Content about XML

Content about XML

May 17, 2012

ALM ‘Plan for Excellence’ Leads to Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Extensive array of educational sessions, plus association activities and networking events

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Association for Linen Management returns here on June 24-27 for its 72nd Annual Conference.

The “Plan for Excellence” event at The Seelbach Hilton is built on an extensive array of educational sessions, as well as association activities and networking/social events.

An optional pre-conference program on June 24 will feature sessions on Implementing AORN’s Recommended Practice for Surgical Attireand Success by the Numbers...Production Standards & Metrics.

Keynote speaker Paul Fayad, CEO of HHA Services, will kick off the conference June 25 as he identifies the essentials to being Equipped for Success.

The morning of June 26 brings a new feature as participants “eavesdrop” on a panel discussion about the industry’s changing structure, its place in the investment world, and how these changes may impact business structure and design. Panelists include Swisher Hygiene’s Doug Story, Laundry-Consulting.com’s David Chadsey and ARCO Murray’s Ed Kwasnick.

Breakout sessions throughout the conference include:

Efficiencies in the Wash Process, Steven Tinker, Gurtler Industries — The program will address rewash and reclaim numbers that can be costly and finding solutions to problem soils without tipping the balance sheet.
An Exchange Cart Program that Works, Barbara Williams, Standard Textile — Whether you’ve been building exchange carts for years or are just starting a program, this session will provide solutions to problems and opportunities to maximize successes.
Is It Time for a Tunnel?, Chadsey — Tunnel/continuous batch washers provide savings in chemicals, water and labor. But how do you make an accurate assessment of the situation vs. a “guess”?
Linen’s Role in Improving Patient Outcomes, Carol Stamas, CLLM, and Janice Larson, CLLM, Encompass — Understanding the inherent nature of the products, how they impact healing, and their appropriate use can make the difference in patient and fiscal outcomes.
Satisfaction Surveys That Work, Jerry Palmer, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) — This program will focus on designing a survey tool to identify what the patient/customer deems important and using that information to improve services and retain customers.
Quality Assurance: Textiles in Patient Care Areas, Nancy Bjerke, MSN — A quality healthcare laundry provides hygienically clean textiles to the hospital customer. But what steps are taken to maintain the hygienic integrity of those products once they arrive at the facility? Identify areas of issue or concern, and the approach to managing those situations.
Customer Satisfaction Rule 1: Communication, Jennifer Fairchild, EKU — This session will provide attendees with keys to listening, accurately understanding what their customer wants vs. needs, and assessing performance.
Isolation Gowns for Lean & Green Operations, Peter Menaker, CLLM, American Dawn — Reusable gowns definitely provide a green approach but how can facilities manage the costs (inventory and processing) while assuring clinicians safe and quality products?
Prep for the Consultant, Jeff Cohen, MedAssets — The C-Suite (CEO, CFO and COO) has just announced that it has hired a consulting firm to assess operations and identify areas where improvements can be made. What will they expect from you? And what can you expect when all is said and done?
Infection Control: Bed Change Considerations, Marcia Pierce, EKU — Can you “marry” good utilization and the related cost savings with the concerns over infection prevention?
Out for Bid, Menaker — This will be a discussion of the critical elements of the product bidding process and the problems that you can encounter.
Real Performance Improvement in Linen Utilization, Sarah James, RLLD, IPA — This session will go beyond concepts to walk you through an actual situation where linen utilization provided significant outcomes in a healthcare facility.

ALM will also name the year’s top laundry manager and allied tradesperson during the conference.

To learn more about the conference, visit the association's website.

May 7, 2012

Texcare Attracts Steady Crowd on Second Day

FRANKFURT, Germany — Some exhibitors expect larger numbers on show's first weekday

FRANKFURT, Germany — Texcare International—the World Market for Modern Textile Care—resumed Sunday at the Messe Frankfurt Congress Center and attracted what appeared to be a steady crowd.

Some exhibitors say they are expecting larger numbers today, the first weekday of the 2012 event.

The makeup and design of the various exhibit booths vary widely, with smaller booths often filled to capacity with equipment or supplies. Some of the larger, more spacious booths house several pieces of equipment, while others resemble cafes or even discos—one exhibitor has a disco ball hanging above its space.

Away from the exhibit floor on Sunday, attendees were treated to a high-energy fashion show featuring models wearing the latest styles in occupational, protective and professional clothing by NVBO Jensen, MIP, Kentaur, Floringo and BP.

Here are some examples of products on display at this year’s Texcare International:

A new line of washer-extractors, from IPSO.
Dryers that are heated using hot water, from Miele Professional.
A high-tech garment dispenser for fast delivery, from Jensen.
A commercial, off-the-shelf, end-to-end textile management system for the textile rental industry, from TAGSYS.
A new series of dryers, from Lavatec Laundry Technology.

Texcare International continues today and runs through Wednesday.

May 5, 2012

Texcare International Opens in Fully Booked Hall

FRANKFURT, Germany — There are 264 exhibitors hailing from 26 countries

FRANKFURT, Germany — Energy and resource efficiency are key factors in the professional textile care sector, and sustainable and efficient technology and processes for dry cleaners, laundries and textile service providers were on display as Texcare International opened its five-day run on Saturday.

There are 264 exhibitors hailing from 26 countries in Hall 8 and the adjoining Galleria. “The mood in the sector is very good,” says Wolfgang Marzin, president and CEO of Messe Frankfurt, who accompanied media members during a guided tour of the show floor. “Hall 8 is fully booked up. All international market leaders have registered and will present their cutting-edge technologies. They expect the world’s leading trade fair for their sector to generate powerful business impulses.”

Marzin likened Texcare to the “Olympics of textile care,” referencing the show’s every-four-years cycle.

The main theme of Texcare International 2012 is sustainability and the machinery and plant construction industry will present resource and energy-efficient solutions designed to make companies more ecologically and economically competitive in the future.

Underscoring this is the new BLUECOMPETENCE initiative of the Federation of German Machine and Plant Manufacturers, spotlighting sustainable machines and systems that are in line with economic, ecological and social demands.

“We aim to show that sustainability is not just a buzzword,” says Elgar Straub, director of VDMA Garment and Leather Technology, who led the guided tour for the trade media. “On the contrary, technology is the key to resource conservation. For our sector, Texcare International is the ideal platform for future-oriented presentations.”

The Texcare Forum opened its schedule of educational lectures with “Future Day,” featuring an agenda devoted to training opportunities and efficient marketing concepts for dry cleaners.

Texcare International continues today and runs through Wednesday.

April 30, 2012

Career Track: Companies Announce New Hires, Promotions

CHICAGO — Kannegiesser, Braun, others report personnel moves

KANNEGIESSER PROMOTES HART TO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — The owner of Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH recently promoted Phil Hart to executive vice president of Kannegiesser USA.

Phil Hart During the company’s recent Canadian sales meeting, owner Martin Kannegiesser announced that Hart’s role in the company will expand, moving him into supervisory positions with different departments, while continuing to be responsible for the company’s daily operations.

Hart joined Kannegiesser USA in 2004 as vice president of marketing, bringing with him more than 10 years of industry and product experience.

TURN-KEY INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING HIRES BERNSTEIN AS SENIOR VP

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — A veteran of the textile industry, David Bernstein recently joined Turn-Key Industrial Engineering Services as senior vice president. Bernstein’s role will be in business development, consulting, and adding new services to the firm’s lineup.

david bernstein The fourth generation of his family in the textile rental industry, Bernstein brings a unique perspective and a diverse work résumé to his new position. He has more than 20 years experience, including stints as president of Consolidated Laundry Machinery Co., as director of the Uniform and Textile Services Association (UTSA), and as chief operating officer of F-MATIC.

“All of us at Turn-Key are ecstatic to be welcoming David as a member of our team,” says Chip Malboeuf, Turn-Key president. “His experience, skill set, intelligence and enthusiasm for the industry will not only enhance our current offering, but will also allow us to provide our clients with additional services to increase their revenue and improve their operations.”

In addition to his professional experience, Bernstein is two-time chair of the UTSA Plant Operations Committee, an inductee into the Plant Operations Hall of Fame, an instructor and task force member for the Production Management Institute (PMI) and Maintenance Management Institute (MMI), and a former member of the board of directors of the Western Textile Services Association (WTSA). He resides in Park City, Utah.

TINGUE, BROWN & CO. PROMOTES LAVIGNA TO PURCHASING DIRECTOR

SADDLE BROOK, N.J. — Paul LaVigna has been promoted to the role of purchasing director for the TB division of laundry industry supplier Tingue, Brown & Co. He will work out of TB’s satellite office in Clifton Park, N.Y.

paul lavigna LaVigna brings extensive experience to his new role, much of it gained through his years with the U.S. Army, where he was a procurement and logistics officer. More recently, he was an operations manager for a nationwide retailer. He has been in corporate operations with TB since August 2010.

A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, LaVigna lives in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., with his wife and two children.

“I am grateful for the opportunity this new position provides,” LaVigna says, “and I look forward to working with all of Tingue, Brown’s partners in the laundry industry.”

VENUS GROUP HIRES INDUSTRY VET MCBRIDE AS SALES MANAGER

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. — Venus Group has a new Midwest regional sales manager. With more than 30 years of industry experience, Mike McBride is now responsible for the textile company’s sales and growth efforts in the Midwest.

mike mcbride His diverse résumé has allowed him to meet many Midwest dry cleaners and laundry owners as well as people with national textile chains. He started with Procter & Gamble as a field representative and trainer, then moved to Cleaners Hangers Co. as a sales representative. His most recent post with Cleaners Hangers was as vice president of sales and marketing.

McBride earned a degree from the University of Notre Dame, where he was also a member of the 1973 NCAA national champion football team.

G.A. BRAUN ADDS SLETTE TO FINISHING EQUIPMENT TEAM

SYRACUSE, N.Y. —The G.A. Braun Finishing Equipment Engineering Team has a new member. Matt Slette brings to the product development team a diverse experience in modeling components in 3D and developing 2D working drawings, bill of materials, and assemblies for production, Braun says.

Slette graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering technology from California Polytechnic State University. He is based at Braun’s corporate headquarters in Syracuse.

April 16, 2012

TRSA Launches Hygienically Clean Certification Program

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Relies on third-party, quantified biological testing and inspection

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) has launched the Hygienically Clean certification program to recognize textile services companies’ commitment to cleanliness through third-party, quantified biological testing and inspection.

The certification process eliminates subjectivity by verifying that textiles cleaned in these facilities meet hygiene standards appropriate for any type of business that uses garments, linens, towels, floor mats, mops and other professionally laundered items, the association says.

A specific designation for laundries with medical work—Hygienically Clean – Healthcare—is available and another will soon be offered for those who serve restaurants and other businesses where food safety is paramount—Hygienically Clean – Food Service.

To attain a Hygienically Clean certification, a laundry must deploy best management practices (BMPs) and pass bacteriological testing and facility inspections. Tests use the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) 61 protocol:

Allows a minimal amount of bacteria to remain after textiles are laundered
Pass/fail criteria of less than or equal to 20 colony forming units (cfu)

A laundry is not required to use particular processes, chemicals or BMPs to achieve certification—whatever tactics management feels are necessary can be used to achieve TRSA’s Minimum Performance Specifications as measured by bacteriological testing. But BMPs must be documented in a written quality-control manual.

“Managers in many types of workplaces are becoming more conscientious about the sanitation of their processes,” explains TRSA President/CEO Joseph Ricci. “They want to be more confident that they are taking every step possible to prevent human illness in their facilities and their customers’.”

To approve laundries for Hygienically Clean certification, TRSA inspects them to review their documentation and observe their BMP deployment. After this initial on-site inspection, facilities are examined on a three-year basis. Bacteriological testing begins with one evaluation in each of the first three months the laundry is certified, then one every six months.

To learn more about the program, click here.

April 4, 2012

Clean Show Selects GES as Official Contractor

ATLANTA — Show committee picks Las Vegas-based company from

ATLANTA — The Clean Executive Committee has selected Global Experience Specialists (GES) to serve as the official services contractor for the 2013 Clean Show in New Orleans.

Three companies submitted proposals for the June 2013 show. “GES did our show in New Orleans in 2009 and did a great job,” says John Riddle, president of Riddle & Associates, the Clean Show’s management company. “We look forward to working with them again in 2013.”

Chicago hosted the first Clean Show in 1977. United Exposition Service Co. was the official services contractor for that event and subsequent shows. GES purchased United in 1993, and the Las Vegas-based company has continued its partnership with the Clean Show for many shows since.

GES produces 3,000 exhibitions and events annually.

The Clean Show—officially titled the World Educational Congress for Laundering and Drycleaning—attracts people across all segments of the textile care industry, from single-owner, coin-operated laundry and drycleaning establishments to giant industrial and institutional laundries and textile rental companies.

April 2, 2012

TRSA Best Practices Regional Meeting

TRSA is fostering continuous improvement in textile services industry operations including development of environmentally friendlier, more economical and safer techniques. TRSA speaks with one voice to the government, marketplace and media about best management practices (BMPs) for serving industrial, hospitality and healthcare markets. At this meeting you will learn what TRSA is saying and assess your company’s position in light of emerging BMPs.

Clean Green – Gauge your progress in conserving water and energy and modifying processes and work habits to improve efficiency as TRSA certifies such companies’ efforts and promotes them locally and nationally.

Workplace Safety– TRSA’s Safety & HR Committee is reaching out to the industry as it publishes BMPs. In Kansas City you can help ensure your operation fits the profile, helping to develop and publicize the safety BMP list:
- Executive Management Support
- Route/Driver Safety
- Wash Aisle and Lock-Out/Tag-Out
- Injury Prevention Programs
- Ergonomics

Westin Kansas City at Crown Center will host the event. Contact Salita Jones, 703-519-0029, ext. 108, sjones@trsa.org, for more information.

March 29, 2012

ARTA Education Conference Next Week to Focus on Marketing Reusables

FAIRWAY, Kan. — There's nothing like learning from peers who have blazed a trail of success

FAIRWAY, Kan. — There’s nothing like learning from peers who have blazed a trail of success. That’s why the American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA) will feature operator roundtable sessions—on sales and controlling linen losses—each day of its 2012 Education Conference next week in Memphis, Tenn.

The Tuesday through Thursday conference is titled Marketing Reusables in 2012: How Clean is Clean, How to Sell Clients – and Control Losses After the Sale. In addition to operator roundtables with Q&A, ARTA will host speakers from the Mayo Clinic, 3M, Encompass Group, the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) and more.

A technical service representative from 3M will address Standards of Clean – How Do We Measure It? Francis Zieman, RN, BSN, MS, CSPDT, will provide an overview of tools and methods to measure cleanliness and then invite members of the audience to test different items, based on written instructions.

HLAC Inspection Chair Judy Reino, Reino Linen, will review best practices during Infection Prevention 101: Practices for the Laundry. Her review will include facility design, personnel, equipment and processes, transportation and clean-linen storage.

Mayo Clinic’s Cindy Molko, RLLD, director of linen services, will offer practical advice you can take back to the office in the session, Infection Prevention and You.

Some other sessions include an update on Cotton and Textile Issues in 2012: What to Expect from Tom Langdon, vice president of sourcing and purchasing for Encompass Group, and Hotel Guest, Hospital Patient or Visitor: Is Your Health at Risk? by Steve Tinker, vice president, Gurtler Industries.

The two operator roundtables planned, Capturing the Healthcare Sale and Case Studies on Stop-Loss Strategies, will feature profit and not-for-profit, regional, and national operators sharing their strategies for selling reusable surgical textiles and controlling losses. All sessions will leave time for Q&A from the audience.

ARTA’s conference will take place at The Peabody Hotel and is open to members and nonmembers, as well as all sister associations.

The Welcome Reception hosted by MIP and Encompass kicks off the event on Tuesday. Attendees who arrive that afternoon can sign up for a tour of Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare Laundry or visit Graceland.

The education program starts Wednesday with sessions running all day, and includes a group lunch. Attendees can mingle and network at the Sponsors’ Reception that evening at The Cotton Museum and Exchange.

The conference ends at noon on Thursday. Continental breakfast is included both days before education sessions begin.

Registration is still open. Visit the ARTA website or contact Executive Director Nancy Jenkins at njenkins@arta1.com for more information.

March 23, 2012

2012 AHE Annual Conference & Healthcare Marketplace

EXCHANGE 2012, AHE Annual Conferernce & Healthcare Marketplace, provides unprecedented opportunities to learn, share best practices, experience new products, network with colleagues and ENGAGE with experts from all across the country.

March 13, 2012

Ellis Corp. Maintenance Seminar

Ellis Corp. will host a Maintenance Seminar on Sept. 13-15 at its Itasca, Ill., facility. For more information, call Marty, 800-611-6806.

March 13, 2012

Jensen USA Service Seminar: Senking Tunnels, Presses and Dryers

Jensen USA will host its Spring Service Seminar covering Senking tunnels, presses and dryers on April 17-19 at its Panama City, Fla., facility. For more information, contact Jerry Elmore, 850-271-5959, ext. 183, jerry.elmore@jensen-group.com.

March 13, 2012

TRSA CEO Roundtable — Healthcare/Retail Medical