American Laundry News - June 2022

Late News

Aramark to separate Uniform Services into independent company

PHILADELPHIA — Aramark reports it is planning to separate Aramark Uniform Services (AUS) into an independent, publicly traded company.

The transaction is intended to be structured as a spin-off that is taxfree for Aramark and its stockholders. The company currently expects the spin-off to occur by the end of fiscal 2023.

“Substantial improvements across the company—including culture, organization, strategy, client and customer service—and a program of selective, targeted investments have enabled us to materially improve our growth trajectory,” says John Zillmer, Aramark’s chief executive officer.

“Kim Scott, who joined in October 2021 as president and chief executive officer of AUS, and her team, have developed a compelling strategic framework and vision for AUS.

“We believe that Aramark and AUS can best execute their respective value-creating strategies operating as two independent, publicly traded companies.”

The transaction is subject to certain customary conditions.

Return to Clean: Atlanta awaits!

BY MATT POE, EDITOR

ATLANTA — There will be lots of business taking place on the floor of the Georgia World Congress Center here July 31-Aug. 2 during The Clean Show.

But the exhibits and educational sessions aren’t open 24 hours a day. There’s plenty in the city of Atlanta to experience and places to drink, dine and network for show attendees.

“Atlanta, while being a true ‘Southern

city’ with all the things one would expect of the South, is also a metropolitan area that has so much to offer, for anyone from any-

PPE in the textile rental industry

BY DONALD BOCK, ARM

SANTA MARIA, Calif. — Do you remember at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the news anchors were all trying to figure out how to use the term PPE (personal protective equipment) amid the dire shortage of the N-95 hospital-grade masks?

The opening for every evening’s broadcast for several months was PPE as it related to COVID-19. And while the anchors were finally able to use the term as it pertained to healthcare workers, I’m not certain they understand the broader use and history of PPE in industry.

Before we look at the changes that may have taken place in the use of PPE in the textile rental industry, we need to understand what PPE is and how it is used.

Columnist at Large Eric Fredrick says goodbye after decades of writing columns for laundry managers.

Panel of Experts

In this issue, the Experts share ideas about returning to face-to-face trade shows.

The Newspaper of Record for Laundry & Linen Management

COVID-19 increased use of masks, hand sanitizer, plastic barriers

Centennial Olympic Park is a 22-acre green space that serves as a lasting legacy of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. (Photo: © 2019, Gene Phillips, Courtesy of ACVB & AtlantaPhotos.com)

(Image licensed by Ingram Image)

Your Views Survey:

Return to Clean— industry ‘so ready’

CHICAGO — It’s just a little more than two months before the laundry and linen services industry gathers in Atlanta at The Clean Show July 30-Aug. 2.

The show was originally scheduled to take place in 2021, but, as with so many events, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed Clean until this year.

And the industry is ready to get together, according to a recent American Laundry News Your Views survey.

When asked “Clean ’22—the industry’s biggest convention and exhibition—is coming in July. Do you plan to attend?” 58.6% of respondents say “yes,” while 24.1% indicate they won’t be attending the show.

Just over 17% aren’t sure if they will be at Clean.

The biggest individual factor drawing survey takers to Clean? Equipment and supply exhibits (27.3%). Almost 15% are looking forward to networking and socializing, 7.3% want to attend educational sessions and 3.6% are eager to combine business and pleasure.

But nearly half of respondents are looking forward to taking part in “all of the above” in Atlanta.

Of laundry professionals who took the survey, 40.5% plan on attending all four days of the show, and 28.6% plan on being there for two days. Of the rest, 21.4% are going to be there for three days while only 9.5% say they’re only going for one day.

When asked “What’s your state of mind regarding Clean after its 2021 delay because of COVID-19?” the largest response from survey takers was “Excited to return” at 43.9%. Almost 37% say it will be business as usual, and 10.5% are “not really looking forward to the crowds.”

The rest, 8.8%, are “eager, but cautious.”

For respondents who aren’t planning to attend Clean, the biggest factor against going is “can’t spare the time” (36.7%). That’s followed by “can’t afford the cost” at 23.3%.

Pandemic concerns were cited by only 13.3% of survey takers, while 10% “made other plans.”

Of the 16.7% of respondents who answered “Other” for not going, answers include:

• Do not want to go to Atlanta.

• Summer is not the right moment for exhibitions.

• Unsure if attendance will be significant enough.

The Clean Show will once again feature educational sessions for attendees.

The topic of most interest to respondents? Healthcare processing (31.3%). That’s followed by customer service (22.9%), labor relations (18.8%), business solutions (16.7%) and safety (6.3%).

Topics suggested by survey takers include cost control and OPL laundry operations-laundromat planning and design.

Respondents also had ideas for how The Clean Show should change in the future, including:

• More on new technologies.

• Needs to be every four years. Too costly and the evolution of equipment is not that dramatic. Too expensive for the manufacturers or vendors. Need to look for some new locations.

• Don’t know. Waiting to see how the new company that owns Clean does this year, but I would like to see more extracurricular activities for the attendees, golf tournaments, tours, etc.

• I would like to see vendors who can serve “linen distribution programs” and not just laundry-oriented vendors.

• Ticket discount, volume discount for multiple people from same organization.

• The Clean Show serves the needs of a very broad spectrum of folks in the cleaning space. Many of the retail operators prefer weekend access and early weekdays as this tends to better fit their schedules. Larger companies, commercial operators tend to prefer later weekdays and no weekends. Adjusting to this need, it would be good for the Clean Show to adjust its schedule and operating hours accordingly.

• Move to every three years. Everything else is fine.

• In addition to The Clean Show, I would pay money for someone (industry leader/influencer) to lead a tour around The Clean Show city to see new OPL laundry operations/installs and new laundromats. Sometimes real-life installs are great learning and discussion tools in addition to show floor exhibits.

• I have mixed feelings about it being over a weekend. I’ve attended several in the past and they’ve always been Monday-Thursday. Finally, as one respondent writes, “SO READY!”

While the Your Views survey presents a snapshot of readers’ viewpoints at a particular moment, it should not be considered scientific. Due to rounding, percentages may not add up to 100%.

Subscribers to American Laundry News e-mails are invited to take the industry survey anonymously online each quarter. All managers and administrators of institutional/OPL, cooperative, commercial and industrial laundries are encouraged to participate, as a greater number of responses will help to better define operator opinions and identify industry trends.

Publisher

Charles Thompson

Phone: 312-361-1680

E-Mail: cthompson@ ATMags.com

Associate Publisher/ National Sales Director

Donald Feinstein

Phone: 312-361-1682

E-Mail: dfeinstein@ ATMags.com

Editorial Director

Bruce Beggs

Phone: 312-361-1683

E-Mail: bbeggs@ ATMags.com

Editor

Matt Poe

Phone: 866-942-5694

E-Mail: mpoe@ ATMags.com

Production Manager

Mathew Pawlak

Digital Media Director

Nathan Frerichs

Phone: 312-361-1681

E-Mail: nfrerichs@ ATMags.com

Advisory Board

David Barbe

Janice Ayers Davis • Nick Fertig

Deana Griffin • Cecil Lee Edward McCauley Jim Slatcher

Main Phone: 312-361-1700 Fax: 312-361-1685

www.americanlaundrynews.com

American Laundry News (ISSN 1091-9201) is published monthly. Subscription prices, payment in advance: U.S. 1 year $50.00; 2 years $100.00. Foreign, 1 year $120.00; 2 years $240.00. Single copies: U.S. $10.00; Foreign $20.00.

Published by American Trade Magazines LLC, 650 West Lake Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL, and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER, Send changes of address and form 3579 to American Laundry News Subscription Dept., 125 Schelter Rd., #350, Lincolnshire, IL 60069-3666. Volume 48, number 6. Editorial, executive and advertising offices are at 650 West Lake Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661. Charles Thompson, President and Publisher. American Laundry News is distributed selectively to qualified laundry and linen management and distributors in the United States.

© Copyright AMERICAN TRADE MAGAZINES LLC, 2022. Printed in U.S.A. No part of this publication may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher or his representative. American Laundry News does not endorse, recommend or guarantee any article, product, service or information found within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of American Laundry News or its staff. While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the magazine’s contents at time of publication, neither the editors, publishers nor its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise therefrom.

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The end of an era

Iexperienced conflicting emotions as this issue came together.

Rather, emotions at opposite ends of the spectrum.

First, a bit of sorrow, solemnity. This issue contains the last piece written by Eric Frederick as the columnist at large for American Laundry News (page 4).

Eric wrote a monthly column for a mind-boggling 22-plus years. During that time, he shared sto ries, ideas, experiences—stirred up a little trouble now and then—and insights into the industry to help other laundry managers.

More than that, he shared a little bit of himself, and we got to know the man behind the laundry more each year.

And it took him more than five

The Editor’s Desk MATT POE

years after retiring from active laundry management to run out of things to write about.

Eric Frederick can never be replaced, and everyone at American Laundry News thanks

him for his years of faithful writ ing.

And as Eric’s era with American Laundry News comes to an end, I hope with The Clean Show com ing, we’re approaching the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That’s the other end of the emotional spectrum I mentioned earlier: excitement, anticipation, joy. We’re finally getting together!

I hope that the laundry and linen services industry can enter a new era of growth as it makes plans to gather July 30-Aug. 2 in Atlanta.

Eric will be at the show one last time Friday through Monday. Track him down and thank him for sharing his insights.

We’ll be there in booth 4314. Stop by and see us, everybody.

My final goodbye

I started writing this monthly column for American Laundry News back in 2000. More than 22 years later, I am writing my last piece for the publication.

I have enjoyed providing insight into our industry and stirring up a little controversy every now and then. It has been great to get feedback from my readers, and it has always amazed me that my editors have allowed me to continue to do this year after year.

I retired from active laundry manage ment over five years ago. My personal life has gone down unex pected paths over those years. I find now that my life is full and rewarding, and I am being forced to make additional changes to give me the time to do everything I want to do.

I can honestly say that over the past 44 years, I think I have writ ten all that I have to say. The laundry business has been great to me, and I hope that over years I have been able to add to it in a small way.

I have encouraged managers to plan for the future of their oper ations, to keep an eye on the challenges facing our industry and never stop learning.

Today, I want to encourage all of you to also plan for your retire ment. A good life after retirement does not just happen. It is a result of careful planning in several areas. These areas are financial, health and interests.

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. — FDR Services, a provider of health care laundry services based here, reports it has acquired Cleantex Services Inc., located in Trenton, New Jersey.

The company says Cleantex Services has been one of the key players alongside FDR in the Northeast.

“FDR’s goal is to provide the highest quality and most efficient laundry service for our custom ers through unparalleled customer service, strategic marketing and innovative technology,” says FDR Services President Keith Luneburg.

“This acquisition gives us the ability to expand the overall cus tomer experience we provide.”

FDR Services says by merging the management team of Cleantex into FDR and adding the Trenton operations to its portfolio of plants will provide the company with the ability to logistically streamline

its service to new and existing customers and bring its industryleading service to a broader mar ketplace.

“This is a significant milestone for FDR Services and our team in our mission to expand our ser

vices throughout the Northeast,” Luneberg says.

“This is only the beginning for FDR Services expansion plans, we have plans for additional acquisi tions and organic growth in the near future.”

I am not a financial plan ner, but I have learned that the sooner you start saving for your retirement the better off you will be. You need to give your money time to grow.

If I could talk to my younger self, I would encourage myself to start younger and put a little more away from each paycheck.

I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT OVER THE PAST 44 YEARS, I THINK I HAVE WRITTEN ALL THAT I HAVE TO SAY. THE LAUNDRY BUSINESS HAS BEEN GREAT TO ME, AND I HOPE THAT OVER YEARS I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ADD TO IT IN A SMALL WAY.

I did a good job over the years and have ample put away for my retirement years but as I look back, I have come to realize that you can never have too much. Runaway inflation can become a real drag on your retirement income.

What you can do in your retirement years will be affected by your health. I was able to take my dream retirement trip to Thailand for six weeks after I retired, and that trip has in so many ways changed my life.

I have now traveled to Thailand a total of three times as well as several cross-country trips in the United States. I love to travel and enjoy taking my time and really enjoying the journey.

I made sure that I had addressed my health problems during my last several years on the job and before retirement had both knee joints replaced. The increased mobility and lack of joint pain have greatly increased my enjoyment of life.

Finally, you need to have a plan to follow your interests after you retire. I have seen too many people retire and then seemingly just fade away due to inactivity. It is not good to sit around the house and watch TV and do nothing.

You have been active and working for many years and your body and mind will do best if you plan on staying that way.

Each person is different. I have a friend who recently retired, sold their horse farm, bought a fifth wheel trailer and is now fol lowing the sun.

Every day is a new adventure. Every day they get out and hike and explore this country of ours. That was their dream, and they are doing what interests them. They are active, healthy and happy.

I am healthy, happy and busy every day doing what I like to do.

This is my final article, and this year’s Clean Show will be my last stop on my wonderful journey in the laundry industry. It has truly been an honor of a lifetime to have written these columns for you over the past 22-plus years.

If you ever need a little personal advice or just want to talk, I can be contacted via my e-mail.

Eric Frederick served 44 years in laundry management before retir ing and remains active in the industry as a laundry operations con sultant. You can contact him by e-mail at elfrederick@cox.net, or by phone at 540-520-6288.

From

COLUMNIST AT LARGE Eric L. Frederick, RLLD

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Atlanta

where,” say representatives from Cintas in the area. “It is a melting pot of people, cultures and all that can provide for whatever one is looking for.”

“Atlanta has convenient world wide accessibility due to the airport,” shares Charles Brown, UniFirst’s general manager in Atlanta. “The convention centers are in the entertainment district, and everything is within walking distance.”

The weather in July and August, while hot, should be fantastic, say the reps from Cintas.

“Not immune from springtime weather and storms, by late July the summer heat will be build ing, but it is bearable and makes for outstanding evening outdoor activities and dining,” they add.

“The Clean Show will return

to ‘The A’ in 2022 for a remark able edition, and we want you to enjoy your stay while you’re off

the show floor,” shares organizer Messe Frankfurt.

Both Messe Frankfurt and the

Atlanta like a local

ATLANTA — We asked laundry indus try folks from the Atlanta area to share their favorite places for entertainment, food and fun for attendees during Clean ’22.

Locals who responded included Charles Brown, general manager for UniFirst in Atlanta; area Cintas representatives; Keith Ware, laundry consultant; Diane Shaner, manager of sales and marketing opera tions for NOVO Health Services; and Tim DeShazor, district sales manager with Prudential Overall Supply.

What will attendees discover/learn about the city when they get there?

BROWN: Atlanta is a vibrant city with unlimited entertainment, night life and many attractions to explore.

CINTAS REPS: They will learn that it is a

modern city, but with more history than one can take in on one trip ... also lots of modern places to see and experiences to have.

Traveling outside the city affords many additional opportunities for historical tours, Southern homes and plantationtype places, and options for good Southern down-home cooking.

As a “local” what are your recommen dations for places to visit, see, experi ence beyond the usual tourist areas?

BROWN: The Coca Cola Museum, Georgia Aquarium, CNN Center and the new state-of-the-art Mercedes Benz sta dium are all highly recommended.

SHANER: There is plenty to do within walking distance of the event: Centennial Olympic Park, Football-College, Coke

exhibit, Atlanta Aquarium and a large Ferris wheel with views of the city.

The downtown area has a great selec tion of restaurants. The downtown area is accessible by public transportation from the airport.

A short drive has plenty of golf, parks such as Stone Mountain and two large made-made lakes.

Where do the locals go to eat that aren’t in the guidebooks?

BROWN: My preferences include Mary Mac’s Tea Room, UpBeet and The Varsity, which is a major landmark.

SHANER: My favorite restaurants in the area are Houston’s for lunch and drinks, Hal’s for steak, Bacchanalia (if your expense account allows), KR Steak for Italian, C&S for seafood and Johnny’s Hideaway for evening cocktails and enter tainment.

DESHAZOR: For food head to The Varsity—you have to have a hotdog while you here and be prepared; Ponce City Markets, it’s relatively new and has a ton of restaurants (mostly locals); and Sun Dial Restaurant, voted best place to take a date,

exhibitors to experience the best the city has to offer.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Downtown Atlanta is com prised of several districts within the neighborhood. Centennial Park District is home to Atlanta’s walkable convention and enter tainment area, offering an array of hotels and dining options.

Centennial Olympic Park is a 22-acre green space that serves as a lasting legacy of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. The park is surrounded by world-class attractions, making it the perfect starting point for visitors.

Atlanta’s Westside highlights his tory and heritage while incorporat ing designer districts and dining in refurbished industrial spaces.

Beneath a canopy of trees, Midtown is known as Atlanta’s “heart of the arts” district and sits along the famed Peachtree Street. This neighborhood boasts the largest concentration of cultural and arts venues in the Southeast.

it’s a unique experience.

What are your personal favorites in Atlanta and why?

BROWN: My favorite place to eat is UpBeet, as a healthy option. My favor ite attractions to visit are the Chick-Fil-A College Football Hall of Fame and Benz Stadium—because, after all, who doesn’t like sports?

CINTAS REPS: Fox Brothers BBQ at the Works or in Decatur. Why Fox Brothers? The best BBQ!

WARE: The Busy Bee for Atlanta’s best fried chicken.

SHANER: Truist Park for baseball fans, as there are restaurants and shopping. Grab a ticket for a Braves game if possible. The Shoppes of Buckhead and Lenox Mall for shopping and dining out. Check out UMI for sushi.

TopGolf, but it will be hot in August so make it an evening event.

DESHAZOR: My personal favorites (besides some of the more popular spots) are the Illuminarium, Puttshack (this is really cool and I believe the only one in the U.S.) and Fernbank.

Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau shared food and fun ideas for Clean ’22 attendees and

Truist Park is great for baseball fans, and there are restaurants and shopping. (Photo: ACVB Marketing)

Georgia Aquarium is the nation’s largest aquarium with more than 10 million gallons of fresh and saltwater. (Photo: ACVB Marketing | Melissa McAlpine)

Alma Cocina offers modern Mexican fare and cocktails located in the downtown area. (Photo: Eric De Fino, 2019)

Midtown’s largest greenspace, Piedmont Park, provides nearly 200 acres as an urban oasis in the city with hiking and biking trails throughout. Piedmont Park plays host to some of Atlanta’s largest music festivals and events.

Atlanta’s Eastside blends some of the city’s most hip, eclectic and historic neighborhoods, many connected by Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.

North of Midtown is Buckhead, Atlanta’s stylish and elegant neighborhood with architecture and dining experiences found only here. Buckhead has some of the best shopping locales in the Southeast. The culinary scene provides visitors with some of Atlanta’s renowned chef-driven concepts with multiple hotel bars and rooftop lounges.

“Traffic is not bad around the city except at rush times,” share Atlanta area Cintas representa tives. “It’s easy to get around.”

One way to get around is MARTA, Atlanta’s transit rail sys tem. Or climb on board the newest addition to the city’s public trans port, the Atlanta Streetcar, to zip around the entertainment district.

Those who prefer to stay with wheels can cruise around by car, rideshare, hop in a taxicab, shut tle or even indulge in a limo service. Or, take in some fresh air and enjoy a stroll through the intown neighborhoods and parks on foot or by bicycle.

ATLANTA EXPERIENCES

Georgia Aquarium—Dive into the nation’s largest aquarium with more than 10 million gallons of fresh and saltwater. Visit Georgia Aquarium to explore and enjoy its galleries, shows, animal inter actions and encounters, behind the seas, and more.

College Football Hall of Fame—This 95,000-square-foot attraction features a 45-yard indoor football field and more than 50 engaging and interactive exhibits. It’s a shrine to the great est to ever play or coach the game.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights—The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, which opened in 2014, is a museum and human rights orga nization in Atlanta that inspires people to tap their power to change the world around them.

The center’s iconic exhibitions feature the papers and artifacts of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; the history of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement; and stories from the struggle for human rights around the world today.

World of Coca-Cola—Here visitors can have fun tasting differ ent fizzy drinks from around the world. That, and more, including finding out Coke’s secret formula, can be found during a visit to the World of Coca-Cola.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is the per fect place to relax and recharge the batteries for the next day’s

show. The place is renowned for its 30 acres of outdoor gardens, plant collections, beautiful dis plays and spectacular exhibitions.

Delta Flight Museum

The Delta Flight Museum is a 68,000-square-foot facility at the airline’s world headquarters in Atlanta, featuring five historic air craft and hundreds of items trac ing Delta’s history and the devel opment of commercial aviation.

Centennial Olympic Park

Pay homage to Atlanta’s Olympic legacy, take a selfie with the Olympic rings, splash around in the Fountain of Rings, enjoy a nice

picnic or play on the lush green space with Downtown views in every direction. Many of Atlanta’s top attractions, restaurants and venues are only steps away.

The Porsche Experience Center—This experience is 1.6 miles of skill-focused, purpose-built driving that is designed to test driv ers and the famed functionality only a Porsche can offer. With multiple driving tracks, the Heritage Gallery museum, and on-site dining, The Porsche Experience Atlanta has something for everyone.

SkyView Atlanta —Ride a SkyView Atlanta gondola to expe

rience the city from 20 stories up. It’s a thrilling view during the day and a breathtaking sight at night. See everything from Stone Mountain Park to Midtown’s Georgia Tech campus.

TASTE OF A-TOWN

After a busy day on the show floor, Clean Show attendees can treat themselves to a great meal and a night on the town.

“Atlanta in Late July and August will be hot but there are many options for dining and activities,” says Keith Ware, a laundry con sultant in the area.

Check out the following selec tion created especially for Clean ’22 attendees, all just a quick walk or ride from downtown.

Alma Cocina —Modern Mexican fare and cocktails locat ed in Downtown Atlanta. Enjoy delicious dishes and fantastic ser vice. Bright, fresh ingredients and regional influences shine through lunch tortas and taquito spreads, seasonal guacamoles and sal sas, and traditional chicken mole Oaxaca full of rich flavor. Sample

Tools f the Trade

Vibratory separator machine product line launched

Gerard Daniel Worldwide has released its line of Performance™ Series vibratory separator machines, consisting of three distinct model ranges from 18 to 60 inches, plus a full complement of screens and parts tailored to each customer’s productivity needs.

Vibratory separator machines are typically used in commer cial laundries to separate/remove lint from effluent to avoid clogging downstream waste and recycling streams.

The company says the Performance™ line is the culmina tion of years of engineering to per fect the company’s round vibratory separators, also called screeners. As demand grew from end-users, the company saw an opportunity to produce a catalog product with a multitude of customizable options.

Each Performance vibratory separator machine is well suited for dry separation, wet or dry clas sification, and liquid-solid separa tion, according to Gerard Daniel. By carefully selecting the mesh and stacking multiple screen decks of increasing mesh opening size, users can separate or classify material into several sizes in a single pass.

The 18-inch Compact™ model, on the small end of the scale, is ideal for lab analysis, occasional use, small batch sizes and startups. It plugs directly into a 120-volt 20-amp outlet and can be fitted with optional locking caster wheels to enable the user to move it easily from one operation to another. It is available with up to two screen decks.

The Performa™ model includes 24- and 30-inch machines,

perfect for medium-volume applications. Performa is small enough to move around the shop but big enough for some seri ous throughput all day, every day. The Performa can accommo date up to three screen decks as well as locking caster wheels.

The PerforMAX™ models, at 48 and 60 inches, are the workhorse of the line. These machines can sort, sift, separate or classify at the highest capacities and can accommodate up to four screen decks.

All Performance models come standard with 304 stainless steel screen decks, rings and screens, and a powder-coated mild steel base, the company says. Rugged purposebuilt vibratory motors for each model are selected with voltage and amperage suited for the country of use.

Gerard Daniel says the Performance line is much more than solidly performing machines. The company offers a full range of made-to-spec screens in both epoxied (standard) or welded con struction for high-temperature applications, as well as three de-blinding (de-clogging) technologies to prevent clogging and permit maximum uninterrupted productivity.

A full complement of spare parts and accessories is available to ship same day from stock. Gerard Daniel says it can also manufacture or repair screens for other machine brands and can usually ship them within two business days to keep opera tions running smoothly.

www.gerarddaniel.com 800-232-3332

Laundry cart tracking solution created for loss prevention

R&B Wire Products has introduced CartCop™, an anti-tamper device that allows laundry owners to secure an Apple AirTag™ to their R&B Wire laundry carts for theft deterrence and loss prevention.

CartCop™ is made of high-density ther moplastic with a tam per-resistant design to keep the AirTag secured to the cart.

CartCop™ is com patible with all new and existing 100, 200 and 201 series carts by R&B Wire Products. The product is sold as a four-pack with all mounting hardware and one special antitamper wrench.

The AirTag is not included but can be purchased from Apple or an authorized Apple reseller.

CartCop™ will be available beginning June 1. www.rbwire.com 800-634-0555

Technology developed to detect fire formation earlyCarbon neutral apparel styles released for sustainability

MoviTHERM reports it has developed technology that helps detect early fire formation in industrial laundry facilities.

With spontaneous combus tion being the leading cause of most fire outbreaks, laundry facilities become vulnerable to disastrous outcomes every day. Materials with high cotton con tent begin to oxidize when the surface temperature reaches 203F.

If heat is not permitted to dissipate, the material may continue to raise temperature to the point of starting a spon taneous fire. With the presence of cleaning and petroleum products or natural fats and oils, the potential for automatic combustion increases even further.

MoviTHERM offers a solution that will alert the facility of potential fire warning signs, including before the appearance of smoke.

The company says its iEFD (Intelligent Early Fire Detection) solution was created to optimize safety in a new and enhanced way that allows people working in danger ous environments to feel protected and have ample time to act on safety protocols. With MoviTHERM’s iEFD solution, industrial laundry facilities can now keep all employees out of harm’s way.

When coming up with their iEFD solution

for industrial laundry facilities, the engineers at MoviTHERM focused on a system that would be easy to install and provide opti mized safety.

The iEFD solution consists of a wireless system that connects smart infrared cam eras with high thermal sensitivity and smoke detectors to a web application. The user can read current temperatures and be alerted when a hot spot is detected.

Alerts can be customized and modified to alarm hundreds of employees simultane ously, allowing plenty of time to clear the area, follow safety protocols and prevent a disastrous outcome. Alerts can be received in various ways, including voice calls, texts, or e-mail, ensuring the recipient is alerted regardless of their digital savviness.

www.movitherm.com 949-699-6600

SanMar Corp., a supplier of wholesale accessories and apparel, has introduced the Port Authority® C-FREE™ product line, an innovative range of carbon-neutral styles.

The announcement, which represents a new part nership with Carbonfund. org Foundation, marks the company’s most recent step in putting its commitment to environmental sustain ability into practice.

SanMar says its mission and values have inspired its creative apparel offerings in each of its new product rollouts. Throughout the process, from design and development to sourc ing and manufacturing, SanMar says it has been dedicated to making investments that enhance its sustainability.

With C-FREE, SanMar says it crafts styles with tracking through Carbonfree® Certification. With Carbonfree® Certification, SanMar measures a product’s carbon footprint and removes an equivalent number of emissions from the environment

by purchasing carbon offsets.

SanMar’s first exclusive C-FREE styles, crafted from recycled polyester, feature snag-proof and moisturewicking material to perform in all situations.

SanMar says custom ers can shop these products knowing the apparel has undergone rigorous carbon footprint tracking and the associated emissions are off set with targeted reduction projects.

SanMar’s commitment to corporate responsibil ity extends beyond sustainable apparel to investing in employees and their communi ties through responsible sourcing, charitable giving and cultivating an inclusive work place.

With the Port Authority’s® C-FREE snagproof polos and quarter-zips added to the collection, the company says customers can make an impact in their office or workplace while reducing their environmental impact.

www.sanmar.com 800-426-6399

Manufacturers: Have you introduced a new product? Revamped your system? Released a new catalog? E-mail your product news, along with a high-resolution image, to mpoe@atmags.com and we’ll consider publishing your news free in Tools of the Trade.

from the most diverse tequila selec tion in the city and an inventive cocktail list during a destination dining experience to remember.

Bacchanalia—One of the most celebrated restaurants in the city, Bacchanalia features contemporary

American Cuisine from chefs Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison. The entire menu relies on organic ingredients sourced from the chefs’ farm, creating a unique dining expe rience for the guests.

Bar Mercado—Bar Mercado is a casual, multi-regional Spanish tapas restaurant and bar. It’s the perfect place to have a drink with industry friends.

Bold Monk Brewing Co.—The Bold Monk exists to bring com

Facts about Atlanta

ATLANTA — As you’re doing your research, getting ready to make the most of The Clean Show, check out the following facts about Atlanta provided

1. Atlanta was No. 4 out of 10 on National Geographic’s “Best of the World 2022” list for travel and events—and was the ONLY U.S. city to make the list at all!

2. Atlanta, aka “the City in a Forest,” has been recognized as the most heavily forested urban area in the United States with 47.9% of the city covered by trees. There are tons of hiking, biking and walking trails in and around Atlanta, including the Beltline, which is one of the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment pro grams made up of connected parks in the United States.

3. The city has 71 streets named with a variation of the “Peachtree” word. Peachtree Avenue and Peachtree Street—widely known for Margaret Mitchell’s house (writer of Gone with the Wind)—are among them. Take a Segway tour to view some of the amazing architecture and explore the many historic neighborhoods of Atlanta!

4. Are you a hip-hop fan? If you’re not, your kids are—for sure! So you must know Atlanta is the home of hip-hop greats like Outkast, Ludacris, Gucci Mane, CeeLo Green, Waka Flocka and Killer Mike, among many oth ers.

5. Atlanta is the biggest emerging market in the United States for film production. The city has been the location for big productions such as Anchorman 2, The Hunger Games, The Walking Dead, Ant-Man, Captain America: Civil War and many more!

6. The city ranks third when it comes to the concentration of the Fortune 500 companies in the country. What a great city to host a great event, huh?

by organizer Messe Frankfurt:

Atlanta is also known as “the City in a Forest.” (Photo: ACVB Marketing | Sheretha Bell ©2020 Sheretha Bell, ACVB, @DiscoverAtlanta)

fort in a time of leisure. Bold Monk is a place to simply be … to be satisfied, to be joyous, to be connected, to be well. In its restaurant, brewery, bookstore, coffee house and beer garden, attendees will find their space.

Dr. Broughton started the Georgia Baptist Medical Center and nursing school, which began as the Tabernacle infirmary with three beds. The Third Baptist Church was an active congregation with more than 4,000 members.

& Cocktails adds a creative zest to dining and events in downtown Atlanta. The kitchen at White Oak prepares food that reflects the dynamic contradictions of Southern life.

By

George at The Candler Hotel—Serving breakfast, brunch and dinner in Peachtree Street’s most elegant dining room, By George offers sophisticated cuisine in the spirit of classic Contemporary American cooking.

By George’s cuisine is spear headed by two-time James Beard Award-winning Chef Hugh Acheson. To match Acheson’s food is an extensive wine pro gram helmed by accomplished sommelier Steven Grubbs and keen cocktails from the talented hands of Kellie Thorn.

Bulla Gastrobar—Featuring a bar and open kitchen, this place serves quality gastronomic cre ations made with the finest and freshest flavors, along with handcrafted cocktails and an impressive wine list. A great place to celebrate with business partners and peers.

Der Biergarten—The menu here features traditional German pub foods such as brats, pret zels with mustard and strudels. German beers are on draft like Weihenstephan, Warsteiner and Spaten. There may or may not be live music on any given night on the patio.

No Mas! Cantina—No Mas! is downtown Atlanta’s answer to amazing dining and shopping in the Castleberry Hill Historic + Art district. No Mas! has become a cultural oasis, with several businesses revolving around Mexico, all under one roof.

With 350 seats in the main restaurant, 80-plus tequilas, fresh desserts, every type of coffee, breakfast daily in the cafe and shopping in the Artisan Market from more than 500 artisans of Mexico, there is something for everyone at No Mas!

Northside Tavern —The Northside Tavern was built in the 1940s as a neighborhood grocery store/gas station. Today, Northside Tavern has evolved into a lively musical gathering spot known for its blues and has become a fixture of the area, even voted No. 9 of the 50 Best Bars in Atlanta by Atlanta Magazine

STATS Brewpub—STATS fea tures a classic American menu that includes something for everyone. The unique take on tried-and-true favorites is sure to please every palate. Find favorite beer, cocktails and wine at every turn while enjoying a favorite sporting event on one of its 70 high-definition televisions.

The Tabernacle—Located in Downtown Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park District, The Tabernacle building has a rich and storied history. It opened in 1910 as The Broughton Tabernacle with Dr. Leonard Gaston Broughton as the pastor.

The congregation relocated dur ing the mid-80s and the building lay vacant until the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games when it was con verted into a House of Blues club.

Now operated by Live Nation, The Tabernacle houses a variety of con certs and events regularly.

White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails—White Oak Kitchen

The merging of contemporary with traditional, simple with complex and rural with metro politan are represented in a menu that requires precise methods of production, yet results in plates that appear simple and familiar.

Brown sums up, “Atlanta is a vibrant city with unlimited enter tainment, nightlife and many attractions to explore.”

Explore how Coca-Cola is marketed around the world at the World of Coca-Cola. (Photo: ACVB Marketing)

PANEL OF EXPERTS

Return to Clean: Trade show success strategies

We are extremely excited to attend The Clean Show this year in Atlanta and have been discussing how to have the most productive show possible.

When our teams first resumed in-person meetings with custom ers, we definitely felt excitement around meeting face to face with our friends and partners again. We also noticed just how differ ent an in-person meeting is from a Zoom meeting and how much more productive and attentive we all are in person.

For The Clean Show, this will be very similar as we look to fill our calendar in advance of the show with meetings.

We continue to provide our customers with information on the current state of the supply chain along with investments we have made in our business so we can provide better service. We look to not only have infor mative meetings but also deepen relationships with our customers.

here—some folks just like to col lect stuff from trade shows. Run a contest—the main focus is to get people in your booth.

Trade shows are all about gen erating traffic to your booth, generating interest and following up with potential customers.

So, you have three main goals: get people to your booth, get them interested in your offering, and generate post-trade show meetings and follow-up.

How to get people to your booth—compelling story—why should they stop by? What do you have that would interest your target customer? Highlight that. Do demos. Hand out trade show items—but be careful

How to get them interested. Trade show attendees are bom barded with marketing infor mation and lots of different offerings. What is different about your company? What can you offer to solve a problem?

Make sure your booth atten dants are engaging with the trade show attendees—nothing is worse than walking by a booth with people sitting and on their phones. Your folks should be standing—engaging the traffic as it walks by.

Have your attendants practice how they are going to engage the attendees. This is very important. Communicate to your booth attendants the importance of their engagement.

Post-trade show follow-up.

Utilize the trade show’s lead generator software if available. If not, make sure you capture the information of all that stop by— name, company and what inter ested them in your offering.

Make sure you follow up with these folks no later than the day after the trade show. You’ve spent a lot of time and money on this—make sure you utilize it.

to talk to on the phone or see via Zoom in person at the show. Having everyone together in the same building will be exhilarat ing after so long, and I’m sure the energy in Atlanta’s World Congress Center will be electric.

Based on the floor plan, the show will be large and I suspect well attended as people are itch ing to get back out there and try to return to normalcy, whatever that looks like.

Since the show is so large, it’s a great idea to take a moment and decide who you’d like to visit before you arrive.

you and save them.

Plan on bringing some com fortable shoes with some pad ded insoles—it’s a big venue and you’ll definitely get in your 10,000 steps taking in the sights.

I always recommend bring ing along a light jacket as well. It’ll be 95 degrees outside and 72 degrees inside and that kind of a temperature differential will mean some folks might be a bit chilly.

If you can, register in advance to avoid the long lines upon arrival.

The Clean Show is back! I’m looking forward to seeing all the folks that I’ve only been able

Luckily, the Clean Show web site (cleanshow.com) has tools that will help you to plan out your trip and make sure you don’t miss any exhibitors that are important to you. You can search by company name as well as categories so that you can find the most relevant exhibitions for

Finally, bring along a small notepad. Most people forget about half of what they hear within 48 hours, so don’t over estimate your memory! Commit it in writing so that later you’ll remember the important details you hear.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see what all your favorite laundry

“It’s been three years since the last Clean Show. I’m excited, but I feel out of practice when it comes to face-to-face trade shows. How can I best prepare for the show? How can I get the most out of the return to Clean?”

(File Photo: American Trade Magazines)

nerds have been working on for the past three years since the last show and definitely stop by the B&C Technologies booth, 444, to see what we’ve been up to—you definitely won’t regret it.

The entire B&C team and I look forward to welcoming you to our little corner of Atlanta on July 30!

but there are plenty of spots within walking distance to meet, greet and entertain.

Downtown Atlanta has many of the chains you’d imagine, with places like Ruth’s Chris and McCormick & Schmick’s right around the corner from the GWCC.

For a uniquely Atlanta experi ence, try establishments such as the Hudson Grille, Ray’s in the City, or the Sun Dial, a rotating restaurant on the top floor of the Westin Peachtree Plaza that delivers an ever-changing view of the city.

Marietta Street has a “ministrip” on the northwest side of the convention center with Stats Brewpub, Max’s Pizza, Twin Smokers BBQ and Der Biergarten.

There’s also Peachtree Street— not West Peachtree Street, not Peachtree Avenue, not Peachtree Circle, not Peachtree Road, not Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, just Peachtree Street—that offers bars and restaurants within a half-mile of the Congress Center.

I hope everyone has a valuable experience at The Clean Show, and I look forward to welcoming you to Atlanta!

Dang! Finally, after a three-year hiatus, the business of laundry is starting to feel real again. The last clean show was 2019, New Orleans, and what a show it was. I literally looked at equip

ment, bell to bell, every day, and “networked” like a demon every evening.

Times were good. The market was strong. Labor was available enough that a company could surely consider taking on more work and even adding a shift.

There are definitely a differ ent set of circumstances now as we emerge from the pandemic. Inflation, textile and parts avail ability, and labor are all creating challenges.

Ialways look forward to The Clean Show. As the biggest event for our industry in the United States, it is a great onestop-shop for meeting with our customers and prospects, as well as for seeing the latest and great est from my fellow vendors.

For Spindle, The Clean Show is a key opportunity to demon strate the enhancements in our technology to a wide audience. All vendors will be bringing their “A” game—and their “A” team— to show off new developments in their products.

Make a plan. Go ahead and check out the floor layout online so you know exactly where to find the exhibitors you want to see.

The best thing to do is to schedule meetings with vendors. A booth can get busy and the last that you (or we, I can assure you) want is for you to have to wait to discuss your interests.

Reach out in advance of the event or make an initial pass of the floor, during which you might actually catch someone free but can definitely arrange a firm meeting time for later.

Arrange enough time for your meeting and for transition time to your next appointment. Discussions may run overtime, and The Clean Show floor can be a big area to cover when getting from one booth to the next.

On that note, make sure you bring comfortable shoes.

Remember that the event goes until 3 p.m. on Tuesday. We often joke that it’s just we ven dors talking to each other on the last day, especially after lunch. While this is surely beneficial, we’d still enjoy speaking with existing and potential customers.

With Hartsfield-Jackson hav ing just regained its status as the world’s busiest airport, there’s probably a flight schedule that would allow you to make the most of your last day at the event.

Living in an Atlanta suburb, I can tell you a little about life away from the show floor, too. There’s not a Vegas Strip or Bourbon Street right outside the Georgia World Congress Center,

Consulting Services

Jon Witschy Spindle, Woodridge, Ill.

Commercial Laundry

Lee Baldauf

Superior Linen Service, Tacoma, Wash.

Personal protective equipment is considered the least effective meth od in the safety hierarchy of control, which follows in the least effec tive to most effective order: PPE (protect the employee), admin istrative control (change the way people work), engineering control (isolate people from the hazard), substitution (replace the hazard) and elimination (physically remove the hazard).

Although it is the least effective means of protection, PPE must be utilized in the processing of linens. This is due to the fact that viruses and bacteria are present in soiled linens and can’t be eliminated or engineered out of the process.

When we think of the exposure to these pathogens, we tend to think of linen items used in a healthcare setting. The truth is that pathogens may and do exist on any linen item that is returned to the laundry in a soiled state.

The very fact that textile rental companies serve the public expos es laundry employees to potential viruses and bacteria. The laundry has no control over the health of their customers’ clients and must employ universal precautions (i.e., ensure that all linens are handled as if they contain potentially conta gious pathogens).

It is not sufficient that PPE be provided but that all personnel to whom it is provided be trained in proper use, fit and exposure. The training and PPE itself must be certified in order to meet the regu latory standards.

That made me look into the PPE used in the textile rental indus try and how the pandemic may

have changed the use of PPE in the industry. It’s not my intention to discuss all PPE used in a laun dry but only those items that are provided to prevent the spread of illness.

As it turns out, there was very little that changed in the use of PPE. Laundries, for the most part, had already adopted best management practices using PPE to ensure that universal precautions were being followed.

Using the laundry’s exposure control plan to bloodborne patho gens, operators were able to deter mine which positions had exposure.

The jobs at greatest risk of expo sure to airborne and bloodborne pathogens were already using PPE to protect soil sorters, washroom operators, custodians, maintenance workers and route personnel.

Personnel sorting soil from any source, either healthcare, hospital ity, or food and beverage, were sup plied with surgical masks, hair cov erings, safety glasses, barrier gowns, barrier gloves and shoe covers.

Washroom personnel were also provided PPE appropriate to the

exposure. Route personnel had already been supplied with hand sanitizers, barrier gowns and bar rier gloves.

What did change in the industry was the introduction of masks for all personnel, regardless of position due to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommen dations as well as local, state and federal mandates. Masks became essential for the customer-facing employees: route personnel and sales and service personnel.

In addition, hand hygiene took on greater importance with hand sanitizers being installed at mul tiple locations within the facility. The placement of these units was to encourage the use of the hand sanitizers as employees returned to work from breaks.

It also allowed access at strategic times during the day, especially if the employees were handling clean linen items. This was not only to protect the employee from bacteria or viruses that may be present but also to prevent contamination of clean linen items.

The textile rental industry also

pivoted in response to the recom mendations for social distancing with the introduction of barriers to prevent workers from exposure to airborne pathogens.

Laundry workers, especially those who work in the soil sort department, on small-piece flat work ironers, at garment steam tunnels and others whose jobs require them to be in close proxim ity, were provided with plastic or metal barriers between stations to prevent transmission.

Where barriers were unable to be installed or found to provide insufficient protection, the number of persons working in these areas was reduced to ensure distancing was possible.

During the time the pandemic was at its height in terms of surges, etc., business slowed substantially allow ing the laundries to work with fewer employees. That made distancing a greater possibility.

The residual benefit to the construction of barri ers is that they remain in

place (or available) to be used if needed in the future. While we are hopeful that they will not be need ed, the investment has been made.

After exploring the better options for protecting the health and safety of their employees, including elimi nation, substitution, engineering and administrative changes, laun dry operators should develop a checklist of appropriate PPE that serves as the last option.

The appropriate PPE for soil sorters should be the following items: barrier gowns, masks, safety glasses, hair coverings (hardhat, bouffant hair net or cap), shoe cov ers and needle-resistant gloves.

Appropriate PPE for washroom operators include the following items: barrier gowns (separate gowns for loading clean and remov ing soil items), barrier gloves, hair coverings (hardhat if sling loading) and masks if handling the linen items directly.

The PPE recommended for route personnel is as follows: barrier gowns, barrier gloves, hand sani tizer and masks if handling loose items.

As a recap, the textile rental industry responded quickly to the emergence of the pandemic because it already had a process in place to prevent illness.

Disposable PPE became an issue for the industry due to the supply chain shortage issue but because operators were using reusable items wherever possible, the employees had the greatest amount of protection.

Operators pivoted to quickly provide protec tion to employees.

Donald Bock is prin cipal of Seabright Safety Solutions Inc. in Santa Maria, California.

(Image licensed by Ingram Image)

Experts

I cannot imagine a scenario where an owner or chief does not benefit from attending the show.

For me, I take the opportunity to attend a short seminar, or two, if it may give me better insight into my needs.

This will be my fifth show. I like to spend the first day walking the floor through its entirety, greet ing people I know through past purchases and inquiries but maybe having never met them face to face.

I mean, how many new sales and service staff members have come to the industry since the last show?

If you’re smart, or even if you are like me, you have an idea of certain items that are on your shortlist.

Remember, Clean won’t do its next show until 2025, and then go back to every odd year for the shows. For me, I will be thinking five years ahead with thoughts and hopes of increasing poundage while effectively streamlining labor needs.

I also, because of communica tive and smart owners, have some

“gonna decide which one at Clean” pieces of equipment I will be com paring among vendors at the show.

In my opinion, this is the best time and place to do a deep com parison on reliability, service, parts availability, ease of maintenance, efficiency and price … with price being a consideration but not the main consideration. This is the time to consider cost over time.

The networking done away from the show is your chance to get can did opinions from your peers, and even competitors, and their experi ences with machines and processes that you are considering.

Seems like the opinions get more honest the closer you get to sunrise, but that is probably just a statement that applies to people like myself.

This is such a large and small industry. As an engineer, I go with a written list of specifics, and a mental will to find something great.

A sick love for the industry, some goals of what issue or system you want to improve, and an open mind will yield worthy rewards at this show.

I can’t wait to see you all there!

(File Photo: American Trade Magazines)

Track Career

Clark retires from Girbau North America

OSHKOSH, Wis. — Girbau North America (GNA), a provider of laundry solutions based here, reports that Technical Service Manager Gary Clark has retired after 27 years of service.

Clark started with GNA at its formation in 1995 and was among the first employ ees hired.

He will be missed for his friend ship and many contributions, according to GNA President Mike Floyd.

“We’ve all been fortunate to work alongside Gary, to get to know him and his family on a personal level, and to call him a friend,” he says.

Throughout his long career, Clark designed and led countless service training workshops for distributors and end-users, fielded a huge number of service phone calls, provided on-site technical expertise, and was the go-to per son for “anything product related.”

He worked closely with the sales team and Girbau Global Laundry Solutions on product development and continuous improvement and interfaced daily with GNA’s professional distribu tor network.

“He leaves big shoes to fill,” says

Floyd.

Director of Services and Product Management Dave McAllister agrees.

“For over 27 years the chair of technical knowledge at Girbau North America has been anchored by Gary Clark,” he shares. “Many a service technician has depended on Gary’s wealth of knowledge, experience and direction to diag nose and repair GNA laundry equipment.

“Gary held a high standard for anyone who called himself a technician, and rightly so, as he himself was exceedingly talented in both mechanical and electrical repairs.

“Girbau employees and cus tomers congratulate Gary Clark for his years of service and dedica tion, which have long served the commercial laundry industry.”

“I want to thank all the current and past staff working at GNA for the support given to me over my tenure of 27 years,” Clark says. “I especially want to thank Mike Floyd for the confidence he had in me when he hired me. I have truly been blessed and want to thank all the great people that have helped me achieve my lifetime goals.

“I always tell people that I deal with people who strive to be the best that they can be, and I have strived to do the same.”

Pierce hired as

LAS VEGAS — Applied Chemical Innovations (ACI), a

producer and distributor of cleaning chemicals based here, reports it has completed its first signifi cant develop ment since partnering with Christeyns USA in January by hiring Perry Pierce as its new chief operating officer.

He reports directly to ACI founder Chet Van Orden.

A 17-year laundry industry veteran, Pierce joins ACI after a nearly five-year run at Apex Linen in Las Vegas. He started with the company as general manager in June 2017 and was later promoted to vice president of operations in 2020.

Pierce learned about the indus try from the ground up. He began as a route service representative and route manager before moving to the sales side of the business at G&K Services. His next stop was as branch manager at UniFirst Corporation and then moved over to Superior Linen Services as operations manager before taking the GM job at Apex.

“Perry has a lot of experience in many aspects of this industry, and we are excited about what that means for ACI,” Van Orden says.

“He excels at creating business relationships, as well as training new employees and helping them reach their goals.

“He’s an important addition to our team as we begin to expand our market reach that we started by partnering with Christeyns USA.”

“I am so very honored to have been asked to be a part of ACI,” Pierce shares. “I can hardly wait to see what great things our team will accomplish.”

Pierce is married and he and his wife have four sons. In his free time, he loves sports and coaches football at Pinecrest Academy St. Rose in Las Vegas.

Emerald Textiles names regional directors of operations

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Emerald Textiles™, a linen and laundry healthcare commercial business that is a portfolio company of Los Angeles-based private invest ment firm Pacific Avenue Capital Partners LLC, reports it has named Alphonso King and Don Luckenbach as regional directors of operations.

King will support Emerald’s facilities and operations across the Greater Los Angeles area, overseeing the four facilities in Los Angeles, Orange, Pomona and Colton.

The company says King’s shared vision in high-performing operations and service support its company-wide growth and

$50 million in capital investments made since 2017 in facility infra structure, technology, people, cus tomers and service as the largest acute healthcare linen and laundry commercial business.

“People are the most valu able asset in any department or organization looking to be best in class,” King says. “Emerald and I share the same passion for creat ing high-impact, collaborative teams with exceptional operation and service.”

Previously, he served as chief marketing officer and president of sales with NanoVapor Biotech in Houston.

Before that, he served as found er/CEO of 360 Managed Services LLC, a full-service business devel opment and marketing firm, and chief of sales and marketing offi cer at SunShare Community Solar for the United States and Canada.

In these roles, King was respon sible for developing high-per formance teams, strategic vision, business development and profit ability through tactical activities across sales, marketing, operations and human resources.

He earned an MBA in human resources with a secondary con centration in marketing and graduated with a bachelor’s degree of business administra

COO for ACI

Pierce

King

tion in operational management at the American Intercontinental University.

Luckenbach will oversee four Emerald Textiles facilities across Turlock, Livingston, and Fresno in California, as well as Reno, Nevada. He will oversee this northern territory along with his current role as general manager of Turlock.

Luckenbach has held several leadership roles with more than 40 years in the healthcare and hospitality industry. He was instrumental during the acquisition bringing together two of the largest independent healthcare laundry providers in California that joined Emerald Textiles and Encore Textiles Services in May 2017.

He spent 15 years with Royal Laundry servicing the San Francisco Bay Area. He’s also served the Northern and Southern California Regions.

“Don has led the Northern California market prior to Emerald Textiles, and I am thrilled

to have Don’s extensive leader ship and support to oversee the operations in the North,” says Dan Leavy, Emerald’s COO.

“Don’s extensive knowledge of our business and high perfor mance will support our perfor mance-oriented culture where he will be key in leading our teams to higher efficiency, growth and profitability.”

Girbau North America welcomes military veteran Roberts

OSHKOSH, Wis.— Girbau North America (GNA) reports it has hired military service vet eran James Roberts of Omro, Wisconson, as service support tech nician.

In this role, Roberts handles daily communications with GNA product end-users and distributor technicians to help troubleshoot and resolve laundry product technical issues.

Additionally, he is responsible for conducting service training,

repairing machinery, helping develop training videos and assist ing with product improvement and development.

Roberts brings eight years of experience as a generator/power systems technician and eight years of experience as a U.S. Army sig nal system support specialist and individual ready reserve sergeant.

“James brings a lot of technical service experience to GNA, along with an enthusiasm for helping customers,” says Shannon Rose, commercial technician service manager. “This fits in nicely with our goals and team philosophy.”

“I like to troubleshoot and help people,” says Roberts. “Working at GNA has been a great experience thus far and I am looking forward to learning more about the prod ucts.”

Brim adds industry veteran to sales team

HUTCHINS, Texas — Brim Laundry Machinery Co. Inc. reports it has hired Gary Ostrum as a regional sales manager for the Northeastern United States, as well as provinces in Eastern Canada.

He has more than 30 years of experience in the textile services industry and brings with him a

diverse set of skills and knowledge, the company shares.

Ostrum had long served as a sales and marketing profes sional for another major laundry equipment manufacturer and most recently was VP of sales for domestic and international mar kets. He is skilled in sales manage ment and team building, as well as operations management.

Ostrum’s responsibilities at Brim will include customer ser vice and sales support for textilerelated industries requiring the benefits of Brim-built washerextractors, dryers and other items from the company’s lineup of industrial products and services.

UNX hires two territory managers

GREENVILLE, N.C. — Laundry chemical provider UNX reports it has hired two territory managers: Adam Rusgrove and Jimmy Polan.

The company says Rusgrove will utilize his six-plus years of

industry experience, along with more than 15 years of serving customers in the telecom munications industry, to serve UNX customers in the Southeastern areas of South Carolina and Georgia.

When he is not working, the company says Rusgrove sings with his family, for his church or root ing on the University of Georgia Bulldogs.

UNX says Polan joins the company with exten sive knowl edge of its products along with more than seven years in janitorial sales and will be serving custom ers in the Central Georgia area.

Outside of work UNX says Polan hunts, golfs, spends time with his family on the family farm and cheers on the Georgia Bulldogs.

Ostrum

Roberts

Rusgrove

Luckenbach

Polan

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Pellerin

Girbau North America receives 2021 Gold ‘G’ Award

OSHKOSH, Wis. — Girbau North America (GNA) reports it has received a 2021 exceptional performance award—a gold “G”—from its parent company, Girbau Global Laundry Solutions (Girbau), headquartered in Vic, Spain.

Girbau President Serge Joris presented the award to GNA President Mike Floyd during GNA’s weeklong sales meet ing, held here.

“GNA exceeded our expectations from a sales and growth perspective during 2021,” Joris shares.

“The team in North America went beyond expectations in challenging circumstances due to the global supply chain and transportation obstacles, as well as the COVID pan demic. The team in North America showed their strength by operating and collaborating as one team.

“It is the team’s performance—exceeding sales and profit targets—and its contribution to Girbau results, while fac ing significant headwind, that made this achievement ‘beyond expectations.’”

This is only the second-ever gold “G” award given by Girbau to one of its 16 subsidiaries, according to Floyd.

“We are honored to be recognized for our efforts during a challenging year,” he says.

“The GNA team is hard-working, inventive and loyal; we always pull together to get things done and this year was no exception. I couldn’t be prouder of our staff.”

Apparel Services Network adds two affiliate members

IRVINE, California — Apparel Services Network (ASN), a provider of image apparel national account service programs, reports it expanded its ASN Affiliate Member program by two companies earlier this year: Wildman and WW Uniform Service.

“These ASN member company additions help ASN network customers by offering extended national account coverage and more choices,” shares ASN in a press release.

Wildman, based in Warsaw, Indiana, offers uniform and rental opportunities, along with facility services.

WW Uniform Service provides uniform and facility ser vices in the Wallingford, Connecticut, area.

The companies join ASN’s 19 other affiliate members across the United States.

ASN says its mission aligns with its Affiliate Member Companies’ core values.

It is concerned with customer loyalty and satisfaction earned by exceeding expectations through inspired people committed to the pursuit of excellence, and relationships based on trust, honesty and integrity.

Schwarzmann honored with TCATA’s J. Morry Friedlander Award

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. — The Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA) reports that it presented Fred Schwarzmann Jr. of A. L. Wilson Chemical Company its highest honor, the prestigious J. Morry Friedlander Award, at its 2022 Annual Educational & Management Conference, April 3-6, at Wild Dunes Resort here.

In addition, John Silverman, president of Tschopp Supply Company of Buffalo, New York, was installed as the incoming president of the association and anniversary members were recognized.

“I was certainly touched by the recognition I received, but I know that my contribution would not have been nearly enough in a vacuum,” says Schwarzmann.

“Only by pulling together were we able to protect TCATA through the dark days and relaunch it into a bright future. Thank you once again!”

He served on the TCATA Board of Directors in various positions from 2005 to 2011 and most recently as president of the Board beginning in January 2020.

TCATA says it established the J. Morry Friedlander Award to honor outstanding dedication and service to the association, naming it to acknowledge the unrivaled enthu siasm, dedication and goodwill Friedlander generated in his more than 40 years of service.

Only six people have received the award since it was introduced in 1994.

As TCATA’s incoming president, Silverman will serve a two-year term. He previously served on the association’s Board of Directors representing distributors and in the role of treasurer.

When asked what being a member of TCATA has brought to Tschopp Supply, Silverman shares, “The rela tionships and connections I’ve made through TCATA have helped Tschopp Supply grow as a company.”

Also recognized at the conference were TCATA Anniversary Members.

Celebrating 75 years of membership are Pellerin Milnor, Gardner Supply and Laun-Dry Supply Company. Seitz The Fresher Company is celebrating 25 years.

HLAC names Thayer executive director

PLAINFIELD, Ill. — The Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC), a nonprofit organization that inspects and accredits laundries that process reusable textiles for hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities, reports it has named Kristen (Krissy) Thayer as its executive director.

She replaces longtime Executive Director Regina Baras, who has served in the role for 11 years and is voluntarily stepping down.

Thayer will be supported by Jessica McKenna, deputy director, in addition to other support staff provided by Nonprofit Resources LLC, an association management com pany.

HLAC says its new staff has extensive experience in operations, management, customer service, finance and all other aspects of the nonprofit function.

The staff has been working closely with Baras to ensure a smooth transi tion of responsibilities.

“I look forward to working with HLAC to further their mission and getting to know all the laundries along the way,” Thayer says.

Commenting on the departure of Baras, HLAC Board President Rocco Romeo says, “Regina Baras has been the face of HLAC for many years. Her dedication and commit ment will be greatly missed by the board, inspectors and customers alike. We are very thankful to Regina for her 11 years spent as our executive director.”

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He adds that the transition would not affect HLAC’s accreditation process.

“While we are sad to see Regina go, we welcome Krissy, Jessica and the Nonprofit Resources family to the HLAC team,” Romeo says.

On her departure, Baras says, “What I’ll miss is working with the many laundry personnel I’ve come to know at our accredited laundries. These are so many wonderful, dedi cated individuals and I’ve enjoyed working with them.

“I’ll also miss our inspectors, who visit laundries seeking HLAC accreditation to ensure our standards are met. Lastly, I’ll miss the members of our Board of Directors—all volun teers with a common goal of wanting to make a significant difference in the way the best laundries process healthcare textiles in the name of patient safety and infection preven tion.

“I wish continued growth and success for HLAC in the years ahead. Clearly, the organization has made a significant difference within the industry.”

GNA President Mike Floyd (left) accepts the gold “G” award for excep tional performance in 2021 from Girbau President Serge Joris. ( Photo: Girbau North America)

Thayer