Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel (new) coronavirus, first detected in China and now present in the United States. Because this is a new virus, much is unknown. However, to provide protection for workers and hygienically clean textiles for customers, we must implement what we know about the spread of infection while continuing to produce quality textile services.

What we know today and how to use it to protect us:

• The number one measure proven to reduce the spread of infection is proper and frequent hand washing. Intentional mindfulness to wash hands upon removal of gloves, before eating, after going to the bathroom, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, and after traversing high touch-high traffic areas.
• The fewer germs/virus present on surfaces, the less likely we are to contract the illness. Increase the frequency of cleaning contaminated surfaces.
• A simple but effective opportunity to break the chain of infection is to prevent the pathogen from reaching an individual through the use of appropriate PPE, such as gloves, gowns, goggles, and/or face shields. (Hint: face shields are an excellent countermeasure to stop the involuntary touching of a gloved hand to your face.)
• Follow Standard Precautions.

In the laundry, adherence to a proven, effective wash process and effective infection prevention measures will provide safe, quality textiles. These practices will also contribute to a safer environment for workers.

• Contain contaminated textiles at the point of collection.
• Continue a reliable wash process that utilizes the combination of mechanical action or agitation, heat, and chemicals, along with a prescribed time to achieve antimicrobial action and cleanliness will render the textiles hygienically clean.
• Adherence to proper airflow from clean to soiled (negative air pressure in soiled areas).
• Separation of clean and soiled textile products.
• Attention to thorough cleaning of carts and linen transport containers and covering textiles during transit.
• PLEASE NOTE: Contrary to rumors, currently, there are no recommendations from the CDC or any regulatory authority to use Red Bags/destroy or incinerate COVID-19 contaminated linens.

UPDATE: As of 3/12/2020, the UMVALM meeting is canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. Future meetings will be posted on ALM’s Events Calendar.

The next Upper Mississippi Valley Chapter Education Meeting will be Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at Park Nicollet Health Services Methodist Campus Hospital, located at 6500 Excelsior Boulevard, St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and a continental breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. Attendance fee is $15 and includes a tour of Methodist Hospital. More details and online payment information are available at the link below.

The Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA) will celebrate its 100-year anniversary at our 2020 Educational and Management Conference, being held at the Westin Hilton Head Island, April 29 – May 2. The annual conference will provide a strong business program, robust networking opportunities and enjoyable social activities.

The Board of Directors invites all TCATA members to attend this special conference. Conference Chair Mack Magnus (M&B Hangers) and Business Co-chairs Trevor & Canessa Hericks (Fabriclean Supply) have put together two days of exceptional speakers who will guide attendees as they chart successful paths to the future.

The keynote speaker this year is John R. DiJulius, III (left). John is president of The DiJulius Group, a customer service consulting firm that works with companies such as Starbucks, Chick-fil-A and Ritz-Carlton. He is considered the authority on world-class customer service and will discuss the importance of, and how to deliver, service that consistently exceeds customer expectations.

In addition, Ralph Nappi (right) will present Tools and Techniques for Creating Your Organization's Strategic Plan. The best companies in any industry credit a clear and concise plan for their success. Created with and for key stakeholders, an effective strategic plan provides the engagement and buy-in that is necessary for success. Ralph will share templates, techniques and tools to help attendees drive a successful process within their organizations.

For details, please visit our website www.tcata.org or contact Luci Ward, business manager, at 813-348-0075 / luci@tcata.org.

Girbau North America (GNA) recently promoted Pamela Kuffel, of Neenah, Wis., to the position of director of strategic business efficiencies and solutions. In her new role, she is responsible for partnering with leadership to identify and execute solutions that drive business value and result in sustainable and more profitable performance. Additionally, Kuffel leads initiatives to guide key business decisions and support strategic initiatives.

Colmac is pleased to announce Tom Murgatroyd has joined the Colmac sales team as an applications engineer. Tom is a 2019 graduate of Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Colmac Industries is a privately held company and the cornerstone of Colmac’s 200,000 square foot corporate office, manufacturing, and research and development campus located in Colville, Washington. Colmac Industries is the worldwide leader in garment finishing equipment, automated soil sorting and counting for the laundry and manufacturer of heat pump water heaters for commercial and industrial applications.

Girbau, a leading manufacturer in commercial and industrial laundry equipment and services, has appointed Serge Joris as its president. Joris has a solid professional career spanning over 25 years working internationally in critical roles at companies in the technology and industry sectors. His appointment comes as a result of a drive to bolster the management team at Girbau and promote the company’s growth.

Pere Girbau and Mercè Girbau, the current CEOs and the third generation in the family business based in Vic, Spain, will remain in their roles, focusing on developing strategy, new technologies, innovation and sustainability.

Girbau North America (GNA) recently welcomed Jacob Bruneau, of Oshkosh, Wis., as shipping and receiving specialist; Amy Bartol, of Berlin, Wis., as consumer finance associate; Anjelynn Coyne, of Fond du Lac, Wis., as inside sales associate; Brett Lobajeski, of Fond du Lac, as GNA technical field support specialist; and Kristi Williams, of Oshkosh, as manager of Oshkosh Express Laundry Center.