2024 Management and Educational Conference Recap

(May, 2024) The Omni Barton Creek in Austin, TX, was the site of our 2024 Annual Conference held April 28 - May 1. This year's conference themed Facing the Future Together, brought together industry leaders for a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights.

Conference Chair Chip Ottman of R. W. Martin and the Conference Business Committee led by Committee Chair Renee Alvarez of Industrial Equipment and Supplies put together an incredible business program which featured keynote speakers Pamela Barnum, The Trust Agent, and Tom Edwards, Futurist and AI expert. One attendee mentioned in their survey feedback, "I don't know how you will top these speakers next year!" We will certainly give it our best shot in 2025.

During the conference, TCATA President John Silverman installed Mack Magnus of M & B Hangers as TCATA'S new President, marking a new chapter of leadership under his guidance. Mack, President of M & B Hangers, has served as TCATA Conference Chair as well as Vice President on the Board of Directors representing supply manufacturers.

TCATA also proudly introduced its newest board members. Terry Hammond of UNX Christeyns, Jack Heaviside of Sunburst Chemicals, Justin Shamion of Colmac Industries, Wes Nelson of Sankosha, and Robb Vacek of Horwath Laundry Equipment, are poised to contribute to the association's mission of advancing the textile care industry.

TCATA celebrated the anniversaries of longstanding members recognizing A-1 Products of Birmingham, AL, and Tschopp Supply of Buffalo, NY, for their 50 years of membership, as well as honoring M & B Hangers of Birmingham, AL for an incredible 75 years of membership. Look for features on the 2024 anniversary members in upcoming issues of Tidings.

Not only did we have several first time attendees, but we also had seven former Presidents in attendance. John Silverman of Tschopp Supply, Bruce Johnson of Chicago Dryer Company, Fred Schwarzmann of A. L. Wilson Chemical Company, Leslie Schaeffer of National Clothesline, Alex Atwater of A-1 Products, Gerald Henke of Intex Distributing, and Rick Kelly of Pellerin Milnor. (Pictured above).

Highlighting the spirit of leadership and collaboration within the TCATA community, the inaugural Leslie Schaeffer Member-Driven Award was presented to Leslie Schaeffer, TCATA CEO, acknowledging her outstanding contributions and commitment to the association's member driven mission. Pictured left to right- Fred Schwarzmann, Leslie Schaeffer, and John Silverman.

Before the official conference kick off, attendees enjoyed a round of golf at the Barton Creek courses. Rusty Smith, President of Forenta, sponsored prizes for those who participated.

Pictured left to right- Jim Hericks of FabriClean Supply, Rusty Smith of Forenta, and Mack Magnus of M & B Hangers winners of the Forenta golf awards.

TCATA is excited to announce that the 2025 Annual Management and Educational Conference will take place at the Ritz Carlton Tiburon in Naples, FL, April 27 – 30. Please save the date on your calendars.