WASHINGTON — Members and staff of the Textile Rental Services Association of America (TRSA) and the American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA) are prepping for their annual visit to our nation’s Capitol next month to meet with legislators and discuss issues of importance to our industry. They’ll meet May 7-8 at the Westin Embassy Row in Washington, and there’s no registration fee to attend.
The annual day-and-a-half conference is a chance for owner/operators, senior executives and textile service managers to become more familiar with issues such as opening Veteran Affairs laundries to private-sector competition, ending competition from prison laundries for commercial contracts, expansion of the Family Medical Leave Act and comprehensive immigration reform, among others.
“The textile services industry is enjoying a period of strong growth,” says TRSA CEO Roger Cocivera, “but one of the potential threats to that expansion is legislative and regulatory interference by Congress and government agencies. Nothing has the power to impact the future of your business so quickly and so definitely than government action.”
With the recent change in power in Congress, the industry is already seeing issues emerge that can reshape the industry, Cocivera says.
“This includes proposals to change the minimum wage, allow unions to organize by stripping the right of workers to a secret-ballot election, and a mandate for seven days paid sick leave. Each of these initiatives can have a profound impact on our industry, and we are only two months into the new Congress.”
Howard Zins, ARTA’s legislative director, says that association will again work to impress upon legislators the benefits of reusable textiles as a practical alternative to disposables in moderating increasing healthcare costs and offering environmental advantages.
The event includes a complimentary continental breakfast and a Congressional reception on Capitol Hill, along with a general session that includes a keynote speaker and two additional educational seminars.
All members of the textile services industry are invited to attend. TRSA has negotiated a discount group rate at the Westin of $269/night plus tax. Those interested may call the hotel’s reservation line at 202-293-2100 and mention “Textile Rental Services Association” to get the special rate.
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