Continental Linen Service (CLS) recently welcomed U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) to its Kalamazoo, MI, plant. TRSA organized this meeting with the congressman and the CLS team, which included members representing three of the family-owned and operated company’s four generations.
Ron Vander Meer, CLS owner and chairman of the board, described learning the ropes from his father, who bought the company in 1966. Sarah Wrubel, owner and senior vice president, spoke to the strong relationships among team members and opportunities to connect. On the plant tour, the third-generation owner proudly pointed to their CLS family tree, a mural display with leaves representing each team member. Coming from a family business background himself, Rep. Huizenga recognized the values and gratification that come from running a family operation.
The CLS team led the congressman on a tour of their two Kalamazoo facilities, which recently underwent a $7 million expansion. Rep. Huizenga met with several members of the production staff who demonstrated their roles in the operation. During the visit, Wrubel spoke to issues impacting CLS and the industry, including a lack of tax incentives that are available to other industries, which puts the linen, uniform and facility services industry at a disadvantage when competing for both employees and customers. Wrubel also raised concern about certain PFAS regulations on the horizon. The congressman was receptive to learning more about how these issues impact our industry, and agreed on the importance of fair and balanced policies.
TRSA member participation is essential to fostering relationships with policymakers. TRSA’s 14th Annual Legislative Conference and Industry Awards Dinner on April 10-11 provides an opportunity to meet with your legislators and speak about key issues that affect the linen, uniform and facility services industry. The agenda includes visits with members of Congress on Capitol Hill to educate them about the industry and keep a seat at the table with respect to legislative and regulatory affairs. To learn more and register for the Legislative Conference, click here.
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