If you missed a news story, check our News Archive for the top stories.

Be sure to visit People and Product News while you’re catching up on all the latest. Check out our new JOBS page if you are looking for a job or a qualified employee.

AUGUST 2025 NEWS

Fire destroys $1.9M SpotLess Plant in BC

Prince George Citizen News image. Click image to read their story.

FULL AUGUST 8, 2025 STATEMENT FROM SPOTLESS UNIFORM & LINEN

A Spotless Uniform facility on Kenworth Road in Prince George (not to be confused with Spotless Drycleaners and Laundry) has experienced a significant structural loss due to fire. On the evening of August 5 at approximately 9:00PM fire crews were dispatched due to the fire alarm going off, however the fire quickly consumed the building and Prince George Fire Department was on scene through the night and into the following day. A special ‘thank you’ to all first responders.

There are no injuries as the business was closed at the time and currently it is too early to determine any cause. Spotless Uniform ownership and management are working in full cooperation with authorities. While this loss is impactful and we work to understand the full extent of everything, Spotless Uniform is a company with multiple locations and support from industry partners. Shaun and the entire team is working to minimize the impact in operations and service to their customers.

“I grew up in this industry and have seen our company go through many different challenges and have over come every one of them. I am extremely proud of our team, grateful for the support of the community, and humbled by the backing of our industry partners. From this point forward we are looking positively to the future.”

– Shaun Heighington

As of the morning of Aug 7, 2025 we have remobilized and are again operational. This has come from the tremendous support of our Spotless team, community businesses and industry partners. Here is a quick list of what the first 24 hours looked like.

  • All employees are accounted for and safe!!!
  • Processes with all local authorities have been started.
  • Kenworth Rd. site has been released from Fire Dept. back to our insurance adjuster and security fencing has been completed for safety concerns. Additionally, there is currently 24/7 security on site.
  • Our partner freight companies have adjusted all routing as required while we navigate through these changes.
  • Inspections were completed the morning of the 6th on all trucks ensuring no subsequent heat or fire damage from their proximity to the building.
  • There will be some inventory concerns but to alleviate them we have increased service to multiple times per week for certain locations to allow for a little extra time for our stockroom to assign temporary garments where required.
  • Our office is BACK ONLINE! Power is on, phones are up, internet is up and all accounting and routing software functioning.
  • Customer support and operations resume as of the morning of Aug 7, 2025.
  • Utilizing the other facilities and industry partners we have plans in place, for continued service for ALL our customers.
  • Meeting with WSI, regarding environmental concerns and detailed assurance to the public on the cleaning agents we use.
  • We secured a temporary sorting/finishing location, and some further production staff will be starting the morning of Aug 7, 2025.
  • Multiple meetings with our suppliers securing additional inventory for procurement once inventory replacement requirements are finalized.

It’s been a 24hr whirwind and we’re sure there is more, but basically we are almost fully operational and we could not have done it without others stepping forward in our time of need.

A special thank you to Jeff from our Spotless team for helping us work with the Fire Department and moving / salvaging what we could away from the fire. Tammy Holmgren for being our leader on the ground and making so much of this recovery happen so quickly. Many others from our Spotless team who also stepped forward and did whatever they needed to, bringing light to such a dark night.

There are also a volume of special people and businesses who supported us immediately, without question, without hesitation (we apologize if we have missed anyone as it’s been hard to keep up in the chaos).

  • Electrical Solutions (Lonnie & team)
  • Splash Media Group
  • Brownridge Insurance (Gord)
  • Velocity Truck Centres
  • Noratek Solutions
  • Cameron Young
  • United Rentals
  • Rob Chick from Telus
  • Bandstra Transportation
  • Clark Freightways
  • WSI
  • Alliant Systems
  • Nicholson Mechanical

Countless other businesses and community members also reached with various offers. We appreciate the gestures and it really shows how our community can come together – truly, thank you.

Lastly, to our group of industry professionals who are willing to give support and help us through our regrowth, who include: EcoSan, EcoTex and Spotless Drycleaners. This is so greatly appreciated, it’s hard to have the right words to express our gratitude.

It’s a brighter day today and we could not thank everyone enough!

Shaun Heighington
President

Kannegiesser Expands Global Presence with North American Rebrand

Kannegiesser Etech, Inc., the U.S.-based subsidiary of Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH of Germany, is announcing a name change for its North American business unit. Effective immediately, Kannegiesser Etech, Inc. will become Kannegiesser North America, Inc.

In 2017, Kannegiesser USA acquired E-Tech Systems, forming Kannegiesser Etech. Over the past eight years, this business unit has experienced exponential growth, serving not only the U.S. market but also customers across North America and around the world. The new name, Kannegiesser North America, reflects this expansion and aligns with the naming conventions of other Kannegiesser business units globally.

“As Kannegiesser’s worldwide operations and customer base continue to grow, we felt this was the right time to introduce this update in conjunction with the 2025 Clean Show,” said Tina Kannegiesser, CEO of Kannegiesser GmbH.

Kannegiesser Canada Inc. remains active and continues to serve the Canadian market under the Kannegiesser brand. The name change reflects broader regional alignment and doesn’t affect the Canadian entity.

Kannegiesser will showcase its latest innovations at the 2025 Clean Show in Orlando this August.

JULY 2025 NEWS

TRSA Foundation Awards $2,500 Scholarships to Five Students

Five outstanding students from across North America have been awarded $2,500 Merit-Based College/Technical Institution Scholarships by TRSA’s foundation, the Textile Rental Education and Research Trust. Open to full-time employees of TRSA member companies and their immediate family members, the scholarship program supports academic achievement by helping fund tuition at accredited colleges, universities and technical schools.

Meet the 2025 scholarship recipients:

Blake Alberda, son of Aron Alberda, Business Performance Director at K-Bro Linen Systems Inc., is entering the University of Alberta to study Business and Law. He recently graduated magna cum laude from high school, where he was a student leader and accomplished athlete—serving as assistant captain of the ice hockey team, coaching junior hockey and playing on the soccer and volleyball teams.

Amanda Ciardullo, daughter of Jennifer Ciardullo, Director, Human Resources at Unitex Healthcare Laundry Services, is pursuing a dual degree in Economics and Political Science at Texas Tech University, with plans to graduate in 2028. During her first year, she earned President’s List honors for academic excellence. A dedicated volunteer with a passion for making a difference, Amanda has achieved the rank of Ambassador Girl Scout—the highest honor in Girl Scouts.

Michael Manes, son of Kelly Milbrandt, Assistant Controller at Wildman Uniform & Linen, is entering Indiana University Bloomington to study Intelligent Systems Engineering. A recognized scholar-athlete, in high school Michael earned Academic All-State honors in cross-country running, was named a Rising Star of Indiana for academic excellence and was recognized as a Commended Student by the National Merit Scholarship Foundation. 

Keegan McKillip began his journey at Felins USA Inc.—where his father, Joe McKillip, serves as Regional & Automation Sales Manager—as a production intern after his sophomore year of high school. He later advanced to the Technical Service Department through the Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship program. Now a high school graduate, Keegan is pursuing an associate degree in Robotics and Automation Engineering Technology at Waukesha County Technical College while continuing to support the Felins team.

Carlos Munar, Jr., son of Carlos Munar, Regional Service Director at Nixon Medical, is entering the University of Delaware-Newark to study Computer Engineering. In high school, he was a distinguished honor roll student and active member of the National Economics Challenge club.

“This scholarship program is one way the TRSA Foundation gives back and supports our members,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA President and CEO. “It helps employees and their families to keep learning, growing and moving forward—an exciting step toward what’s next. Congratulations to this year’s recipients—we wish every applicant continued success.”

The Textile Rental Education and Research Trust is dedicated to advancing industry education, research and professional development. Funded by donations from TRSA members, the foundation has helped support more than 30 internships and awarded over 15 scholarships to employees of TRSA operator and supplier partner companies and their families. It has also supported important research initiatives, including the Global Textile Services Market Analysis produced with the Economist Intelligence Unit, and an upcoming economic impact study from Oxford Economics, set to be released later this year.

Lavatec to introduce Hall of Fame program at Clean Show

Lavatec plans to honor several exceptional customers at the Clean Show in August in Orlando. The inaugural class of Lavatec’s Hall of Fame will be inducted during a 30-minute ceremony on Sunday, August 24 at 3 p.m. in booth 1303.

Mark Thrasher

Mark Thrasher, Lavatec president and managing partner, talked about the importance of creating an event that recognizes highly valued customers.

“We are getting close to reaching our 9,000th machine installation in North America. One of the things we have in common with the majority of our customers is an appreciation for equipment that actually lives up to expectations,” said Thrasher, in reference to how some of Lavatec’s machines continue to deliver powerful results after 25 or 30 years of continuous operation.

He indicated that future Hall of Fame members will be inducted at subsequent Clean Shows.

“The companies we will champion at this year’s event epitomize those who are steadfast in their commitment to being the best in the industry. Each possess an outstanding track record, and like Lavatec, they value unconventional thinking and place a priority on high performance. This first group represents an impressive cross section who have displayed an exceptional ability to lead by example,” he said.

DLI Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Award Recipients

The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) is proud to announce the induction of three outstanding industry professionals into its Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the drycleaning and laundry industry.

Jim Barry

Jim Barry built Pride Cleaners, sold to Johnson Group in England, formed Green Earth Cleaning, then helped launch Tide as the first franchise owner in the U.S. in Kansas City. He enhanced the prestige of high-end garment care by founding a network that defined excellence in premium drycleaning. His marketing acumen, eye for quality, and passion for partnership helped many cleaners refine their brand and operations. Through his leadership, he created a sense of community among operators and pushed the industry toward higher standards.

Dan Eisen

Dan Eisen is a teacher who taught many hundreds if not thousands of students how to clean and spot. Eisen worked on many issues like Care Labeling and developing Professional Wetcleaning. Eisen has written many columns in industry trade press, as well as manuals and books and served as long time Chief Garment Analyst for the National Cleaners Association. Eisen’s contributions often happened out of the spotlight, but they touched nearly every corner of the industry. His legacy is one of practical wisdom and genuine service.

James Peuster

James Peuster revolutionized the route side of the drycleaning business by treating it as a true sales and customer service discipline. His hands-on training and consulting empowered hundreds of operators to grow their delivery programs with professionalism and efficiency. Peuster brings unmatched energy, enthusiasm, and practical insight to every engagement. He has been invited to work at over 300+ drycleaners and has spoken over 100+ times on behalf of garment care associations. His influence can be seen on vans, uniforms, and customer doorsteps across the country.

Jane Zeller

Jane Zellers spent decades shaping the educational and professional development landscape of the drycleaning industry. Her behind-the-scenes leadership helped countless operators gain certifications, sharpen their skills, and raise the standard of service, industry-wide and with the Pennsylvania & Delaware Cleaners Association. Known for her integrity, reliability, and deep industry knowledge, Zellers made a lasting impact through quiet excellence. She is a model of professionalism and commitment whose influence will be felt for years to come.

Honoring Excellence

These inductees exemplify the highest standards of leadership, integrity, and dedication to the industry. The DLI Hall of Fame Award recognizes industry professionals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence. This year’s group of inductees join the following professionals in receiving this award: Michael Nesbit, Jim Douglas, Dixie Stoddard, Barney Deden, Stan Golomb, Chris Edwards, Jeffrey Miller, Sid Tuchman, Donald Fawcett, Walter “Buster” Bell, and Milton Chortkoff.

“We are grateful to everyone who nominated an industry legend for this award, be they members of DLI or otherwise,” Mary Scalco, DLI’s CEO said. “We know excellence on this level can be found in all corners of our industry. Our goal is to spotlight those professionals whose contributions stand to inspire others and help make our industry stronger.”

DLI’s Board of Directors will present the awards to several of this year’s group of Hall of Fame inductees before the opening education session at the Clean Show of their choosing. Details for the 2026 Hall of Fame nomination period will be released early next year.

For more information on DLI’s Hall of Fame, please visit DLIonline.org/HoF.

DLI’s Board of Directors appreciates everyone who nominated their industry hero for the 2025 awards. The program resumes in April 2026 when nominations open for the next class of Hall of Fame inductees.

America’s Best Cleaners Celebrates 25 Years of Industry Leadership
with Heartfelt Tribute in Tulsa

America’s Best Cleaners (ABC), the premier certification and consulting agency for the garment care industry, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a powerful and emotional gathering of affiliates, partners, and friends in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Hosted by Fox Cleaners, the event was part of the Spring Accelerator Live series and marked a major milestone in ABC’s legacy of excellence, innovation, and community. The celebration honored the individuals and businesses that have made ABC a cornerstone of the luxury garment care industry. The multi-day event featured interactive workshops, powerful peer-to-peer presentations, and special acknowledgments, all culminating in a fun evening celebration hosted at the W.O.M.P.A. creative campus with live music and several art exhibitions.

The evening started with a retrospective video tribute featuring exclusive interviews with founder Ed D’Elicio, whose original vision for certifying and elevating garment care professionals created a standard that still defines excellence today. In a surprise video appearance, Ed offered a heartfelt toast to the affiliates and Executive Director Christopher White, who has led ABC for over two decades and played a pivotal role in shaping its mission.

The program also included a touching tribute to ABC’s history by longtime affiliate Andrew Rivkin of Embassy Cleaners (New York, NY), who reflected on the growth of the organization and the deep relationships forged over the years. The affiliation proudly recognized and celebrated the decades of passionate contributions by ABC’s Senior Consultant Liz Davies, whose influence continues to shape affiliate success.

Christopher White

Executive Director Christopher White delivered deeply heartfelt and passionate remarks and a toast to the affiliates, expressing gratitude for their unwavering commitment and shared pursuit of excellence. During his remarks, special recognition was given to ABC’s longtime sponsoring partners in attendance—Sankosha USA, SMRT Systems, Luetzow Industries, and BeCreative 360—whose collaborative spirit and innovation have supported ABC’s mission. A special tribute was made to Kreussler Textile Care and Xplor Spot, two partners who believed in ABC from day one and have provided continuous support for over two decades.

The evening concluded with closing remarks from Toran Brown of Rytina Cleaners, past President of the California Cleaners Association and incoming President of the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute. Brown eloquently shared what ABC has meant to the industry—and its critical role in shaping the future of textile care.

“This wasn’t just a celebration of years,” said White. “It was a celebration of people. Of relationships. Of shared values, lessons, and the kind of grit it takes to elevate an industry together.”

Affiliates from across North America participated in the gathering, sharing stories of affiliate events worldwide, mentorship, growth, and collective transformation. Attendees were moved by the sincerity and passion reflected in every detail—from the tribute to longtime industry leaders like Rick Bugdanowitz to the powerful reminder that ABC is not just an affiliation but a family.

Andre Lobato of La Nouvelle Cleaners shared his thoughts on the evening’s events, “It was an honor to be part of such a landmark occasion for America’s Best Cleaners. The friendships we’ve formed and the collaborative spirit we’ve fostered truly highlight the breakthroughs in our industry. ABC’s legacy stands as a testament to the power of partnership, inspiring us all to elevate our standards and practices for a brighter future.”

Monika Manter of Balfurd Cleaners also reflected on the impact ABC has in the dry cleaning industry, “The 25th anniversary of ABC was a can’t-miss meeting for me. Previous to joining, I thought ABC was simply a network of top-tier companies, but it’s so much more than that. ABC’s long legacy of excellence includes best business practices, but even more importantly, it’s shaping the direction and future of garment care. The focus on sustainability and innovation benefits every cleaner, regardless of whether they’re part of the affiliation, and we’re proud to be involved in these causes.”

About America’s Best Cleaners

Founded in 2000, America’s Best Cleaners is a leading certification body and consulting group for the luxury garment care industry. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, ABC supports its elite network of affiliates with rigorous benchmarking, business development resources, and transformative live events.

For news earlier than the articles above, please visit the New Archives.