Did you catch the recap of the record setting attendance at the 2018 IMPACT Conference? Photos, attendee quotes, and event highlights only capture a drop from the ocean of information and networking that was available! 

Thirsting for the knowledge you missed (or need a refresher)? David Bernstein, president of Lapauw USA and the opening general session speaker at IMPACT, has graciously allowed us to share his entire presentation with all ALM members. The video is available on ALM's website. Please note, you must be signed into your active ALM member account to view the video.

Stay tuned to future issues of Vital Threads for information on the 2020 IMPACT Conference!

One of the best, and perhaps most under-utilized ALM member benefit, is the unfettered access YOU have to an experienced Infection Preventionist! Dr. Fontaine Sands can answer your questions through "Ask the IP" on ALM's website. A question was recently received, and we wanted to be sure all members are aware of this feature and share with you both the question and answer.

Recent media traffic about a “Nightmare Bacteria” have concerned some individuals with questions about potential exposure for laundry workers. ALM wants to speak to these concerns.

An EcoDirect Laundry and Cleaners employee died May 8 after he became stuck between a dryer and conveyor system at the Niles, Illinois, business in what appears to be a work-related accident.

David Lee Graumlich passed away on April 5, 2018. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many.

David spent 33 years in the textile industry, most recently as the general manager for Goodwill Laundry and Linens in Miami, Florida, a laundry plant capable of producing 32 million pounds annually.

Encompass Group, LLC, announced Jamie Orlando has recently joined Encompass as vice president of Healthcare Textiles at the corporate headquarters in McDonough, Georgia.

David Lyday has signed on as a sales support engineer with Lavatec Laundry Technology, Inc. A laundry industry veteran for over 30 years, he will be primarily responsible for supporting field sales operations and providing project engineering services.

For the fourth consecutive year, Leonard Automatics has won the Gold Safety award from the North Carolina Department of Labor.

Puerto Rico was host to the Textile Care Allied Trades Association's (TCATA) recent 2018 Annual Management and Educational Conference. Attendees enjoyed education and networking. At the closing dinner of the conference, TCATA announced Leslie Schaeffer (left), vice president of National Clothesline, as the incoming president, who will serve two years. More information about the conference is available in the conference press release, and the press release about Schaeffer assuming the presidency is available on the TCATA website.

Colmac Industries is pleased to announce the addition of Andrew Lake to their Research and Development team.

Continental Girbau Inc. (Continental) recently strengthened its marketing department with the addition of Carissa Derge, graphic designer (left), and Matthew Liefke, web and multimedia designer (right).

For the fifth consecutive year, Ecolab Inc., the global leader in water, hygiene, and energy technologies and services, is ranked in the top 10 on Corporate Responsibility (CR) Magazine’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens list, which recognizes the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of public companies in the U.S. Ecolab ranks eighth on the 2018 Best Corporate Citizens list.