Sassy Scrubs, a United States based manufacturer and online retailer of medical uniform scrubs, has partnered with Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to bring a touch of nostalgia and style to a new Dinosaur exhibit.

Sassy Scrubs’ custom fossil-themed lab coats are currently being shown off at Ripley’s Aquarium by their Geode Cracking Specialists. Ripley’s Aquarium is a subsidiary of Ripley’s Entertainment, known for attractions such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Ripley’s Haunted Adventures, Ripley’s Moving Theatre, and Ripley’s Mirror Maze.

Ripley’s new Dinosaur exhibit “Dinosaurs – When Giants Ruled ”, which is a limited engagement at the Aquarium until October 1, 2012, features a Geode Center.  Here, visitors can have their very own geode rock split open right before their eyes.  Ripley’s Geode Cracking ‘specialists’, who will remain a permanent feature of the Aquarium, are decked out in custom lab coats made from the fabric “T-Rex Fossils”, which were made especially for this event by Sassy Scrubs.

Ripley’s Aquarium Director of Retail, Jon Mula, found Sassy Scrubs online while searching for dinosaur related lab coats.  Jon was very excited to have found a company that could make such appropriate lab coats, and in the time frame he was working with.  “Sassy Scrubs really came through for us when we needed a special lab coat to go with the theme of our new business here at Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach!” states Jon Mula.

In order to celebrate companies committed to sustainability, Cintas Corporation, the largest uniform supplier in North America, today announced the winners of its first Green Garment Award. Revel Entertainment Group, LLC, Health Management Associates, Inc., Avis Budget Car Rental, LLC and Montefiore Medical Center were presented with the award for purchasing the largest quantities of recycled polyester apparel that diverts plastic bottles from landfills and conserves water and energy. In total, Cintas customers helped divert the equivalent of 15 million 16.9 ounce plastic bottles from entering the landfill in 2011.

“Amid global warming and considerable ‘plastic soup’ buildup in the oceans, it is imperative that companies embrace initiatives that protect the environment,” said Todd McKeown, Vice President of Global Hospitality and Gaming, Cintas. “The Green Garment Award gives us the opportunity to generate awareness of these issues and shine the spotlight on companies that are proactively making a difference in reducing the consumption of raw materials.”

Presented in conjunction with Earth Day, the Green Garment Awards celebrate companies that have purchased the highest number of garments from Cintas’ EcoGeneration™ collection. Each garment in the collection is created using an innovative plastic-to-fiber process. Plastic bottles are diverted from landfills and transformed into recycled polyester fibers, which are then woven into wearable fabrics. The process reduces landfill waste, saves energy and reduces CO2 emissions.

“All over the country, organizations are realizing significant environmental and financial savings from ‘greening’ their operations,” said Kristin Sharp, Director of Design and Merchandising at Cintas. “We’re proud to help our customers reduce their carbon footprint by offering environmentally-friendly apparel.”

Attire purchased by the winning companies includes eco-friendly slacks, pants, jackets, shirts and blazers.

Phoenix Uniforms announces the launch of their 5.11 Tactical Select Store opening Friday, May 11th, 2012.  This store is one of only four 5.11 Tactical Select Stores in the nation carrying the full line of 5.11 Tactical products offering an interactive shopping experience for tactical gear.

Phoenix Uniforms was founded in 1991 by Bill and Margo DuBois. Bill was a firefighter-paramedic who had difficulty finding a nearby uniform store. The DuBois’ ventured into the uniform trade by carrying police and fire uniforms and offered an on-site seamstress to add insignia to the uniforms. The store rapidly expanded into the premier spot for all uniforms, equipment, and accessories, and secured a GSA contract for many federal, state, and local police departments.

“The great thing is that with our expansion, the store is not just for cops anymore,” said Margo DuBois, President of Phoenix Uniforms. “There is something for everyone who enjoys an active lifestyle. The new 5.11 Select Store is full of clothing, packs and bags, belts, hats, and more items just perfect active people who need functional clothing and innovative gear for everyday activities, adventure, and travel. With the summer season coming up, everyone could benefit from a visit to our store.”

Phoenix Uniforms is excited to unveil the new store: “We will WOW our El Centro customers with an expanded tactical clothing and gear selection, superior customer service, and the overall experiential shopping opportunity,” beams Margo DuBois.

To read the full article, click here.

V.H. Blackinton & Co. Inc., the leading U.S. manufacturer of public safety badges and uniform insignia, has just launched its Breast Cancer Awareness product line to raise money for, and bring awareness to, the fight against cancer. The product line consists of the company’s most popular fire, police, and sheriff badges in a vibrant pink finish with custom designed cancer awareness seals, lapel pins, and commendation bars. As part of this initiative Blackinton® is donating 10% of sales equally to Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation and The Firefighter Cancer Support Network.

Although October is Breast Cancer awareness month, police and firefighting professionals take part in many walks and benefits that occur throughout the year. The Blackinton® Breast Cancer product line offers the public safety market a unique way to show they care and show support for cancer research by proudly wearing pink. The public safety badge signifies the wearer as a loyal brave protector of the people – what better way to show support for the survivors and fighters of this devastating disease by brandishing their symbol in pink.

David Long, Chief Operating Officer of Blackinton®, stated “Blackinton® is proud of this product line and our ability to give back to such a worthy cause. This line came to life after being approached by a department in Florida to create a pink finish for their badge. After successfully manufacturing the color we thought it would be a great opportunity to raise money for charity by offering departments across the country products to recognize breast cancer awareness.”

Crown Uniform & Linen Service, a 4th generation family business, was honored with a Boston Green Award on April 19, 2012 at the 6th Annual Mayor's Green Awards, which recognizes Boston businesses and residents for making significant contributions towards making Boston a more sustainable city. The award recognizes Crown's exemplary performance in sustainable environmental practices with water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.

"We are very proud to have been officially recognized by our community for achieving our sustainability improvement goals," says Plato A. Spilios, Vice President of Crown. "Over the past year, our efforts have ranged from issuing individualized coffee mugs to all of our employees, installing LED lighting, replacing our delivery fleet with "clean" diesel vehicles, and investing in a ceramic water filtration system that is saving our Boston Plant five million gallons of water a year. Although we have made great strides, we recognize there are other opportunities to continuously improve our focus and dedication to sustainability."

As a winner of Mayor Menino's 2012 Green Award, Crown Uniform & Linen Service is pleased to support Greenovate Boston; "a collective movement working to ensure a greener, healthier, and more prosperous future for the city". Crown is also partnering with The Sustainable Business Leader Program as part of their ongoing commitment to being a Green Business.

The Sustainable Business Leadership Group has inspected the Crown processing facility in South Boston and will be working with Crown as they qualify for certification. Crown has established a "Green Team" and a "Sustainability Action Plan" and will continue their tradition of first class quality and service, with even greater focus and dedication to sustainable and environmentally friendly processes.

To read the full article, click here.

Superior Uniform Group, Inc., designer and manufacturer of uniforms, image apparel and accessories, today announced that its everyBODY media® division, in partnership with Crimson Tide Sports Marketing: a Learfield Sports property, along with Golden Flake Snack Foods and Centerplate, participated in its first pilot program for the company’s ground breaking in-stadium media at the University of Alabama A-Day Spring football game on April 14, 2012.

For the inaugural sports pilot, more than 150 stadium vendors were clad in custom designed, University of Alabama branded employee apparel, featuring everyBODY media’s changeable Switch-it™ advertising panels. Visible to over 80,000 game-day fans, the Switch-it panels allowed Golden Flake Snack Foods to generate tremendous exposure for their QR code-based “Lunch with the Coach” contest.

“We were very excited to be a part of this launch. This new media really stands out in a very crowded advertising space. Not only was it highly visible, the Switch-Its also encouraged positive interaction between the fans and the Golden Flake Brand,” said Julie McLaughlin, Director of Marketing for Golden Flake Snack Foods.

As learned during the pilot program, the flexible Switch-it advertising technology will allow Bryant-Denny Stadium in the future to easily change the high-quality advertising message inserted in the garments without replacing the physical garments themselves.

With this new capability, the entire Switch-It and uniform system becomes a revenue-generating media rather than an expense to the stadium and participating vendors. It also creates a unique and customized branding experience on game day that directly engages with fans as they cheer on the Crimson Tide.

To read the full article, click here.

Cintas Corporation, a world leader in corporate identify uniforms, has launched a new catalog for culinary professionals in Asia. Featuring innovative apparel designs, the new catalog offers the uniform programs and support businesses need to create, implement and sustain a professional image amid a wave of hotel openings and presentation kitchens in the rapidly expanding Asian market.

"We're thrilled to further expand Cintas' presence in Asia," said Winnie Li, Vice President of Global Accounts and Strategic Markets, Cintas Asia. "The 2012 outlook for the hospitality, tourism and culinary industries in Asia is promising, with new hotels and resorts opening every day. It's a ripe climate for businesses looking to enhance their image and differentiate their brands. Uniform programs--particularly for today's visible kitchen staff--are a great, cost-effective way to achieve this."

Showcasing innovative culinary designs and fashions, the catalog walks hospitality and restaurant leaders through ways to create a seamless uniform program throughout the culinary department, from the executive chef to the line cooks. New garments feature moisture wicking/moisture control and soil release/soil-repellent properties to keep kitchen staff cool and comfortable in a demanding, high temperature environment. For added comfort, culinary professionals can select garments in lightweight cotton fabrics with underarm ventilation and strategic mesh vents. For employee protection, garments are also offered in fire-resistant, anti-static fabric.

"The new Asian catalog simplifies the uniform process for culinary leaders in Hong Kong, Shanghai and other major cities in China, making it easier for them to both envision and implement their apparel programs," said Li. "Based on their needs, customers can select one of Cintas' award-winning in-stock designs, modify a ready-to-wear design for increased customization or have our design team create apparel exclusively for their property and kitchen."

For increased brand and staff recognition, customization options include personalizing chef coats and shirts with stylish prints under the cuffs, bold trimming, colorful button placement or ribbon applications around the collar or pocket. Additional options include embroidering the company's logo, staff position or chef's name to various uniforms.

To read the full article, click here.

For more than 20 years, Rogers Uniforms stocked maroon and sky blue scrubs for health care workers, hats and aprons for restaurants employees and even items for law enforcement officials.

But about a year ago, Jody Rogers made some changes to what he and his mother, Margie Rogers, carry in their family business. 

Rogers was approached by a company working in the Williamsport gas industry that sought special, fire-retardant gloves. Rogers ordered one of each size, ranging from small to XXL. The company bought all of the gloves ordered.

“OK, I get the hint here,” said Rogers as he looks back on the experience. The next time, Rogers ordered two pairs of each size. Again, the compnay’s official bought all of the gloves.

He began to purchase 20 of each size.

“How do I stock my store? That’s how,” Rogers said.

Rogers is now stocking a wide range of fire-retardant items — hats, shoes, shirts, pants, coveralls, raincoats — for the people working in the booming gas and oil industry in the Williamsport area. He also is stocking reflective vests, safety hats, safety glasses, ear protection and work boots.

To read the full article, click here.

InvoTech Systems, Inc. today announced Revel, a $2.4 billion lifestyle resort on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, will implement InvoTech’s GIMS™ UHF-RFID Uniform System. AJ Conveyor and Laundry Systems Oversees Linen and Uniform System Implementation. 

Revel relied on AJ Conveyor and Laundry Systems to oversee its high-end linen and uniform automation projects. “Revel engaged us to plan and implement its linen and uniform processes and put in place vendor solutions that establish the most efficient and cost effective operation. We recommended InvoTech for its GIMS™ Uniform and Linen Systems because InvoTech has an outstanding record of performing at the world’s largest, high-volume casinos and hotels,” said Anthony J. Bevilaque, president of AJ Conveyor and Laundry Systems.

To read the full article, click here.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 23, 2012—The Textile Rental Services Association of America (TRSA), the only association representing independent, regional and national laundry operators and associates in the $16-billion reusable textile services industry, celebrates its 100th Anniversary in 2012. Most Americans benefit at least once a week from the cleanliness and safety provided by the industry—through its laundering and delivery of reusable linens, uniforms, towels, floor mats and other products for the healthcare, hospitality and industrial/manufacturing sectors.

"TRSA members launder reusable textiles and provide other products and services that help businesses project a clean and attractive public image," said TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci, CAE. "Our industry reaches every major business and industrial region and city in the country."

Textile services companies maximize efficiencies for laundering uniforms, hotel and hospital linen, garments, and restaurant linen by utilizing high-capacity, high-speed laundry equipment to minimize cost and consumption of water, energy and chemistry. Most of these companies are family-owned and operated and have evolved from providing family laundry service in the late 1800s to serving the growing healthcare sector.

Looking back on consistent expansion through the past century, today the industry accounts for more than 200,000 individuals employed at 2,000-plus facilities nationwide. Recently, a lead story in the Money section of USA Today (2/23/12) profiled the increasing valuations of TRSA's publicly traded uniform rental companies and CBS-TV featured Boston-based UniFirst Corp. on "Undercover Boss."

TRSA calculates that 1.8 million U.S. business locations are textile services customers generating roughly 15 billion pounds of laundry per year delivered by the third largest fleet of vehicles behind only FedEx and UPS. Healthcare and hospitality businesses account for about two-thirds of the laundry volume with the balance to manufacturing and service industries that use customized work uniforms.

"Our industry has evolved as customer needs have evolved," noted Ricci, "Before the turn of the century, textile services companies delivered clean, reusable items by bicycle and horse-drawn carriage as a less costly, time-saving alternative. Reusable textile service has long been the greener, more sustainable alternative to disposable products, home and on-premises laundries by reducing waste and conserving water and energy."

About TRSA and the Textile Services Industry

Businesses use textile services as a less expensive, time-saving, environmentally friendlier alternative to managing and laundering their own uniforms, linens and other reusable products. Such outsourcing also improves morale, safety and hygiene. By cleaning millions of pounds of goods every year in each laundry location, TRSA member companies achieve tremendous efficiencies in labor and supplies. This lowers per-pound laundry costs and corresponding impacts on air, water and energy sources. Textile services further improve the environment by providing garments, sheets, towels and other reusables that substitute for single-use disposable items that generate more solid waste. Also offered are hand soap and sanitizer, restroom and first aid supplies, and cleaning and deodorizing chemicals. TRSA serves members by promoting and protecting our companies and educating their owner/operators, executives and management. Our advocacy, research, benchmarking, certification and other information-sharing resources guide their continuous business improvement including development of safer and environmentally friendlier management practices.