ALEXANDRIA, Va. — TRSA, the association for linen, uniform and facility services, reports that Randy Bartsch,chairman of Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service, was elected chair of the Board of Directors during the association’s Annual Business Meeting.
The meeting was held during TRSA’s 111th Annual Conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where its new board members were elected.
Bartsch made history as the first elected leader from outside the United States as the 68th chair of TRSA’s Board of Directors. His major objective is to focus on promoting environmental sustainability and the efficacy of reusable linen and textiles.
Bartsch believes that the industry and the North American economy are at an inflection point with mixed growth and consolidation, and he envisions a future with opportunities for both national and independent laundry operators.
“My preference is to see a robust and diverse industry where independent operators can learn and grow,” he says.
Outgoing chair, Jim Kearns, COO of Alsco Uniforms, reflected on his tenure as TRSA chair, highlighting significant progress in advocacy, developing Environmental Social Governance (ESG) resources, and promulgating industry best practices through the support of TRSA’s Executive Management Institute (EMI) programs leadership development and Hygienically Clean Certification.
He emphasized the rewarding journey of generating positive change in the textile services industry.
“I am confident in Randy’s leadership to continue these efforts and encourage TRSA members to stay involved and support the industry’s ongoing progress,” Kearns says.
TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci expressed his gratitude to Kearns for his dedicated service and warmly welcomed Bartsch as the new chair.
“Jim has been an exceptional leader, driving significant progress in advocacy and reinforcing industry best practices,” he says. “We are deeply thankful for his contributions and the positive impact he has made for the industry and TRSA.
“As we welcome Randy, we are excited about the future. His commitment to sustainability, certification and education will undoubtedly steer TRSA toward continued growth and innovation.
“I encourage all members to support Randy as we embark on this new chapter together.”
TRSA also elected additional officers and directors, including P.J. Dempsey, president of Dempsey Uniform & Linen Supply, as vice chair, and Roger Harris, president & CEO of Metro Linen, as treasurer.
Additional directors elected during the conference included:
- Scott Burke, President, Loop Linen (2nd term).
- Rich Kramer, President, City Uniforms and Linen.
- Ed Orzetti, CEO, ImageFirst.
In addition, the TRSA Supplier Partner Council has elected Anwer Shakoor, vice president of Unitex International Inc., as the director candidate representing Soft Goods.
Bartsch added a message to members, “The TRSA Board of Directors represents the interests of the industry’s diverse membership, including our independent operators, national and international companies as well as our supplier partners.
“Each of us is an important part of an essential service that supplies, launders and maintains linens, uniforms and other reusable textiles and facility services for customers in every sector of the economy.
“We must work together to strengthen our industry and create a more sustainable future for our customers and the communities we serve.”
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].
