"The centerpiece of the educational program was an interactive economic and geopolitical simulation led by Alex and Eugene"
ASHEVILLE, NC
— The Textile Care Allied Trades Association(TCATA) welcomed members of the textile care industry to Asheville,North Carolina, Aug. 2–5 for its 2026 Management & EducationalConference at the Omni Grove Park Inn.Held under the theme “ Summit of Possibilities ,” the well-attended conference brought together manufacturers, distributorsand industry partners for four days of education, networking andassociation activities.The centerpiece of the educational program was an interactive economic and geopolitical simulation led by Alex and Eugene
Chausovsky of 3DM Consulting. Attendees worked through hypo-
thetical scenarios reflecting economic and geopolitical challenges that
could affect their businesses, followed by analysis and discussion of
current economic conditions and what companies should be watching
in the months ahead.
Patti Rausch of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distribu-
tors (NAW) addressed one of the most rapidly evolving issues facing
businesses today: artificial intelligence. Her presentation focused on
practical ways companies can incorporate AI into their operations and
provided attendees with strategies and tools they can apply within
their own organizations.
Brian Wild, Chief Government Relations Officer with the National Association of
Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) provided attendees with a timely government affairs update, highlighting legislative and regulatory developments affecting businesses. His presentation offered insight into the current policy landscape and key issues companies should be watching as they plan for the months ahead.
Networking remained a major component of the conference, with members reconnecting with longtime industry colleagues and welcoming new attendees to the TCATA community. Conference activities extended beyond the Grove Park Inn. The Kickoff event took place at Asheville’s oldest brewery, Highland Brewery.
TCATA Welcomes New Leadership and Board Members
The conference also marked an important leadership transition for the association. Mack Magnus of M & B Hangers passed the gavel to Rusty Smith of Forenta, who begins his term as TCATA’s next president.
TCATA also welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors: James Baker of MN Chemicals, Chip Ottman of R.W. Martin and Kristen Vos of R.R. Street & Co. Inc.
The association recognized outgoing board members Kelly Kelleher of Kelleher Casares Equipment and John Silverman of Tschopp Supply and thanked them for their years of service and contributions to TCATA as they completed their tenure on the Board.
Five Companies Celebrate 25 Years of TCATA Membership TCATA recognized five longtime member companies celebrating 25 years of association membership: B&C Technologies, Energenics, Kreussler, Richclean and Sankosha USA.
The anniversary recognition celebrated the companies’ longstanding support of TCATA and their continued involvement in the textile care industry.
TCATA thanked Conference Chair Wes Nelson of Sankosha USA, Business Committee Chair Kristen Vos of R.R. Street & Co. Inc., members of the Business Committee, conference sponsors, speakers and attendees for their contributions to the success of the event. The next Management & Educational Conference will be held April 25-28, 2027, at The Meritage in Napa Valley, CA.
Key Takeaways
- Why This Shift Is Happening matters for readers making practical decisions.
- How Local Providers Stand Out matters for readers making practical decisions.
- ASHEVILLE, NC — The Textile Care Allied Trades Association
- (TCATA) welcomed members of the textile care industry to Asheville,
