TRSA News
Countdown to Clean—It’s almost here!

Chairman’s Message
An outgoing chairman reflects on the importance of industry unity and the reorganization of TRSA/UTSA.
Gregory P. Jeltema

Commentary
The Clean Show offers suppliers and operators the forum they need to be a first-class industry. Proceeds from the show help TRSA keep it that way.
Roger F. Cocivera

From the Editor
Next month’s Clean Show will give everyone a chance to get a leg up on the day when economic growth resumes. The message from successful companies is that they're investing now for a better tomorrow.
Jack Morgan

On the Environment
EPA’s new leadership team has changes in mind that could quickly trickle down to your POTW. We offer a heads up on “emerging pollutants” and other issues. Bob Schaffer

News from Washington
The first 100 days of the Obama administration have produced mixed results in terms of policy initiatives. We offer an early scorecard. Tony Wagner

HR Adviser
The recent passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act includes compliance changes related to providing “COBRA” healthcare benefits for employees.
Chuck Tomlinson

Marketplace
New products and services

Corporate Briefs
Textile service and supplier news

TRSA's Guide to Clean '09
Here you’ll get details on TRSA’s headquarters hotel, Clean Show booth, the Annual Meeting/Reception, seminars, etc.

Who's Showing What at Clean '09
We offer an alphabetical list of TRSA member vendors and booth numbers, organized by product/service category.
—Ruth Davis

Trade Show Tax Tips
What does the IRS allow in terms of trade show expense deductions? We lay out the basics and identify some areas you may not have considered claiming before and some you should avoid.—Phillip M. Perry

Clean Sweep: Big Easy City Guide
Here is a brief after-hours guide to dining and entertainment opportunities in New Orleans, a world-renowned showcase of fine food and live music.—Ruth Davis

A (Very Large) Sign of Confidence in the Industry
We look inside G.A. Braun Inc.’s new ISO-certified 155,000 square-foot plant in Syracuse, NY. The $13 million-plus facility showcases lean manufacturing and Kaizen principles.—George Ferencz

Prudential— A Passion for Excellence!
Textile Rental recently toured Prudential Overall Supply’s Vista, CA, uniform plant and learned how this company is pursuing growth despite the economic slowdown.
—Jack Morgan

Navigating Natural Gas: 'To Hedge or Not to Hedge?'
Textile service companies seeking to control costs should understand that at current prices opportunities exist for forward hedging on natural gas purchases.—Tom Blaney

Surviving in a Down Economy
A panel of industry and academic experts offers ideas for coping with the current slump and pursuing long-term growth and profitability.—Jack Morgan

Outsourcing vs. OPLs
Could opportunities in hotel bed/bath linens provide an upside to the economic downturn? TRSA members who specialize in this trade reflect on their experiences.— Ruth Davis

EMI Enters a New Era
Amid the reorganization of TRSA/UTSA, the Executive Management Institute (EMI) is continuing its 43-year tradition of excellence by educating the leaders of today’s companies.—H. Kent Baker

Tech/Plant Summit '09 Bright Lights Shine in Phoenix
Here are highlights and photos from TRSA’s March 3-5 Tech/Plant Summit, including the Trade Fair/Reception and the tours of Alsco and Mission Linen/Uniform plants.—Jack Morgan