual Roger F. Cocivera Production Management Institute (PMI) convenes on Aug. 11-15 at the University of Maryland, participants will learn from experts practicing the industry’s latest techniques for balancing productivity, quality, safety and sustainability in plant operations.

Greg Snoddy is the new executive vice president of healthcare sales for Encompass Group LLC, according to a news release. Mark Beran, chief marketing officer of Encompass, recently announced Snoddy’s promotion.

UniFirst Corp., Wilmington, MA, recently won a Bronze Stevie® Award for its LEAP (Leadership, Education and Performance) management-development program in a new category for 2019—Sales Recruitment Initiative of the Year. The award was presented at the 13th annual Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service held in February at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. More than 700 executives from the U.S. and several other nations attended, according to a news release.

TRSA members gathered on March 4-5, in Albany, NY, for TRSA’s 2nd Annual New York State Legislative Conference.  The conference was developed to support TRSA’s efforts to oppose congestion pricing, a proposal that would add a charge of more than $25 per trip for delivery trucks entering Manhattan.