ALM just launched a new tool for textile care management professionals, the ALM Podcast! Many of us just don't have time to sit at our desks and read another article, so this gives another way to receive ALM news and industry updates!

To access the podcasts, visit ALM's website under Resources, ALM Podcasts. You can also subscribe through your favorite podcast feed. Just search for "ALM Podcast."

This month's topic is OSHA recordkeeping and reporting, including tips of how to avoid fines in your workplace by incorrect practices, from safety expert, Barry Spurlock. Don't forget, as an ALM member, you may ask safety questions of Barry, as well as Infection Prevention questions of Dr. Fontaine Sands, in the Ask The Expert forum.

The 2019 ALM Webinar Series is now available! ALM webinars are an easy way to earn contact hours and maintain certifications. Multiple attendees from the same location may participate for one registration fee. Contact hours and proof of attendance are provided for all attendees.

Hurry, the first webinar is next week, Thursday, February 21!

ALM education sessions for The Clean Show are now listed on our website. If you haven't registered yet, remember that ALM members get a discount to attend! The 2019 Clean Show will be at the New Orleans Ernest W. Morial Convention Center. Conference registration includes participation in education programming throughout the conference. Attendees staying at ALM's conference hotel, The Royal Sonesta, will have free access to a shuttle between the hotel and the convention center, providing services in the morning and afternoon.

Sponsorship opportunities are also still available, but going fast! Contact Kyndel Brown, ALM Membership Services Coordinator, at membership@almnet.org for more information.

What has been your topic of conversation, excluding the Grammy's or today's weather? We want to know what topics are on YOUR mind! Answer the one-question survey in the ALM Networks Member Portal. Make sure to give your input for ALM to direct efforts on topics that matter to you!

ALM's president-elect, Richard Bott, RLLD, CLLM, is now the CEO of Emerald Textiles.

“The Emerald team has shown an incredible commitment to providing fantastic service at an undeniable value while scaling the organization through organic growth, acquisitions, capital investments and greenfield opportunities,” Bott said. “It is my pleasure to join this exceptional management team and employee base by continuing to enhance our value proposition and service to our customers.”

Congratulations to Rich in his new endeavor! 

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Vega Systems USA, which was previously a joint partnership with Ellis Corporation, is now fully owned and operated by their parent company in the Netherlands, Vega Systems B.V. With this change comes new titles for ALM members Thad Southwick and Kerry Bengtson!

McDonough, GA – January 2019 – Ken Tyler (left), Vice President of Government Operations, retired from Encompass Group, LLC, on December 31, 2018, after sixteen years of service with the company. Ken initially joined Encompass in 2003 as a consultant and assisted the company in creating a go-to business model for government sales. The company estimates that under his leadership, its government sales increased tenfold. Succeeding Ken Tyler is Dan Guzzo (right), who was recently promoted to Vice President, Healthcare Government Sales.

“Ken’s tenure with Encompass has resulted in a larger and stronger relationship with our VA and DOD customers. His knowledge and leadership in this area will be missed,” said John Wood, Encompass Group CEO.

ARTA President Brendan O'Neill was recently promoted to COO of London Hospital Linen Services (LHLS) in London, Ontario. 

"Brendan’s considerable experience in the field of linen and textile management will service LHLS well in its continuous drive to higher levels of service, quality and innovation," said Marcella Grail, Chair of LHLS Board of Directors.