July Vital Updates

Welcome New Members

B & H Linen, Inc, Monroe, NY
Bates Troy Inc. Binghamton, NY
BESTCO, Fort Dodge, Iowa
Buanderie Beaudoin, Inc, Victoriaville, QC Canada
Launder 365, LLC, Shattuck, OK
Stamford Uniform, Stamfort, CT
Les Nettoueurs FB, St. Felicien, QC Canada

Welcome New Supplier

Indy Hanger

In the News

Deadly Fungus in Linens

Members who process healthcare linen may benefit from reviewing findings of an investigation into the deaths of five children at the New Orleans’ Children’s Hospital. According to a report written by investigators from the CDC and HLAC, the linen was contaminated with an “ . . . invasive fungal infection with a high fatality rate. . . . we suspect the contamination of clean linen occurred at the laundry facility or during delivery, after the linen had been washed and dried … movement of clean linens from the end of the laundry process to the hospital is the time during which the chance of contamination is greatest.” (Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, June, 2014).
In related articles, a laundry spokesperson stated that the hospital instructed him not to cover clean linen and that soiled and clean linen were handled on the same dock.
Allan Fowler, President of Universal Unilink, urges Members who process healthcare linen to consider accreditation. “In this tragedy, at minimum, accreditation would have demonstrated the laundry’s carefully controlled process,” states Fowler. Gregory Gicewicz, President of the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) addressed ways to make the process more streamlined and less costly for Members at the 2013 Conference and in a recent article (The Advantage 01/14).
“I urge all our Members who process healthcare linen to be proactive,” Fowler comments. The HLAC offers substantial discounts for multiple laundries who sign up for accreditation at the same time. For example, 3 to 5 laundries receive a $500 discount while 6 to 10 receive $750 each and more than 10 receive $1,000 per laundry. Call Joe Stewart or Faye Anderson at 888 830-7872 if you’d like to join with other laundries for discounts.
Related articles: nola.com/business/indes.ssf/2014/04/lawsuits
Nytimes.com/2014/04/29/us/a-deadly-fungus
Theadvocate.com/news/neworleans
Universal Unilink’s Update dated 6/12/14 for link to CDC final report

Penn Emblem announces Threadless Satin Stitch Effect

Need an elegant, lustrous emblem but don’t have the budget? Look to PennTrans™ Satin Stitch Effect transfers, for a low cost alternative to direct embroidery. Digitally printed in vibrant color, these heat transfers easily apply to a broad range of fabrics. With the sheen and soft hand of embroidery, as well as resilience and durability. Use to brand performance polos and uniforms. For more information, email
sales@pennemlem.com or visit www.pennemblem.com.

CHARLES RIVER APPAREL ADDS NEW STYLES & TOOLS

With a focus on fashion-forward styles and on-trend colors, Charles River created vibrant new options for spring. Director of Design, Tsedenia Kiros, explains her inspiration behind the new pieces: “The promotional products industry is absolutely trending toward retail in a bigger way than ever before. This season, bright colors are much deeper and richer; the combination of these bright and punchy colors along with the basics create a collection that is fun and should be good sellers for our distributors.”
New Charles River’s 360 Video allows distributors to view a garment from every angle and see how the garment fits on a live person. Check out videos of the new spring line at www.charlesriverapparel.com

Venus Group adds Staff

Scott Sunday is a 22 year industry veteran who will take over the southeast region for Venus Group.

Steve Bobo, a 40+ year veteran of the textile industry joined Venus as Corporate Account Specialist.

John Barnhill, a 35 year industry veteran has moved to Senior Regional Sales Manager of institutional sales efforts in the Eastern US.

Keith Loitz joined the company as a Regional Sales Manager covering Hospitality and Institution accounts in Southern and Central California.

MOUNTVILLE MILLS UPDATES

Mountville Mills introduced a revamp of their popular Message and Safety Mats in June, 2014. With new styles and colors plus new marketing material. The safety segment is fast growing for both rental and direct sell. See complete details at www.mountvillemills.com.

Rental Sales Rep Training

The Rental Sales Rep has released the 2nd Module of his training series. Titled “Sales Organization,” it covers vital Sales Behaviors that create success. Universal Unilink Members can purchase the module for $19.99 (Retail is $39.99). Both modules can be purchased together for a discount of 20% by using the Discount Code I33YLCCO.

EXCLUSIVE DEALS & CLOSEOUTS

Check your e-mail for “UPDATES” for specials exclusively for Universal Unilink Members and Closeouts. Many Preferred Suppliers give our group first choice of closeouts with an earlier notice. In a current exclusive special, Members receive an extra 50 cent discount on alphabroder’s Harriton Polos through 7/30/14. Specials and Closeouts are also posted on the website.