It was a year ago this month that I met with TRSA’s Executive Committee and learned that plans were being made for combining the operations of TRSA and UTSA. After 40 years of hearing that the two groups were close to creating one national trade association, I was naturally skeptical. But this time the leadership of both TRSA and UTSA finalized an agreement, and the work of bringing two great associations—along with the their histories and membership—together to represent the entire $14 billion textile services industry began.
 
The operational and logistical challenges of making the blending of ...