RICHMOND, Ky. — The Association for Linen Management’s Educational Conference was deemed a “tremendous success,” with many aspects far exceeding the organizers’ expectations, according to an ALM press release. Of the 150 registrants at the event held last month in Louisville, Ky., 52% were first-time attendees.
Michael Burke, CLLM, director of environmental services at North Memorial Healthcare, was named the 2012 Heywood Wiley Manager of the Year, the association’s most prestigious honor. Wiley was one of the organization’s founding fathers.
Burke has more than 20 years of laundry experience and provides a “tremendous presence” in ALM’s Upper Mississippi Valley Chapter, where he serves on the Education Committee, the association says.
Other finalists for the award were Graham Skinner, RLLD, general manager of laundry services at Mission Hospital, and Danny Lenard, director of laundry service with Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.
The 2012 Allied Tradesperson of the Year winner was Craig Hanson, equipment sales consultant for Weinberg Equipment and Supply. He has 25 years of experience in the laundry industry and, like Burke, is an active member of the Upper Mississippi Valley Chapter where he serves on the Education Committee. He received the chapter’s Vendor of the Year award in 2011.
Other Allied Tradesperson finalists were Tony Cardillo, Standard Textile, and Karlton Kicklighter, Gurtler Industries.
Randy Wendland, CLLM, corporate director of laundry & textile services for HHA Services, was re-elected ALM president. Richard Griffin, CLLM, laundry manager for Keystone Lodge & Spa, will continue as vice president.
ALM members voted to allow allied trades partners to vote and serve as appointed directors. The association’s first appointee is Sarah James, MBA, RLLD, director of product development for IPA. James previously served on the ALM board when she worked in laundry/linen management.
The association also welcomed its newest staff member, Christina Horsley, who will oversee the development of ALM’s educational programs as professional development manager. Horsley brings 15 years of association management experience to her new role. Linda Fairbanks, who previously coordinated ALM’s educational offerings, is now executive director.
ALM’s next national meeting will take place in June 2013 in New Orleans during the Clean Show.
