Diversity Best Practices (DBP), a division of Working Mother Media, recently unveiled its fourth annual Inclusion Index. Several TRSA member companies made the list.

Readers of Textile Services magazine recently weighed in with a highly positive assessment of this print magazine, which with September’s issue marks its 104th year of continuous monthly publication. “It’s the BIBLE!” said one of several readers who shared their views in a “Publication Verbatim” section of the AdStudy® readership survey of July’s issue that drew 168 respondents.

Fueled by COVID-19 advocacy successes that increased government and customer recognition of the importance of the industry to public safety and health, TRSA has developed a wealth of new resources and information for members to learn from each other to support their recovery and planning for the “new normal.”

A U.S. Senate candidate from the state of New Hampshire, Bryant “Corky” Messner (R), recently visited TRSA operator member People’s Linen, Keene, NH, to discuss the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local businesses, federal assistance provided to businesses such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and other issues ahead of an upcoming Republican primary election scheduled for Sept. 8.

TRSA recently kicked off a three-part webinar series on “Workwear and Facility Services.” The first presentation featured Michael Dodge, an independent process consultant; and Dave Graham, senior consultant for Performance Matters. Their online discussion offered a range of ideas for improving stockroom organization, along with guidelines for managing laundry operations.

In the first two months of this year, business was booming, and companies nationwide were in the midst of planning or executing expansion plans to accommodate growing demand for linen, uniform and facility services programs. Then COVID-19 hit, and many businesses – particularly restaurants and hotels – saw a dramatic falloff in business, to put it mildly.

UniFirst Corp. recently announced that it has begun generating solar power at its industrial laundry facility in San Antonio. HOLT Renewables, a local commercial solar contractor, performed the design, engineering and construction of the 232.5-kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar system, which will offset more than 25% of UniFirst’s annual energy use, according to a news release.

Barron’s recently reranked its annual list of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies that it originally released in February. The updated list placed a renewed focus on social commitments as the world continues to grapple with COVID-19 and protests over racial inequality. Based on this new analysis, TRSA associate member VF Corp. moved up from No. 21 in February to claim the No. 1 spot in June, according to a news release.

The Business Council of Westchester (BCW), an organization dedicated to economic development and advocacy in Westchester County (NY), recently presented its Business Hall of Fame Awards during a virtual ceremony recognizing Westchester’s top business leaders. TRSA operator member Unitex, Elmsford, NY, was one of six companies honored as part of the 2020 Business Hall of Fame Awards, according to a news release.

Tyler Willman recently joined Girbau North America (GNA), Oshkosh, WI, as a regional sales manager in training. This position ultimately leads into a regional sales manager role, according to a news release.