TRSA News
Get ready for Clean ’09 — registration opens for a biennial trade extravaganza.

Chairman’s Message
Unified action on a positive, pro-business agenda can enable the industry to advance its goals in a new political environment.
Gregory P. Jeltema

Commentary
TRSA has the tools, including a formidable staff and the grassroots resources we need to make our voices heard in Washington … but we must be willing to speak up.
Roger F. Cocivera

From the Editor
Challenging times will test the survival skills of each member company in 2009. A creative response can help ensure that your company weathers the economic downturn.
Jack Morgan

On the Environment
The ‘green’ movement presents the industry with an opportunity to promote its environmental advantages. That’s important in today’s political and economic climate.
Bob Schaffer

News from Washington
In a challenging political year, TRSAPAC scored some important political victories.
Lawrence A. Fineran

HR Adviser
TRSA’s Safety Committee recently circulated a survey to members that’s designed to determine safety benchmarks for textile service companies nationwide.

Corporate Briefs
Textile service and supplier news

2009 Strategic Analysis of the Textile Services Industry
Operators should pursue efficiency and the opportunities that arise in a down economy.—George Ferencz

Tech/Plant Summit — Phoenix Rising
The 2009 Tech/Plant Summit can give you the tools to grow, despite the economic downturn.—Jack Morgan

Partners in Innovation
A wash chemical that reduces wrinkling in clothing helps a healthcare operator lower costs.—Melissa Meinke

A Road to Improved Competitiveness
The idea that you can’t manage what you can’t measure now extends to route operations.—Cyndi Brandt

'Green Movement': Let It Work for You
Reducing your ‘carbon footprint’ presents an opportunity for industrial uniform operators.—Mark Lewis

The 'Clean Green Team': Action on Reusables
TRSA members band together to promote the environmentally friendly nature of the industry.—Ruth Davis

Building a Culture of Safety
Consultants outline the ideas and organization necessary for a successful safety program.—Ruth Davis

Combining Strengths— A Win-Win for the Industry
Mountville Mills’ acquisition of Kleen-Tex’ U.S. and Cana-dian mat operations benefits you.— Ruth Davis

Feeling at Home—'Outside' Employees in Family Businesses
Expert input on a key personnel issue.—Phillip M. Perry

Do You Need to Revise Your Customer Contracts?
State laws designed to aid consumers now may cover commercial contracts as well.—Steven John Fellman

Contracts: Assignment, Assumption and Ratification
What scenarios are likely to play out when a competitor buys your customer’s business?—Ted Goldstock

Tax Breaks Under the Bailout Bill
October’s bailout bill included various tax incentives that could save you money.—Mark E. Battersby

Ergonomics Redux
The elections usher in a raft of changes, including a likely revival of ergonomics rules.—David Sarvadi

Why Leaders Fail— Learning from Mistakes
CEOs must impart their vision—as well as their action plans—throughout their organizations.—John Baker