NORTH AMERICA
TRSA, the Association for Linen, Uniform and Facility Services, has launched a strategic change initiative focused on key outcomes that will maximize member value and make the most of TRSA's resources for 2020 and 2021.
Based on a series of internal and external qualitative and quantitative research and interactive stakeholder meetings, the TRSA activities for the remainder of 2020 and those planned for 2021 will include:
- Advocacy, including proactively promoting the increased use of commercially laundered reusable bedding, uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare such as isolation gowns and scrubs for a more sustainable, hygienic supply chain
- Monitor, respond and train regulators and lawmakers at the federal, state and local levels to ensure that the focus is on continued recognition as a critical / essential service
- Hygienically clean and clean Green certifications
- Disseminate information and training focusing on best practices to improve the safety of employees and customers, and training for supervisors
- Increased information exchange through virtual network communities as well as print and digital communication
"To recover from the pandemic, TRSA needs support and stakeholder support to see how the industry has changed and will evolve over the next few months and years," said Jim Buik, chairman of TRSA, Roscoe Co., Chicago . "Contributions from members and subject matter experts provide valuable information for review and discussion by the TRSA Strategic Planning Committee and the Board of Directors."
TRSA launched its strategic change initiative in early April, immediately following orders that are disrupting economies in North America and around the world.
"We knew the industry impact would be significant, but it would vary based on geography, market and product mix," said Joseph Ricci, President and CEO of TRSA, CAE (pictured right). “We immediately started our strategic change initiative, which included 10 weeks of two-hour weekly discussions between TRSA executives and subject matter experts (SMEs) on membership, events, certification, no fee revenue, globalization and other topics. These association colleagues and consultants shared valuable insights and perspectives, often without taking their time into account. "
These internal discussions with SMEs feed directly into discussions with external stakeholders, including executives from related organizations, including TRSA colleagues in Europe and Australia. TRSA hosted market sector and regional zoom discussions and hosted a strategic industry town hall in June with more than 120 linen and unified services professionals. These discussions led to the development of an industry report indicating that survival and recovery are paramount, with both operators and members of supplier partners having a significant impact on their bottom line. Short-term challenges have made it more difficult for both of them to focus on longer-term planning after COVID-19:
- Increased costs and competition
- Decreased sales and fewer employees
- Shifts in consumer preferences and general economic fears
- Increased regulations and standards
The discussions concluded that promoting linen, uniform and facility services for the various industries in which they operate can focus on three growth opportunities:
- Reusable products as a cheaper and more sustainable supply chain
- Cleanliness standards that ensure that the products are hygienically clean
- Commercial versus domestic or local laundry (OPL)
Since mid-March, TRSA has held nearly 50 webinars, town halls, roundtables and other activities, as well as benchmarking surveys, to facilitate sharing of best practices on improving safety and operations during the Covid pandemic and access to resources to help restore its economic Effects.
Thanks to the investment and support of its members, TRSA continues to serve as the only lawyer in the industry at the federal, state and local levels, most recently:
· Gaining national industry recognition as a Critical / Essential Company
· Combat initiatives that require single-use products in restaurants
· Highlighting the sustainability of the supply chain of hygienically clean bed linen and uniforms
In addition to addressing the impact of Covid, TRSA continues to proactively pursue every opportunity to fulfill its mission of expanding the nearly $ 40 billion U.S. linen, uniform and facility services industry, to protect and professionalize.
"During the Covid-19 crisis, TRSA leadership, volunteers and staff worked hard to keep the information and resources current and relevant in order to help members survive and recover from the economic impact of business closures and the industry as critical Infrastructure companies can promote. " Ricci said.
