Strategic Planning Provides Guidance to Board and Staff

The TRSA Strategic Planning Committee, comprised of a diverse range of linen, uniform and facility services industry executives, met in Chicago to review organizational progress toward metrics-driven initiatives and to provide guidance to the Board of Directors on opportunities for TRSA to improve member value and return on investment over the next five years.

Led by TRSA Vice Chair Noel Richardson, Shasta Linen Supply Inc., and facilitated by Eric Kurjan of Six Disciplines Consulting Services, the Strategic Planning Committee participated in a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) Analysis of TRSA to identify strategic objectives for the organization. The committee reconfirmed that TRSA is implementing a good balance of strategy and execution to address issues ranging from technology and government regulation to labor shortages and skills gaps.

“It was a pleasure to spend the day with the Strategic Planning Committee,” Richardson said. “With thoughtful input, humor, as well as some persuasive lobbying, we worked through a number of difficult exercises. This committee, which sets the tone and direction for our association TRSA, is offering a new set of goals for the TRSA Board of Directors and staff to review. Everyone came away feeling proud of our association, the work they do, and recognizing that we are ‘Stronger Together.’”

TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci added that, “The committee identified TRSA’s diverse membership as a strength. This membership diversity was reflected in participation on the committee including large, national chains and single-plant independent operators to industry supplier partners.”

TRSA staff shared that the organization is exceeding year-to-date (YTD) metrics for its identified Vital Few Objectives (VFOs) including:

• Financial objectives for non-dues revenue and reserve of 105% of annual budget.
• Successful advocacy efforts in California, New York and Indiana, as well as ongoing efforts in Texas and collaboration with the EPA on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
• Broadening communications with podcasts, Breaking News and market-segment specific e-newsletters.
• Growth of Hygienically Clean and Clean Green certifications and development of online testing and study materials for the Certified Professional Laundry Manager (CPLM) program for production managers.
• Member satisfaction measured at Net-Promoter Score (NPS) of 55 with dues renewal retention at 95% and new member growth of nearly 10% resulting in a 15-year-high of more than 160 domestic laundry operators and nearly 35 international operators, as well as 130 associates or supplier members.

In preparation for the meeting, participants received textile services and association industry trends, research and survey reports to provide strategic background and context for discussions. TRSA’s Strategic Planning Committee includes the following members:

• Noel Richardson, Chair (TRSA Vice Chair)
• Bob Brill, Republic Master Chefs
• Greg Brown, Mickey’s Linen
• Dan Clark, Prudential Overall Supply
• Michael Croatti, UniFirst Corp.
• Mel Davis, Kannegiesser ETECH
• Tyler Fowler, M&A Matting
• Greg Gurtler, Gurtler Industries Inc.
• David Quinton, Quintex Services
• Bob Raphael, Service Linen Supply
• John Ross, Mission Linen Supply
• David Tingue, Tingue

In addition, TRSA staff was represented by Ricci, Vice President of Government Relations Kevin Schwalb and Vice President/COO Tom Newell.