At each Clean Show, ARTA recognizes the organization that has most effectively realized the ARTA mission to create greater awareness, appreciation and acceptance for reusable textiles. The Nate Belkin Trophy recognizes excellence in marketing reusable textiles. A Committee composed of ARTA Board members reviewed this years’ nominations, and it is our honor announce this year’s ARTA Award of Excellence, HLS Linen Services!

Headquartered in Ottawa, HLS Linen Services has been a trusted partner to hospitals, long-term care facilities, and healthcare providers across Ontario and Western Quebec for over 50 years. With more than 80 healthcare clients and a growing presence in the hospitality sector, HLS processes an astounding 72 million pounds of linen annually across its two state-of-the-art facilities.

But what truly sets HLS Linen Services apart isn’t just the scale of its operations, it's the depth of their commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. Through energy-efficient technologies, advanced water reclamation systems, and waste reduction strategies, HLS demonstrates leadership in sustainability that aligns with ARTA’s mission. Their promotion of reusable textile solutions not only reduces reliance on single-use products, but also delivers measurable economic and environmental benefits to clients.

Innovation is built into the day-to-day processes at HLS Linen Services. They have seamlessly integrated automation and RFID tracking systems to ensure precision in inventory and traceability, critical elements in healthcare linen services. Their laundering practices don’t just meet industry standards, they consistently exceed them. HLS holds multiple certifications, including HLAC accreditation Parts I through IV, ISO 9001 and 14001 compliance, and TRSA Hygienically Clean, solidifying their reputation for excellence in infection control and hygiene.

Beyond their operational success, HLS Linen Services is a strong and generous community partner. Their ongoing support of local charities and healthcare initiatives shows a heart for service that extends beyond business.

We recognize HLS Linen Services not only as a leader in our industry but as a beacon of what’s possible when innovation, integrity, and sustainability come together.

Please join us in congratulating HLS Linen Services, the well-deserved recipient of this year’s ARTA Award of Excellence.

Long time ARTA supporter, Bill Tingue recently passed away. Bill was a founding member of ARTA who served on the Board for many year. He was a strong support of ARTA and its mission. We are so grateful for the legacy that he built for the the reusable textile industry.

Read more about Bill here. 

TRSA convened the inaugural Laundry Hill Day on Feb. 6, bringing 110 industry leaders to Capitol Hill for 142 meetings with members of Congress and key staff. Held in conjunction with TRSA’s 15th Annual Legislative Conference, Laundry Hill Day brought together multiple organizations across the industry for a first-of-its-kind joint advocacy event.

Industry leaders spoke with their elected leaders on two key policy priorities:

• Expanding the use of reusable personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare. Participants asked Congress to contact the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory and urge the agency to encourage greater use of reusable healthcare contact textiles (HCTs) including PPE to enhance patient and worker safety, strengthen supply chains and reduce healthcare costs.

This effort builds on TRSA’s work with Congress in 2023 to initiate a CDC-funded study on the benefits of reusable healthcare textiles. The study, conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, concluded that reusable PPE provides significant environmental, safety and cost-saving benefits.

• Addressing the potential economic impact of new tariffs. Participants discussed with lawmakers the potential economic impacts of tariffs on imported goods, including questions about cost increases and market uncertainty. Industry leaders encouraged Congress to consider policies that support business stability and minimize costs for American businesses and consumers.

“For 15 years, our association has held an annual day on the Hill for our members to speak directly with their lawmakers,” said TRSA President and CEO Joseph Ricci. “This year, it was an honor for TRSA to help convene the first-ever Laundry Hill Day, bringing industry leaders together to advocate for policies that protect workers, support local economies and drive sustainable, cost-effective solutions for businesses. We look forward to working with lawmakers to keep the momentum going.”

A Unified Industry Effort

In addition to TRSA, participating organizations in Laundry Hill Day included the Association for Linen Management (ALM), the American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA), the CSC Network and the Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA). Together, these organizations represent the majority of the linen, uniform and facility services industry across North America.

The leaders of these organizations expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to join forces in advocating for industry priorities.

Sarah Brobeck, president and CEO of the Association for Linen Management, highlighted the event’s significance in amplifying the industry’s collective voice. “The inaugural Laundry Hill Day was a tremendous opportunity for members of the textile care industry to come together and amplify our collective voice on critical issues. Addressing the impact of proposed tariffs and highlighting the essential role of reusable textiles in healthcare directly with legislative officials is vital to the future of our industry.”

Brobeck also underscored the importance of industrywide collaboration. “We appreciate TRSA’s commitment to uniting aligned industry organizations in this effort, extending this event to those who may not traditionally engage in lobbying. ALM is grateful to be part of this initiative and even more appreciative of TRSA’s ongoing advocacy for our industry.”

Echoing this sentiment, Luci Ward, executive director of the Textile Care Allied Trades Association, emphasized the strength of a unified industry approach.

“Attending Laundry Hill Day in Washington, DC, brought together organizations from across the textile care and maintenance sectors, showcasing the industry’s collective strength and diversity,” Ward said. “By fostering collaboration at this important event, we worked together to address key industry topics such as tariffs and PPE, while advocating for policies that support sustainable and long-term growth.”

Strengthening Industry Advocacy

Other participating leaders also reflected on the value of engaging directly with lawmakers.

For Jeff Landry, executive director of CSCNetwork, Laundry Hill Day was more than a policy discussion – it was a firsthand look at advocacy in action.

“It was incredible to experience our government at work and to spend time with fellow laundry associates engaged in making our voices heard in the legislative process,” Landry said. “We look forward to attending and contributing next year.”

He extended his gratitude to the event organizers, speakers and everyone involved, acknowledging their dedication and hard work in making the event a success. “I’m inspired by the conversations and look forward to continuing to be involved in these important efforts.”

Similarly, Jim Ritchie, executive director of the American Reusable Textile Association, emphasized how the event advanced the industry’s shared goals. “Laundry Hill Day successfully brought together the full range of voices from across the industry to advocate for our members’ common interests. ARTA’s research on the value of reusable textiles helps educate policymakers as well as industry leaders on key issues. We appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with TRSA and other associations on this important event and look forward to continuing this partnership in the future.”

Check out the 2024 ARTA Annual Report hot off the press!

Click here to read the Annual Report. 

COLUMBIA, SC, February 13, 2024 —The American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA) announces new President of the Board the Directors.

 

Jerry Martin, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Prudential Overall Supply has been announced as the new ARTA President of the Board of Directors.

With over 30 years of wide-ranging sales, marketing, public relations and management experience at Prudential Overall Supply, Jerry Martin uses his extensive knowledge of the company and the industry to lead Prudential’s sales and marketing efforts. Working to create a world-class sales organization at Prudential, he is committed to building and enhancing the company’s customer-focused, growth-oriented sales culture as demonstrated by being recognized on Selling Power’s “50 Best Companies to Sell For” list for the fifth consecutive year.

Jerry participates in related green industry efforts through his contributions for the American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA) where he serves as the 2024 President of the Board of Directors. He also chairs the cleanroom committee and is a member of the marketing and education conference committees. Additionally, Jerry contributes time to the Textile Rental Service Association (TRSA) and is past co-chairman of the association's Marketing & PR committee.

Through his work at TRSA, Jerry helped establish TRSA’s international standard for the Clean Green certification program. He currently serves on TRSA’s Clean Green advisory committee to help maintain the integrity of the certification program along with growing the program’s marketplace brand.
Jerry earned his M.B.A. and B.A. degrees from San Diego State University.
Jerry has been married to his wife Nicole for the past 30 years and they have two daughters (23) and (20) who all reside in the San Diego, CA area.