Joseph Ricci, president and CEO of TRSA, recently participated in a national associations videoconference to discuss issues impacting the global linen, uniform and facility services industry. At the meeting, the findings of a new report, titled “Why Textiles Win in the Long Run,” was presented to the 15 international association executives in attendance.

U.S. Linen and Uniform, the Richland, WA-based laundry whose six plants service southeastern Washington state and the Portland, OR, metro area, recently achieved Clean Green recertification. This recertification reflects the company’s continued dedication to operational efficiency and sustainability.

TRSA kicked off its 11th Annual Legislative Conference & Industry Awards Dinner on March 24 with a full slate of committee meetings. The meetings were held both in-person at The Westin Old Town Alexandria as well as virtually through Zoom video conference.

TRSA recently hired Samlane Ketevong to lead its certification programs. Ketevong joins the association’s staff in the newly created role of senior director of certification and accreditation, leading TRSA’s family of certification programs, including Clean Green, Hygienically Clean and individual certification programs such as the Certified Professional Laundry Manager (CPLM), among others.

Unitex enters Massachusetts with a 90,000-square-foot automated healthcare laundry and uniform service facility, bringing more than 200 jobs to Lawrence, a city which currently ranks third in highest unemployment for the state outside of Boston. The facility consists of both processing and delivery operations to service the state’s vibrant life science and healthcare industries, according to a news release.

Hr Björkmans Entrémattor, Arlöv, Sweden, recently acquired Liisa Entrémattor in Helsingborg, Sweden. The takeover will strengthen the company’s customer base and geographic presence, according to a news release.

Lavatec recently developed a patented drying solution, called the LAVACascade, that produces energy savings of at least 50%, according to a news release.

Ecolab Inc., St. Paul, MN, and VF Corp., Denver, recently were named to the 2021 Just 100 list. Developed by Forbes and Just Capital, this year’s Just 100 rankings analyzed how the nation’s largest publicly traded companies invest in their workers, support their communities, respect their customers, deliver value to shareholders and reduce environmental impact, according to a news release.

TRSA operator member Prudential Overall Supply, Irvine, CA, has been certified as a Green Business by the city of Irvine’s Green Business Program, according to a news release.

Cintas Corp. recently announced that its direct-sale and rental distribution centers (DCs) located in its Chicago facility have been awarded Gold level under the TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) certification system for zero waste. Administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), TRUE helps facilities define, pursue and achieve zero-waste goals while becoming more resource efficient, according to a news release.