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OCTOBER 2026 NEWS

TRSA and Association Laboratory Expand Partnership

TRSA is deepening its relationship with Association Laboratory Inc. to expand the organization’s ability to conduct, analyze and share research that supports its members and helps strengthen the linen, uniform and facility services industry.

The expanded relationship will build on TRSA’s existing research and turn industry data and analysis into actionable business intelligence, thought leadership and information that supports industry growth. By improving its research capabilities and how findings are communicated, TRSA will help members gain valuable insights into the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping their businesses and the broader industry.

“Research is an important investment for our members, and we want to make sure we’re maximizing its full value,” said Joseph Ricci, president and CEO of TRSA. “Deepening our relationship with Association Laboratory will enhance how we conduct and analyze research, but just as importantly, how we put that information to work. Our goal is to provide meaningful insights members can use to better understand the forces shaping our industry and identify opportunities for future growth.”

“The commercial laundry, textile and facility services industry plays an important role in communities across the country, and to support better decision-making, there is a need to develop a better understanding of the trends and forces shaping the industry,” said Dean West, president of Association Laboratory. “We are excited to continue our engagement with TRSA and support its work on behalf of this valuable industry.”

As part of the expanded relationship, TRSA and Association Laboratory will identify opportunities for research that can provide timely and actionable insights. Areas of focus may include: 

  • Trends and business conditions affecting the industry, how those conditions are evolving, and how companies can adapt to support future growth.
     
  • Environmental scanning and emerging issues that could have long-term implications for the industry and help anticipate and prepare for change.
     
  • Ensuring research findings are shared with members and the broader industry to turn data into insights, stories and information that can inform decision-making.

About TRSA

TRSA (www.trsa.org) represents the nearly $30 billion North American linen, uniform and facility services industry, which employs 130,000+ people at 1,500+ facilities. The association advocates for fair, balanced tax and regulatory policies while promoting the industry as the “original recyclers” that reuse, repair, repurpose and recycle textiles.

About Association Labs

Founded in 1999, Association Laboratory helps association leaders make better decisions through research and strategy consulting services, dissemination of association sector research insights, and the education of association leaders.  The globally recognized and award-winning company advises leading state, national, and global associations from Washington, D.C., and Chicago offices.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Whirlpool Sneak Peek for EXPOdetergo 2026

Solutions for vended, multi-housing and OPL from Maytag Commercial Laundry and ADC.

Whirlpool Corporation will showcase its latest commercial laundry solutions at EXPOdetergo International 2026, held Oct. 23-26 at Fiera Milano in Rho, Italy (Hall 3P / Stand V02 Z10).

The international exhibition brings together more than 200 global professionals to explore equipment, services and solutions for the textile care industry. At the Whirlpool Corporation booth, attendees can explore equipment for vended, multi-housing and on-premise laundry (OPL) applications from Maytag® Commercial Laundry and ADC Brands.

“EXPOdetergo provides an essential opportunity to connect with laundry professionals worldwide and demonstrate the future of our brands,” said Michael Ledford, senior director and general manager, Commercial Laundry, Whirlpool Corporation. “From the flexibility of our Maytag Multi-Load line to the engineering excellence of ADC’s drying solutions and the durability of our completely redesigned top-load platform, we are bringing equipment designed around the real-world operational needs of laundry businesses.”

Performance and Versatility for Real-World Laundry Operations

The Whirlpool Corporation booth will feature:

  • Maytag Commercial Laundry Multi-Load Lineup: Available in capacities ranging from 25 to 85 pounds, these models combine commercial performance with an intuitive 7-inch touchscreen. Flexible programming and USB-C connectivity give operators greater control over cycles and help them meet the needs of their customers.
  • ADC Drying Solutions: Building on more than 50 years of global recognition as a leader in industrial drying, ADC will showcase its latest performance-focused solutions, designed to deliver the efficiency, durability and reliability commercial laundry operators demand.
  • Newly Redesigned Maytag Commercial Top-Load Platform: The completely redesigned top-load washer platform is built for durability and ease of maintenance. The DuraCore™ system features a gearless direct drive motor and base-mount suspension, replacing traditional high-maintenance components and designed to power. With simplified diagnostics and an intuitive interface, simplified service and maintenance. 

More to See at the Whirlpool Corporation Booth

Representatives will be available throughout EXPOdetergo to discuss your specific laundry operations, equipment needs and business goals.

Attending from Whirlpool Corporation:

  • Luis Lopez, vice president & general manager
  • Michael Ledford, general manager, global commercial laundry
  • Amy Gardner, global leader, sales service & parts, commercial laundry
  • Michael Buzzard, director, product & brand marketing 
  • Chris Vasconcellos, senior manager, product development
  • Daniele Balbi, EMEA & LAR sales manager
  • Joe Carrita, customer relations manager
  • Jennifer Gonzalez, head of service, commercial laundry
  • Freddy Luperon, field service area manager
  • Andre Rado, field service manager
  • Carlos Vasquez, senior manager sales strategy & bus ops 

About Whirlpool Corporation Commercial Laundry

Whirlpool Corporation Commercial Laundry provides a comprehensive lineup of washers and dryers for coin, multi-housing, and on-premises markets worldwide. For more information, visit our websites. 

Over the Counter Is Now Available in French

The CSR training book Over the Counter, written by industry icon Marcia Todd (and updated by Becca Anderson and Jan Barlow) is now available in French.

The book includes 25 short chapters on various aspects of CSR training (greeting customers, remembering names, handling clothes, grooming, dealing with phones/texts/emails, etc.). Each chapter ends with discussion questions that can be reviewed with a supervisor, and a comprehensive quiz at the end of the book to test comprehension. A Certificate of Achievement reinforces completing the training.

The book is available now in English, French and Spanish on Amazon as a paperback or an ebook. Visit the website for links to each version of the book. The cost is $10 for paperback and $4 for ebook.

Over the Counter est maintenant disponible en français

Le manuel de formation pour le personnel du service à la clientèle Over the Counter, rédigé par Marcia Todd, figure emblématique de l’industrie, et mis à jour par Becca Anderson et Jan Barlow, est maintenant disponible en français.

Le livre comprend 25 courts chapitres portant sur différents aspects de la formation du personnel du service à la clientèle : accueillir les clients, se souvenir de leur nom, manipuler les vêtements, soigner sa présentation, gérer les appels téléphoniques, les textos et les courriels, et bien plus encore. Chaque chapitre se termine par des questions de discussion qui peuvent être examinées avec un superviseur. Un questionnaire complet à la fin du livre permet de vérifier la compréhension du contenu. Un certificat de réussite souligne l’achèvement de la formation.

Le livre est maintenant offert en anglais, en français et en espagnol sur Amazon, en version papier ou numérique. Visitez le site Web de Fabricare Canada pour accéder aux liens vers chaque version du livre. Le prix est de 10 $ pour la version papier et de 4 $ pour la version numérique.

SEPTEMBER 2026 NEWS

Carlos Fernandes and Kenny Cohen Receive IAHTM Don Pedder Lifetime Achievement Awards

(L-R) Kenny Cohen, Carlos Fernandes and their wives at the awards ceremony.

The International Association for Healthcare Textile Management (IAHTM)  announced the recipients of the 2026 Don Pedder Lifetime Achievement Award: Carlos Fernandes of Jensen-Group, and Kenny Cohen of American Dawn (ADI).

Presented on September 1 at the awards dinner of IAHTM’s 2026 Annual Education Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, the Don Pedder Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have significantly advanced the laundry industry and exemplify the traits of an ideal manager or sales professional.

Carlos Fernandes receiving award from Rocco Romeo.

Rocco Romeo (HLS Linen Services) presented the award to Carlos Fernandes. He was lauded by London Hospital Linen Service CEO Brendan O’Neill, who called him “the best-dressed person in this industry.” He spoke of how Carlos was laid off by a distributor, only to arrive home to hear that Jens Voldbaek, then president of Jensen, wanted him to call back. The rest of his career was history, as he has spent decades working for that company.

After joining Jensen in 1992, he built its direct-to-laundry sales model from the ground up in Canada, a program Jensen later brought to the United States. Now Senior Vice President for North America, the Caribbean, and Central America, Carlos is a longtime IAHTM partner sponsor and committee member, and a fiercely loyal advocate for his customers.

During his 33 years at Jensen, Carlos has progressed through many roles:

  • Regional Sales Manager, serving the Canadian market, in 1992.
  • Vice President of Finishing Technologies in 1996.
  • Regional Vice President in 1998.
  • And finally, Senior Vice President of North America, the Caribbean, and Central America in 2023.

In addition to his support and involvement in IAHTM, Carlos has also been involved in TRSA, ARTA, HLAC, and CALA. He receive the Canadian Industry Person of the Year Award from Fabricare Canada in 2022. 

In addition to his support and involvement in IAHTM, Carlos has also been involved in TRSA, ARTA, HLAC, and CALA. He receive the Canadian Industry Person of the Year Award from Fabricare Canada in 2022. 

Carlos Fernandes

Accepting the award, Carlos said, “I can’t express how humbled I am, especially when there are so many people who are so worthy of this recognition. All I’ve done throughout my 40 years in this industry is simply do my job.

“I’m very fortunate to work for an organization that has supported me for 33 years and kept things fresh and interesting through growth, expanding product lines, and creative acquisitions. Thirty-three years with the same company is a long time, and throughout that time I have never considered working for another organization—or another industry, for that matter. I enjoy who I work for. I enjoy the industry.”

Looking ahead to the future of the industry, he said, “Over the past several years, though, I’ve noticed many new, younger people at these events, and it makes me happy that the new cycle has begun. We need new ideas, new processes, and new energy. It’s up to us veterans to allow them the opportunity to express themselves and carve their own paths to success. We always have to move this industry forward. We have to give the next generation the freedom and trust to take us to the next level of ideas and automation that will be needed moving forward.”

Kenny Cohen

Kenny Cohen of American Dawn (ADI) also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the event.

With more than 37 years in the industry, Kenny has built a career measured not by sales numbers or titles, but by trust, relationships, and respect. As Vice President of Sales at American Dawn, he has helped shape both the company’s growth and the culture and standards of the industry. Known for listening first, caring deeply, and never losing sight of what is best for the customer, Kenny has mentored countless people and strengthened partnerships across the field.

Warm congratulations to Carlos and Kenny, and thanks for your combined 77 years of service to the industry!

ALM Introduces ALM Circle App

New Online Member Community

The Association for Linen Management (ALM) announced the launch of the ALM Circle app, what ALM believes to be the first professional app created specifically for the textile care industry.

Available exclusively to ALM members, ALM Circle puts trusted resources, education, industry expertise, and professional connections at their fingertips. From the production floor to the executive office, members can use the app to find answers, solve problems, develop their teams, and stay connected to what is happening across the industry.

When members need a practical tool, guidance on an industry issue, or insight from someone who has faced the same challenge, they can open ALM Circle from their phone, tablet, or computer. Members can search ALM’s growing library of resources and previous discussions, ask questions, connect directly with experienced industry professionals, participate in live education, access recordings, and explore professional and career opportunities.

A significant collection of practical tools, educational materials, infection prevention resources, and industry guidance is included with ALM membership at no additional cost. Searchable profiles, direct messaging, and member discussions also make it easier to exchange ideas, learn from other operations, and build relationships throughout the industry.

“Our members should be able to turn to ALM when they need an answer, a tool, an opportunity, or someone who understands the challenge in front of them,” said Sarah Brobeck, President & CEO of ALM. “ALM Circle puts those resources and relationships in their hands, making them easier to find, use, and carry with them every day.”

The ALM Circle app is available now through the Apple App Store and Google Play. Members can also access ALM Circle through the ALM website. Future releases will add access to ALM certifications and Spanish-language resources, with additional languages considered based on member needs.

DLI School Celebrates 100 Years of Industry Leadership

The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute’s (DLI) School of Drycleaning Technology is celebrating its 100th anniversary this October, marking a century of hands-on education that has shaped generations of drycleaners and laundry professionals around the world.

Founded in 1927, the School of Drycleaning Technology was the first institution created exclusively to teach the science, craft, and business of professional garment care. Since welcoming its first class of 32 students nearly a century ago, the school has trained thousands of owners, managers, supervisors, and production staff—many of whom have gone on to become leaders and innovators within the industry.

“For 100 years, this school has helped people build skills, confidence, and successful businesses,” said Brian Johnson, DLI’s Director of Education & Analysis. “The methods, equipment, and chemistry have evolved, but the mission remains the same: delivering education that improves quality, reduces risk, and strengthens the future of professional garment care.”

A Century of Education That Evolves with the Industry

Originally a months-long program that included intensive chemistry instruction, the School of Drycleaning Technology has continuously adapted to reflect advancements in textiles, equipment, environmental practices, and business operations. Today, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training using state-of-the-art drycleaning, wetcleaning, spotting, and finishing equipment.

Courses are designed to serve students at every stage of their careers—from newcomers with no prior experience to seasoned operators seeking advanced technical training. Instruction focuses not only on how tasks are performed, but why specific techniques, chemicals, and processes are used, empowering students to make informed decisions back in their own operations.

Measurable Impact on Careers and Businesses

Graduates of the School of Drycleaning Technology consistently report improvements in garment quality, stain-removal success, production efficiency, and employee confidence after returning to their plants. Many employers view sending staff to the school as a strategic investment that reduces claims, improves customer satisfaction, and strengthens retention through professional development.

As part of the centennial celebration, DLI is launching a yearlong campaign highlighting alumni stories, historical milestones, and the school’s continuing role in preparing professionals for the challenges of today’s garment care industry.

“This anniversary isn’t just about looking back,” Johnson said. “It’s about reaffirming our commitment to education that helps businesses thrive today—and for the next 100 years.”