NORTH AMERICA
A lot of laundry has been routed through the hundreds of factories that have benefited from Bill Mann's expertise since joining the industry as a teenage bundle boy in September 1958, writes the North American textile care trade association TRSA. Now, after a 62 year career in the laundry industry and a key position as Director of Industry Affairs at TRSA, Mann will retire next month after the TRSA HR, Health and Safety Summit April 21-22.
When a man realizes he would like to spend more time with his family, including his wife Charlene and their children and grandchildren, he resigns from a part-time position which he continues to liaise with the TRSA safety committee and inspector for the Hygienically Clean certification Acting by TRSA Mann's most recent move is eight years after his “official” retirement in 2013, after serving as Director of Industry Affairs at TRSA for nine years.
"I've always said," If you want to do a job for someone, do it right, "he said," I think now is the time to step back from the industry. "
Joseph Ricci, President and CEO of TRSA, praised Mann's numerous contributions to TRSA and the linen, uniform and facility services industries. "Bill has given so much to the industry and TRSA through our training programs, Hygienically Clean certification, the safety committee, individual member counseling, and more," said Ricci. “He's going to leave a huge space to fill. But we understand he's ready to retire. Soon Bill will have the opportunity to reflect on his many accomplishments during an outstanding career. "
Mann cited three key areas that he is proud to have contributed to, including:
Hygienically Clean Certification: As Director of Industry Affairs, Mann was a member of the Steering Committee in the early 2000s that organized an initiative that evolved into the Hygienically Clean Certification Program. Since 2012, certification efforts have helped raise standards to protect laundry workers, as well as hospital and other organizations serviced by the 230 or so factories that are now certified to the Hygienically Clean standard.
· Textile Laundry Technology: This 2007 publication, commonly known by the acronym "TLT", provides laundry operators with guidance on laundry formulas and all aspects of the use and handling of chemicals, fibers and fabrics, finishing, energy, and troubleshooting throughout the laundry process.
Laundry Operation and Management: Published in 2017, this book provides an overview of the laundry industry, from floor sorting to washing, drying and finishing, to unpacking and delivery. A new industry manager or industry veteran can gain insight into the work of the dozen of operators and supplier partners who contributed to this release.
Prior to joining TRSA, Mann had a stellar career in the laundry industry starting with the laundry and dry cleaning business of Mary McIntosh Services, York, Pennsylvania. After starting the wash cycle part-time in high school, Mann learned quickly. Within 12 years he had been promoted to general manager of Mary McIntosh. During this time he also completed a bachelor's degree in business administration from York College.
Mann later joined the ranks of supplier partners and acted as a sales representative for chemicals at BASF Corp. and later at UNX Chemicals Inc. Man also received a certificate in accounting to reinforce his managerial skills.
Mann was also active in community affairs for many years. He was president of the Spring Creek Lions Club in Macungie, PA; and he played a key role in starting a bowling league for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
