Colorado Annual Conference Showcases Learning, Camaraderie
TRSA staff, members and guests gathered to celebrate the industry at the 111th Annual Conference and Exchange, held at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO, on Sept. 24-26.
The Annual Conference kicked off its first day with a Welcome Reception in the courtyard of The Broadmoor. At the reception, TRSA members were able to network and catch up with industry peers. Attendees were treated to a selection of local Colorado beers, wine and spirits, as well as a selection of food from The Broadmoor.
Following the reception, attendees gathered the next morning to begin the educational program of the event. The day’s keynote session was delivered by Jay Samit. His disruptive mindset revealed how to break free from the status quo, embrace change and create one’s own path to success. Samit’s future-proof strategies uncovered 12 truths for navigating uncertainty, maximizing wealth and seizing opportunities in an ever-evolving world. Drawing from his experiences at EMI, Sony and Universal Studios, he transformed music distribution, pioneered social networks and shaped the digital landscape. His entrepreneurial resilience provided insights into overcoming obstacles, adapting to disruptions and thriving in the era of innovation.
Breakout sessions followed Samit, with two blocks of two sessions each provided for attendees to choose from. The first block consisted of a presentation on building a foundation for safety excellence delivered by Brian Varner, owner, Safety Solutions for Healthcare; plus a speech by Mark Kowalski, managing partner, Envise Partners LLC. Kowalski laid out strategies for creating growth and value in the marketplace. The second block featured an industry performance report delivered by Andrew Whittman, senior research analyst, Robert W. Baird & Co.; and a report on organized labor trends and issues in 2024. To close out the day, attendees and guests participated in a “Cupcake Clash,” where they teamed up to decorate cupcakes in any manner that they wished. Creativity was on a full display as cupcake creations ranged from a rendition of the Colorado state flag, using tomato slices to a flattering rendition of the late pop singer, John Denver.
The final day of the conference kicked off with TRSA’s Annual Business Meeting, with a focus on the current state of the association. During this meeting, TRSA staff updated members on the various projects that they are working on to further the industry’s growth and progress. The meeting included the swearing in of new board members. Click here for details.
Next up was a panel discussion focusing on succession planning from the perspectives of industry leaders: Bill Evans, retired CEO & chairman of AmeriPride; Patrick Garcia, president, Division Laundry & Cleaners Inc.; Theresa Garcia, COO, Division; and Jim Doro retired president/owner, Doritex Corp. The panelists discussed the actions they took, or are now planning to take, in order to keep their organization’s legacy amid changes in leadership.
The final keynote speaker of the conference was renowned drummer and rock n’ roll legend, Kenny Aronoff. He seamlessly blended inherited wisdom with hard-earned expertise, offering valuable lessons for succession planning, both within and beyond family businesses. He identified the tempo shifts required for effective leadership transitions, whether that means passing the torch within an organization, or entering into new arenas. Aronoff’s resilience in the face of challenges inspired others to stay in tune with their goals, even when the rhythm gets complicated. He provided insights into overcoming obstacles, maintaining focus and creating a unique rhythm of success.
In between sessions, the attendees had the opportunity to tour The Broadmoor’s on-premise laundry (OPL). This effort was organized by Jim Slatcher, Lavatec Laundry Technology Inc. The OPL handles all manners of hospitality facility services, as well as dry-cleaning and repairs to customers’ garments. The tour included a look at the OPL’s new tunnel washer, which has 10, 132 lb. (60 kg.) compartments, a 40 bar press and four double-batch dryers.
The conference closed with The Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner where Jim Kearns, COO, Alsco Uniforms, Salt Lake City, was honored for his term as TRSA Chairman of the Board. Jim Buik, president, Roscoe Co., Chicago, also was honored with the Operator Lifetime Achievement Award. Phil Hart, president/CEO, Kannegiesser ETECH, Minneapolis, was honored with the Maglin-Biggie Award, TRSA’s highest award for a supplier partner.