Textile Services Executives Discuss Industry Future

Posted June 6, 2012 at 11:52 am

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Ken Koepper, 703.519.0029, ext. 109; kkoepper@trsa.org

Textile Services Executives Discuss Industry Future, Resources and Cooperative Initiatives -6/5/12

CEOs and executives from the largest national and regional textile services companies participated in a May 23 roundtable in Minneapolis facilitated by TRSA, the association for laundry, linen and uniform management. Participants discussed industry trends, growth and how TRSA can provide additional value to the industry. These executives, who represented nearly 50% of the overall U.S. market, reiterated general business concerns associated with tax, compliance and economic “uncertainty” but primarily focused on opportunities for the textile services community to work together to expand its market, enhance performance, strengthen advocacy and increase safety.

The executives considered issues and initiatives in promoting and protecting the industry while producing a direct return on all members’ investment in TRSA, such as:

  • Best in Class Benchmarking – Identify opportunities to compare practices with “best in class” nonlaundry operations such as manufacturing, distribution and material handling companies
  • Fleet Resources – Pursue relationships with direct delivery and fleet leasing/sales companies and associations to gather research on alternative fuels and develop industrywide vehicle programs
  • Safety – Increase TRSA investment in safety resources to reduce injuries and control member costs by developing best management practices and training resources
  • Compliance Assistance – Create educational and training resources to assist members with transportation, EEOC, water and other federal, state and local compliance issues
  • Innovation – Develop forums for textile service operators and associates to share innovative and new ideas for machinery, equipment, textiles and other products/services
     

TRSA Vice Chair Jim Doro and TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci facilitated the Executive Roundtable; TRSA Director of Government Relations Kevin Schwalb delivered a regulatory and legislative update. The group also discussed TRSA’s outreach to textile services customers and the new Clean Green and Hygienically Clean certification programs. TRSA member participants included:

  • Alsco VP Steve Larson and CFO Jim Kearns
  • AmeriPride CEO Bill Evans
  • Angelica Senior Vice President Jamie Orlando
  • Cintas CEO Scott Farmer and Senior VP Dan Braun
  • Mission Linen CEO Karl Willig
  • Morgan Services CEO Richard Senior
  • Swisher Senior Vice President John Ross
  • Unitex Textile Rental Services CEO Michael Potack
     

“We launched the roundtable series last year to provide members and nonmembers an opportunity to guide the association and provide direct feedback for specific markets such as industrial/uniform, healthcare and hospitality,” said Ricci. “These discussions have resulted in new resources and initiatives that provide tangible value for the industry and members.”

About TRSA

TRSA is the only organization fighting for fair, balanced regulation and pro business tax, labor and energy policy for the $16-billion U.S. textile services industry that employs nearly 200,000 people at more than 1,500 facilities nationwide. TRSA also provides professional development, benchmarking and training resources that increase productivity and efficiencies for companies that launder reusable textiles that help businesses project a clean and attractive public image. Most Americans benefit at least once a week from the cleanliness and safety of laundered, reusable linens, uniforms, towels, mats and other products provided to the service, industrial/manufacturing, hospitality and healthcare sectors. TRSA quantifies our industry’s commitment to cleanliness and sustainability through its Clean Green and Hygienically Clean Certification programs.

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