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OCTOBER 2026 NEWS

Miele Professional, Kreussler and Veit Launch WetCleaning Training Center

Miele Professional, in partnership with Kreussler and Veit, is launching the Miele Professional WetCleaning Training Center in Princeton, NJ, creating a dedicated environment where textile-care professionals can experience professional wet cleaning firsthand.

“We want people to experience wet cleaning for themselves and realize that it doesn’t have to be complicated,” said Paulo Rocha, Head of Miele Professional Sales. “New processes can sometimes feel intimidating simply because they are unfamiliar. Through education and hands-on experience, we want to make wet cleaning easier to understand and show textile-care professionals that it can be a practical, safe and sustainable solution for their businesses.”

Professional wet cleaning can provide an alternative approach to textile care with opportunities to reduce processing time and utility consumption, increase throughput and maintain high-quality results while providing exceptional care for garments and textiles.

Workshop and Live Training

The Training Center will officially open in November 2026 with its inaugural WetCare Workshop, bringing together textile-care professionals, industry partners and associations to explore the complete wet cleaning process. At the heart of the new Training Center is a simple goal: to demystify professional wet cleaning.

The workshop will run from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., with dinner to follow. It will be held at 9 Independence Way, Princeton, NJ.

Training will include:

• Wet cleaning programs and process optimization
• Detergent systems, spotting, and stain treatment
• Professional finishing and garment care best practices
• Workflow integration from preparation through finishing
• Techniques to improve textile care and efficiency.

Attendance is limited due to the hands-on nature of the training. Register by October 30 HERE.

“Our goal is for attendees to leave with confidence,” said Scott Lombardi, Miele Professional Country Director. “We want them to see the process, work with the equipment and understand that wet cleaning is not something they need to be intimidated by.”

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ABC Accelerator Challenged Affiliates to Rethink Brand Perception for Next Generation

America’s Best Cleaners (ABC) brought its affiliate community together September 16–18 in Sacramento, California, for its Fall 2026 Accelerator Live, hosted by Rytina Fine Cleaners and centered on the theme “Perception.” The three-day program challenged leading garment care businesses to examine how their brands are perceived today—and, more importantly, how they must evolve to connect with the next generation of luxury consumers and employees.

The Sacramento program was the culmination of several months of advance work by ABC affiliates, including a comprehensive generational brand survey and individual Brand Reality Checks designed to compare how businesses see themselves with how emerging consumers may actually experience their brands. The work will continue throughout the year as affiliates translate the insights developed in Sacramento into actionable marketing, messaging, and brand strategies.

“Hosting Accelerator Live in Sacramento allowed us to open our doors and look at our own operation through new eyes,” said Toran Brown, co-owner of Rytina Fine Cleaners. “The feedback and fresh perspectives from our peers were invaluable. It challenged us to rethink how we present our craftsmanship and service to a changing demographic without losing the core values that built our business.”

The event began with a behind-the-scenes visit to Rytina Fine Cleaners, hosted by Toran and Katie Brown, where affiliate workgroups evaluated different areas of the operation and presented observations and recommendations to the Rytina team. Attendees also visited Sacramento luxury clothier Julius to explore how an established retailer continues adapting to changes in the apparel market while preserving its luxury positioning and client experience.

Understanding the Clients of Tomorrow

The centerpiece of Accelerator Live was Katelyn Kratz of Kratz Executive Solutions, presenting “Beyond Quality: Why Connection Is the New Currency in Couture Cleaning.” Drawing from her comprehensive Generations of Clean research and the affiliate Brand Reality Checks, Kratz examined what younger consumers value, how they perceive the garment care industry, and where their expectations differ from previous generations.

“For decades, our industry has built its reputation around quality and technical expertise, and those remain essential. But the next generation of clients will not automatically value us for the same reasons their parents and grandparents did,” said Christopher White, Executive Director of America’s Best Cleaners. “We have to understand what creates trust, relevance, and connection for them, then learn how to tell our story in a way that is authentic to who we are and meaningful to who they are. Sacramento was not the end of that conversation—it was where our affiliates began turning months of research into an actionable strategy for the future.”

Kratz then facilitated two intensive affiliate workshops that moved the group from research to implementation. Affiliates defined authentic brand voices, developed storytelling and content themes, and created practical 1-3-5 brand messaging plans with clear priorities, ownership, and measurable next steps.

Sara Moncrieff of Puritan Cleaners shared, “At Rytina, we all felt inspired by the team’s warm welcome and saw their culture at work firsthand. Stepping into another excellent operation was the perfect way to start the meeting and get the creative juices flowing. In the following sessions, Chris White and Katelyn Kratz gave us a framework to honestly examine how our brands are perceived and to test our assumptions against peer, survey, and third-party data. I left Sacramento inspired and with clear goals and objectives unique to our business.” 

Technology, Storytelling and the Changing Client Journey

ABC’s strategic partners added another dimension to the Perception theme by examining how technology, equipment and digital communication increasingly shape the client experience.

Tom Beidle, CEO of Xplor Spot, explored how every interaction throughout the customer journey contributes to the story a business tells, while Paulo Rocha of Miele Professional connected brand perception with professional wet cleaning, textile care and the technology required to deliver consistent, sustainable results.

Tim Prusener of iCatch Marketing addressed “The AI Search Revolution: What Happens When Customers Stop Googling?” and the shift from traditional search toward AI-assisted discovery and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). As search becomes increasingly conversational, businesses need clear, credible, and consistent digital storytelling that demonstrates expertise and gives AI platforms the information and proof needed to understand, trust, and cite them. The challenge is no longer simply to “Get Found,” but to “Be the Answer.”

“This meeting challenged us to expand our thinking. What got us here may not get us where we want to go. Younger generations don’t view dry cleaning the same way previous generations did, so we need to rethink how we tell our story and communicate our value—not just to the next generation of customers, but to the customers we serve today,” said Kyle Matthews of Janet Davis Cleaners. 

The program concluded with ABC’s Affiliate Hot Seat sessions, where members openly shared innovations, opportunities, and business challenges for collaborative discussion. Together, the research, workshops, partner presentations and peer collaboration reinforced a central message: Perception is not simply a marketing exercise. It is the cumulative result of what a business says, what it does, what clients experience, and what others—including AI—say about it.

“Connecting with our peers and working through the Brand Reality Checks helped us pinpoint exactly where our perception meets reality,” said Janet Garman of Glyndon Lord Baltimore Cleaners. “It’s about building authentic trust and showing new clients the true value of exceptional craftsmanship.”

ABC extends special recognition to Katelyn Kratz of Kratz Executive Solutions for the extensive research, affiliate Brand Reality Checks, and facilitation that formed the foundation of the Sacramento program, as well as to Rytina Fine Cleaners and ABC’s partnering businesses for their continued investment in the development of the affiliation.

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DLI Partners with Mineral to Provide HR Support and Compliance Resources

New member benefit offers expert HR guidance, employee training, and tools to simplify workforce management.

The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) recently partnered with Mineral, a leading provider of human resources and compliance solutions, to give members access to professional HR guidance, employee training, and workforce management resources at minimal or no cost.

Through the partnership, DLI members can access Mineral’s online HR platform and consult with certified HR professionals for assistance with employee relations, workplace policies, employment regulations, and other personnel challenges.

The service also provides practical tools to help cleaners manage their businesses more efficiently, including an employee handbook builder, customizable job descriptions, HR compliance resources, employee training courses, and notifications about changing employment regulations.

“Members tell us managing employees and keeping up with changing workplace requirements is one of the biggest challenges they face,” said Mary Scalco, DLI’s CEO. “This partnership gives our members access to experienced HR professionals and practical resources to help them make informed decisions, save time, and focus on running their businesses.”

Interested parties are welcome to attend the Introduction to Mineral Webinar November 2 at 1 p.m. Eastern. Register HERE.

About Mineral

Mineral, part of Mitratech, combines HR expertise, technology, and educational resources to help businesses navigate employment regulations, manage workplace challenges, and develop effective HR practices.

Learn more at DLIonline.org/Membership or call 800-638-2627.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 NEWS

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

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.

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. 

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 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!

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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.

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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.”

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