Next Generation Executives Network

Background | Mission | Structure | Criteria for Participation | Events, Activities, and Meetings

Leadership | Focus & Topics | Current Projects | TRSA Staff Liaison


Background

TRSA Next Generation Executives Network (NGE) peers are committed to creating professional development, information-sharing, and networking opportunities for the industry’s future leaders to develop the skills and relationships necessary to expand the linen, uniform, and facility services market.


Mission

The NGE’s mission is to provide opportunities for the linen, uniform, and facility services industry’s future leaders to meet, learn and network.


Structure

Membership in the NGE is open to active TRSA members, operators, and supplier partners who may appoint their employees to the network. Multiple employees from a single member company are accepted. Participants and invitees will be reviewed annually based on their engagement with the network.


Criteria for Participation

Active members from within their respective member companies may nominate representatives that fit one or more of the following criteria:

  • Identified as potential emerging leaders and “rising stars” within their company
  • Future potential C-Suite candidates
  • Enthusiastic, talented, and creative individuals who are passionate about progressing their careers within the linen, uniform, and facility services industry


Events, Activities, and Meetings

The NGE conducts an annual workshop (June/July) in conjunction with the TRSA Strategic Planning Committee and/or Leadership Summit, plus two (or more) virtual problem-solving sessions, as well as formal and informal networking and information-sharing sessions at the TRSA Legislative and Annual Conferences and the Clean Show. In addition, the network hosts an organizational meeting at the Legislative Conference and quarterly Executive Committee meetings.


Leadership

An Executive Committee comprised of five-to-seven (5-7) members of the network will be appointed for two-year terms subject to the review and approval of the TRSA Chair. In addition, a Board of Directors Liaison will be identified to ensure a channel of communications is available from the network directly to TRSA leadership.

Co-Chair: Peter Brown, Mickey’s Linen, Chicago, IL
Co-Chair: Andrew Steiner, Alsco Inc., Salt Lake City, UT
Vice Chair: Bob Fesmire Jr., Ellis Corp, Itasca, IL
Vice Chair: Tony Jackson, Kannegiesser ETECH, Minneapolis, MN
Board Liaison: Jake Gurtler – Gurtler Industries Inc., South Holland, IL
Supplier Council Liaison: Tyler Fowler, M+A Matting, Lagrange, GA
Staff Liaison: Joseph Ricci, TRSA, Alexandria, VA


Focus & Topics

The network values in-depth knowledge and experience in presenting opportunities to network and learn within a group of industry peers representing the leaders of today and its future.

The NGE will focus on a variety of issues critical to leadership development:

  • Leadership development that can assist both the individual and the team
  • Strategies and best practices specific to the linen, uniform, and facility services industry
  • Presentation, speaking, and facilitation skills that help leaders develop in their present roles and grow with their companies
  • Host speakers, panels, and workshops on issues and topics of interest
  • Activities and exercises to strengthen principles learned
  • Network with one another to share experiences and learn from other members’ experiences
  • Produce resources like problem-solving sessions, scholarship programs, and other activities that help other TRSA members to enhance and develop their own leadership skills


Current Projects
Professional Development Events

Initiatives include programming for the Leadership Summit, which enables Next Generation executives to make new contacts and leverage ties with existing ones. In-person and virtual Next Generation Workshops address issues such as family business dynamics, general business strategies, strategic planning and multi-generational workforce/HR. Next Gen sessions also take place at the Annual Legislative Conference and Annual Conference.

Industry Internship Program

To support members who take advantage of TRSA’s program that places students with them typically for eight to 10 weeks, the network provides guidance on appropriate positions and tasks for such arrangements. The program fulfills TRSA’s objective of supporting members in recruiting the next generation of industry leadership/management.

Learn More

Electronic Communications

Social media, such as a LinkedIn group, is a possible initial means for online information-sharing and networking on industry matters for Next Gen executives, eventually migrating to a forum on the TRSA website. To communicate with industry recruits, the committee is considering participating in Creators Wanted, a web-powered National Association of Manufacturers effort to reach youth and prepare them for careers on shop floors through vo-tech education, apprenticeships, and re-skilling.



TRSA Staff Liaison

Joseph Ricci
jricci@trsa.org
540.613.5088

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