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Home  Jackie Rosselli
Jackie Rosselli Blog
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Awards
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Written by Jackie Rosselli
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Monday, 19 October 2009 11:19 |
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 The Oscars, Grammys, and Emmys. Much anticipated and highly visible, these awards celebrate excellence in the entertainment industry, captivating millions of viewers around the globe each year.
At the other end of the spectrum are the countless awards handed out throughout industry, business and academia that also promote excellence in a given field. Decidedly less recognized and in some cases obscure, they share with their glitzier counterparts a common element: they matter. The awards are important.
Why? No matter the field, people want and need recognition for their work. Beyond that, awards help to inspire other people to do their best, driving innovation and standards forward with each passing year.
Three-time UNIVATOR winner Perfection Uniforms agrees. "Winning the UNIVATOR three consecutive years means the bar is continually raised in terms of who we are, what we do, and how we do it," says Miranda Brock, marketing manager. "It gives us an edge in that it keeps us on our toes."
Awards can even change how people think. Consider the case of last year's Academy Awards Best Picture winner, Slum Dog Millionaire. Going largely unnoticed when released, the low-budget sleeper became an overnight sensation when it took home the top prize, earning millions for investors and launching the careers of several unknown actors.
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Last Updated on Monday, 19 October 2009 11:31 |
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Companies
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Written by Jackie Rosselli
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Monday, 02 March 2009 16:05 |
 Purchasing another company is always risky, but to acquire a troubled business is a gamble few in the uniform industry would take. But that's exactly what family-owned Eiseman-Ludmar Company a New York manufacturer of epaulettes and accessories did in 2006. Effectively rolling the dice, the owners of Eiseman-Ludmar purchased the assets of the braid division of A.H. Rice Company, a business driven to the brink of ruin by poor management, establishing a new company called ELC Industries,. "We're not a large, Fortune 500 firm, so this was a pretty big risk for us" says ELC co-owner David Ludmar. "Yet we knew that if there wasn't a good quality of braid out there, the entire industry would suffer."
Unlike the odds in Vegas, this gamble appears to have paid off. In the three years since the acquisition, Rice Braid has experienced a Lazarus-like resurrection, going from a beleaguered company that couldn't fill orders to an entity with renewed purpose, regaining its stature as the premier American braid house for the uniform industry. As a Rice customer who is a major supplier for the airlines industry recently expressed to Ludmar, "It's hard to believe a problem ever existed."
For a company on the verge of extinction, the turnaround is remarkable. Sales grew over 25 percent from mid 2006 through 2007, and rose 11 percent during 2007-08, an impressive feat given the inhospitable economy. And growth is still anticipated this year, despite an overall bleak economic picture.
For those unfamiliar with the Rice rise and fall, a primer: Founded in 1878 in Pittsfield, MA, Rice Braid had been synonymous with quality, reliability and service. Originally family owned, it was sold a number of times throughout the years. It also acquired several competitors along the way, purchasing the businesses and assets, including equipment and machinery, of its once rivals.
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Last Updated on Monday, 09 March 2009 07:34 |
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URA News
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Written by Jackie Rosselli
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Friday, 09 October 2009 13:58 |
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 Alegria by PG Lite™, is partnering with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., to help save lives in the fight against breast cancer.
“Since my college days when I served as President of the Alpha Phi Gamma, Inc. sorority and actively volunteered at many breast cancer awareness events, this cause has become near and dear to my heart,” said Vivian Lee, CFO of Alegria by PG Lite™. “I’m proud and delighted that Alegria shoes can get behind a foundation like NBCF where we can truly make a difference by helping to provide free mammograms for women in need and to promoteearly detection awareness education.” Alegria by PG Lite™ makes fun-fashionable footwear with body benefits that are targeted to active lifestyle consumers. The brand was introduced in March of 2008 and features a platform where fun fashion meets die-hard comfort while promoting wellness that delivers body benefits. The secret weapon? The Prefect Fit footbed system. The Perfect Fit footbed has anatomically shaped footbeds that mimic the natural contours of the foot while providing support where it is most needed. Memory foam, latex and cork underlay the shoe to provide superior cushioning for years, not just days. The footbed is also removable to allow cleaning or the use of your own orthotic. “We are thrilled to partner with Alegria by PG Lite and their promotion of health and wellness through The Classic Alegria Red Scribble,” says Janelle Hail, Founder & CEO of NBCF. “This partnership allows us to fulfill our mission to save lives through early detection and to provide mammograms for those in need.” The Classic Alegria Red Scribble will be included in the partnership, with a donation of proceeds going to the NBCF. Launched in Southern California in 2008 by Pepper Gate Footwear, a leading maker of therapeutic footwear, Alegria has become a place where happiness meets wellness. The brands “Color Therapy” uses colors and affordable fashion-forward styling to enhance your mood, while its unique Rocker Outsole delivers full-body benefits by minimizing stress on muscles, joints and backs for all day energy. To see what happy looks like please visit www.happylookslike.com Source: Company Release, Pomona, CA |
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Last Updated on Friday, 09 October 2009 14:04 |
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Uniforms
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Written by Jackie Rosselli
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Monday, 19 April 2010 08:32 |
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 Eco-Friendly uniforms are all the rage, and now they're even award winners.
Just in time for Earth Day celebrations comes word that the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) has been named Canada's best dressed police department, a distinction given to them by the NAUMD, the industry's trade association, in its annual best dressed contest.
Best dressed lists aren't new; in fact, the NAUMD's Best Dressed Public Safety Department Competition has been around for decades. What is different is that it's the first time a department has earned the honor wearing eco-responsible uniforms.
Not that the RNC set out to reduce its carbon footprint though the region is well known for its natural respect of the environment. "But the fact that the garments are eco-responsible did alleviate one of our concerns," says RNC Constable Burt Matthews.
What was high on their priority list was to provide, smart-looking, comfortable, durable garments with modern sensibilities. "This program has met and exceeded expectations in that regard," continues Matthews.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 20 April 2010 11:02 |
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Medical
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Written by Jackie Rosselli
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Monday, 15 February 2010 09:31 |
 Ask any nurse and she'll tell you – the profession is hard on the feet. Days are long, usually spent standing, making the selection of a comfortable shoe more important. Simply put, if your feet feel good, you feel good.
But there's more to shoes than comfort. Today's nursing footwear must also be functional, suitable for the rigors of the job. And of course, they must be stylish, allowing each nurse her own take on fashion.
Enter Oxypas, a relative new comer to the American medical footwear industry. An established name throughout Europe, Oxypas recently penned a deal with Peaches, giving the medical apparel giant exclusive rights to distribute the Oxypas designer nurses' footwear line to the uniform retail market across the United States.
"We strive for the same goals," says Oxypas CEO Remy Quilliot about Peaches. "They're innovative, interested in bringing technology, color and fashion to the medical apparel market, and so are we."
Peaches is well-known as one of the most successful and dynamic manufacturers of scrubs. Founded in 1987, the Dallas-based company is a pioneer in the market. Peaches Uniforms has an active tradition of innovation as the first company to introduce fashion colors and 100% cotton fabrics in the 1990s.
Why Wear Them?
Oxypas, too, is a trailblazer of sorts, being the first to inject color into the medical footwear industry over 20 years ago. Now, they're blending style with technology, for a look that is fashionable and durable, poised to meet the changing concerns in today's healthcare industry.
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Last Updated on Monday, 15 February 2010 09:56 |
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Companies
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Written by Jackie Rosselli
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Monday, 17 May 2010 08:57 |
 Not too long ago, most uniforms were made to measure garments. This was particularly true in the law enforcement market, where image and attention to detail were inextricably tied.
But the made to order uniform fell out of favor, a victim of technology, off shore production and customer preferences. Today, the market is small, niche, and typically reserved for customers with deep pockets.
Not entirely.
Take for example the venture started by Blumenthal Uniforms, the Seattle-based dealer who specializes in uniforms for the police and public safety industries. About two years ago, with the country in the midst of a deep recession, Blumenthal's started a manufacturing division, producing custom, made to measure tactical jumpsuits for agencies throughout the region.
The company had peddled its idea to all the traditional suppliers, hoping perhaps one would manufacture the garment, but there were no takers.
Part of the reason is that the uniform would have to be made here. True made to measure garments adhere to exacting specifications, details not easily found at plants offshore. "If we have to redo something, we can turn it around in a week," says Mitch Blumenthal, owner and VP.
Another was quantity – Blumenthal's didn't expect to produce large amounts of product. "The major manufacturers just can't do small quantities like this," adds Blumenthal.
Finally, there was cost. Produced domestically, the outfit would retail for around $400, a price tag believed to be out of reach for cash-strapped government agencies.
So they did it themselves – in Washington State, at their Des Moines facility. "Everyone thought we were crazy," says Roger Heldman, co-owner of Blumenthal's.
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Last Updated on Monday, 17 May 2010 09:36 |
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Companies
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Written by Jackie Rosselli
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Monday, 20 July 2009 00:00 |
 Today's law enforcement professionals face threats like they've never seen before. According to FBI data, more than 500 police officers have been killed in the line of duty over the past 10 years, with an additional 20,000 injured by a firearm during this same period.
Keeping officers safe has been a goal of the uniform industry for quite some time, a fact underscored by a bevy of products introduced last month from the nation's premier body armor manufacturers. "We have a duty to make sure our officers have the best equipment, and the 06 standard helps us accomplish this," says Angela Milligan, marketing manager for Safariland, a leading body armor supplier.
Milligan is referring to the latest Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor Standard by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), issued in July, 2008. The standard supersedes the 05 version, and calls for a higher level of performance against a wider range of threats.
Products compliant with the 06 standard are just now reaching the market, with Safariland being one of the first to roll out products – a total of four in June - which meet the more robust standard. "We offer a whole family of armor solutions to suit the needs of any agency," adds Milligan.
The new body armor standard does not invalidate body armor models that are compliant with the previous one, and Milligan stresses that any officer who has a vest that meets the old version should continue to wear it. "Wearing some body armor is better than no body armor at all," she points out.
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Last Updated on Monday, 20 July 2009 08:36 |
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Companies
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Written by Jackie Rosselli
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Tuesday, 02 December 2008 00:00 |
 Collecting shoes for those in need may not sound like a profitable business endeavor, but according to Wayne Elsey, founder and CEO of the Nashville-based Soles4Souls, it is a win-win for both the company and recipient. "Retailers can grow their revenues and drive new business into their stores while doing something good for those in desperate need," he says. The Soles4Souls mission is simple – provide shoes to the world's neediest inhabitants. This straightforward approach has made it one of the most popular charities of our time, winning the praise of many in the entertainment and sports world, and the backing of corporate sponsors. "We do what we know; we get and give shoes," says Elsey.
Soles4Souls got its start in the wake of the Asian tsunami in December 2004. "As I watched the television coverage, I saw a shoe floating in the debris, and it bothered me," he recalls. "I just knew I had to do something." While many preferred writing a check, Elsey, a shoe industry veteran, was compelled to do more. He called a few colleagues and asked if they would partner with him to donate shoes to the relief effort. Together, the team sent over 25,000 pair of shoes to victims of the disaster. When Hurricane Katrina struck the gulf coast in 2005, the group responded again, but realized the need for shoes transcended any one catastrophe. Soles4Souls officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in February 2006. To date, Soles4Souls has given away over 3 million pair of shoes, about one pair every 17 seconds. Over 96 percent of the donated footwear winds up on someone's feet. The remaining are recycled, used in playgrounds and arenas across the country. Shoes have been distributed in over 40 countries and across 5 continents, anywhere there is need. Some of the footwear has even wound up in the United States, in the country's most blighted neighborhoods. |
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Last Updated on Saturday, 14 February 2009 14:04 |
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URA News
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Written by Jackie Rosselli
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Monday, 26 October 2009 16:18 |
 After a day of business education and roundtables, URA last night turned the spotlight on the medical apparel industry's suppliers at its 3rd Annual Retailer Champion Awards.
For the third consecutive year, Cherokee Uniforms was named best manufacturer. Peaches and Landau tied for best customer service, while Landau walked away with best delivery. And Steve Schum, who represents both White Swan and Prestige, earned the 2009 best sales representative award.
"It really is a fair look at what's going on in the industry, and how retailers feel about the suppliers" says URA co-founder Melanie Imlay.
Awardees were determined by URA members, who were asked to email their picks to the association's office. For those unfamiliar with URA, it is a run-by-and-for retailer group; while welcome at the show, URA membership is not open to manufacturers.
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Last Updated on Saturday, 02 January 2010 13:10 |
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Companies
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Written by Jackie Rosselli
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Wednesday, 02 June 2010 11:04 |
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 Cincinnati, OH, June 1, 2010 — Cintas is committed to the communities in which we serve, and as part of that commitment, is pleased to announce a donation of over 300 pieces of medical scrubs at a value of approximately $4,000 to the Bopehlong Medical Centre in Bopehlong, South Africa.
This past April, over 400 people from the U.S. traveled to Mamelodi as part of the Go Mamelodi program organized by Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, OH. Mamelodi is a township community of nearly one million people inflicted by extreme hardships caused by HIV/AIDS, unemployment, poverty and a growing population of orphans.
“Just like we did in response to the earthquake in Haiti, we were happy to make this donation of much-needed medical scrubs to a community in desperate need of quality healthcare,” said Scott Farmer, CEO of Cintas Corporation. “It’s amazing to see the far-reaching yet direct impact our products and services have across the globe, particularly for those who need them most,” he added.
Cintas’ Chicago Healthcare division reached out to Bopehlong Medical Centre to see how the uniform supplier could assist with their needs. As soon as the number of volunteers was established, Cintas rushed an order of scrubs to make sure it would arrive in time for the volunteers.
Cintas employee-partner, Katrina Palmer, an employee at Cintas’ corporate headquarters in Cincinnati (pictured in center, kneeling), took part in the trip.
“All the people involved with this trip were just thrilled to have the scrubs and were even more excited to have the name of the medical center embroidered on them,” said Palmer. “It also became a real symbol of unity, as Americans and Mamelodians worked alongside one another wearing the same scrubs. Everyone was truly blessed,” she added.
About Cintas
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas Corporation provides highly specialized services to businesses of all types primarily throughout North America. Cintas designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs, and provides entrance mats, restroom supplies, promotional products, first aid, safety, fire protection products and services and document management services for approximately 800,000 businesses. Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS, and is a Nasdaq-100 company and component of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. |
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