LAVATEC, Beacon Falls, CT, recently announced that Jim Shaw has joined the company’s executive team as vice president and national accounts sales manager. Well known throughout the commercial laundry industry, he is based in Cincinnati and reports to President Mark Thrasher.

William Blaine Jackson, 74, New Orleans, a longtime industry supplier partner executive and active TRSA volunteer over 43 years, passed away on May 9 after a lengthy illness.

Tingue recently announced the promotion of Leisa Smith to general manager of its Peachtree City, GA, facility.

Antonio Casillas, a first-generation Mexican immigrant with nine years’ experience working his way up at an Oregon healthcare co-op laundry, says he’s eager for his second year at TRSA’s Executive Management Institute (EMI) this Aug. 6-10 in Hyattsville, MD.

Gurtler Industries Inc., South Holland, IL, recently announced the addition of Amir Amini to its staff. Amini will be the company’s manager of market development in the New England area, according to a news release.

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

Girbau North America (GNA), Oshkosh, WI, recently added to its sales staff, with Barb Kramer joining the team as national accounts coordinator and Paige Paulick as an inside sales associate, according to a news release.

TRSA recently launched a customer/consumer-facing website to promote the hygiene and environmental advantages and supply-chain sustainability, as well as other benefits of linen, uniform and facility services. Users can view the website at LaundryServices.org. It includes a searchable directory of TRSA members so local businesses can find one near them.

Gurtler Industries Inc., South Holland, IL, recently announced the promotion of Bill Mitchell to vice president of field operations. Mitchell has 32 years of experience in the laundry industry, according to a news release.

Hospeco Brands Group, Cleveland, a full-line manufacturer of personal care, cleaning and protection products to serve the janitorial, industrial supply, automotive, foodservice, healthcare and hospitality markets, recently announced a merger with Monarch Brands, wholesalers and manufacturers of microfiber, commercial laundry linen, institutional textiles and wiping products.