Many of the "movers and shakers" in the textile care industry gathered in mid-April in historic Williamsburg, Virginia for the 2012 TCATA Annual Management and Educational Conference. "Great conference in a great area" was the overwhelming consensus of those who attended.

Leading the way in the success of the conference was a strong business program. Speaker Dean Minuto started the meeting with an unusual but intriguing topic – utilizing the latest findings in neuroscience to learn how to tap the "buy button" in the human brain. Attendees left this presentation with tangible ideas on how to change the marketing and sales of their products and services for maximum effectiveness. Hunter Lott was back for a return engagement to discuss ways that businesses can stay out of court. Always animated and full of energy, Hunter reviewed the important issues surrounding hiring and firing, pay scales, personnel manuals and a host of other topics important to any business owner. Finally, Sheila Kloefkorn outlined the ways that companies can use online marketing and social media to promote their business in a cost-effective way.

Carrying the theme Experience the Past, Prepare for the Future, attendees were able to do precisely that. The Williamsburg Lodge was within a very short walk of the colonial section of Williamsburg, where attendees were able to experience the past by exploring the wonderful history of that town and learning more about the important role it played in the founding of our country. One of the evening functions included a self-guided tour of the breathtaking Jamestown Settlement Museum. Governor Thomas Jefferson even made a surprise appearance on the final evening, during which he mentioned the importance of the textile care industry in colonial times by helping to maintain good hygiene and cleanliness. Through the education available both during the business program and in networking with colleagues, attendees were also able to prepare for the future.

Also on the final evening, two members were recognized for achieving a significant milestone in their membership in TCATA: Rosenberg Supply of San Antonio, Texas celebrates its 75th anniversary of membership in 2012 and Michael Steiner of the Steiner-Atlantic Corporation in Miami, Florida accepted an award in recognition of that company's 50th year of membership.

Conference Chairman Kevin Lawson of Tristate Equipment in North Carolina noted that "Those that attended this conference are the survivors in the industry. It is clear that the educational seminars and networking opportunities available at the TCATA conference have played a role in the success of their businesses, something that draws members back year after year."

TCATA's 2013 Conference will be held at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California from July 31 to August 3. Visit TCATA website for more information Click here or go to http://www.tcata.org/