INTERNATIONAL
TRSA has launched a website, me.trsa.org, for its new chapter on the Middle East. The website equips TRSA programs with linen, uniform and facility services in the area, allowing them to access TRSA's extensive knowledge base on industry trends and best practices to improve efficiency and market growth.
The Middle East Endeavor is the association's first chapter outside the United States. The first activities of the chapter, which was launched with Dubai-based TRSA member Rent-A-Towel (RNT), focus on certification and training. The website therefore highlights certifications that can obtain these operations: Hygienically Clean (Food Safety, Food Service, Healthcare, Hospitality), Clean Green, and Safety and Health. Also detailed are individual training / recognition programs led by the Certified Professional Laundry Manager (CPLM), courses for hygienically clean and floor sorting and the certificate program for production management. These programs for individuals are provided online.
Most of the laundry in the region is currently processed in local laundries (OPLs) in hotels and hospitals. The TRSA activities will support chapter members in adapting techniques typical of larger (outsourced) laundries that improve hygiene, ensure the safety and health of facilities, conserve resources and otherwise have a positive impact on customers and employees when the laundry business evolves.
The site enables OPL operators to enroll employees as individual members and their organizations as general members. These are in addition to the two standard forms of TRSA membership for outsourced laundries and associated supplier partners. Student membership is also possible in the Middle East.
The chapter will operate in the countries of the Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA): Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Yemen.
Joseph Ricci, President and CEO of TRSA, CAE, said, “We look forward to learning about the management priorities of laundry management teams across the region and supporting their professional development. COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of our industry for sustainability worldwide: providing sufficient stocks of hygienically clean reusable textiles and reducing the depletion of natural resources through the most efficient washing practices. TRSA is committed to promoting these causes worldwide. "
