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.”