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Getting to Know You

Recent TCATA conference provides ‘more intimate setting’

TAMPA, Fla. — While attendance was lower than usual, the networking, knowledge-sharing and social interaction at the Textile Care Allied Trades Association’s (TCATA) recent 2018 Annual Management and Educational Conference in Puerto Rico was abundant, it reports.

“Several attendees commented that the reduced attendance provided for increased opportunities to get to know other members in a more intimate setting,” the association relates, adding that “comments received from attendees reflected that the business program was outstanding.”

TCATA conference speaker Bill Graham discussed tangible ways to “increase your personal likeability, resulting in better business and personal relationships.”

Keynote speaker Herb Meyer, a former high ranking official at the CIA, provided a unique perspective on global economic and political developments, noting that there is much good news – though often unreported – around the world.

“A key takeaway for all businesses,” TCATA says, “is that there are growing numbers of people around the world emerging from poverty, creating an expanding market for all kinds of products and services.”

Another speaker, Gene Marks, expanded on a list of key items – many because of the recent tax bill – that all businesses should be aware of in the coming years.

At Saturday night’s closing dinner Gerald Henke, Intex Distributing, was honored as he retired as TCATA president. Leslie Schaeffer of National Clothesline was installed as the new president of the Association, it reports.

In other activities, the association notes, “attendees enjoyed Thursday’s dinner party at a very special venue when they gathered at the Siesta Alegre, a beautiful and unique house located in the El Yunque Rain Forest.

“Spouses and guests got to know each other during a luncheon in which they learned how to make some local drinks,” it adds.

tcata board of directors at may 2018 mtg web

At the 2018 TCATA Annual Management Conference held in Puerto Rico in May, the Board of Directors posed for a photo. Top row from left: Gene Williams, American Laundry Products; Michael Leeming, Parker Boiler; Second row from left: Charles Thompson, American Trade Magazines LLC; Jim Horwath, Horwath Laundry Equipment; Peter Limoncelli, Yankee Equipment Systems; Bill Schnitzer, Quality Fabricators. Front row from left: Bill Brooks, Alliance Laundry Systems/Unimac; Matt Lamons, Loomis Brothers Equipment; Kurt Wickiser, Seitz The Fresher Co.; Alexander Seitz, Seitz The Fresher Co.; Gerald Henke, Intex Distributing. Not pictured: Mack Magnus, M & B Hangers; Orville Johnson, FabriClean Supply; John Silverman, Tschopp Supply; and Kelly Kelleher, Kelleher Equipment. (Photos: TCATA) 

tcata speaker bill graham at may 2018 mtg web

TCATA 2018 Conference speaker Bill Graham discussed tangible ways to “increase your personal likeability.” 

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