IAHTM | 9
all preambles of formally organized associa-
tions will state that one of their primary ob-
jectives is the free exchange of ideas for the
mutual benefit of the membership. That ex-
change of ideas, advice and counsel is alive
and well within the IAHTM membership.
Beyond the high level of education we pro-
vide to members, that exchange of ideas is
one of the reasons we exist.
BW: What are some other advantages
of the collectivity? Any association sells its
value proposition on the idea that we’ll be
a collective, we can bargain together, we
can do this together or that together. But,
in your opinion, what are some of the main
reasons why being a part of this organiza-
tion is better than going it alone?
LARK:
Certainly, the group buying pow-
er that we have – we actually have a number
of vendors in the industry who supply equip-
ment, chemicals, linen, production manage-
ment software and other related supplies.
Jointly, we’ll handle well over 750 million
pounds of laundry per year. This gives us a
great deal of volume purchasing power.
I think one of the greatest benefits that
I’ve seen, is what we call a peer review. This
is a program wherein two or three of our
counterparts will travel to your plant and
do an optional audit and make suggestions
about how you can make changes or maybe
handle some issues you’re having. Given the
wide range of expertise and talent our mem-
bers have, these peer reviews are invaluable.
I think there’s a trust, there’s a code of con-
duct that engenders trust. It’s networking,
too. We’re spread all over North America,
but there’s a great deal of networking that
takes place on a daily basis in addition to our
educational conferences twice a year.
BW: What is the format of the next con-
ference, in Memphis?
Dr. Janet Lapp Speaker - Indianapolis
Conference
