NORTH AMERICA
Randy Bartsch, chairman of Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service, based in Vancouver, Canada was elected as the 68th chair of the North America trade association TRSA’s Board of Directors as the association’s 111th Annual Conference concluded in Colorado Springs. Bartsch made history as the first elected leader from outside the United States and is the first Canadian chairman in the association’s 112-year history.
Bartsch’s major objective as the new chair of TRSA is to focus on promoting environmental sustainability and the efficacy of reusable linen and textiles. Bartsch believes that the industry and 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,” said Bartsch.
Outgoing chair, Jim Kearns, reflected on his tenure, highlighting significant progress in advocacy, developing Environmental Social Governance (ESG) resources, and promulgating industry best practices Through 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 said.
TRSA president and 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. We are deeply thankful for his contributions and the positive impact he has made for the industry and TRSA,” Ricci said. “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, Dempsey Uniform and Linen Supply as vice chair and Roger Harris, president and CEO, 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, 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 are 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.”
