OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. — The Coin Laundry Association Board of Directors has issued a statement regarding its mission and its opposition to racism, CLA reports.
The statement reads:
“The Coin Laundry Association’s mission is ‘to advance the self-service laundry industry by providing store operators with the industry research, connectivity, education and other resources required to be more successful business owners.’ Our goal is to foster a community of innovative and successful store owners, focused on healthy businesses and satisfied customers.
“With both our mission and goal in mind, the Coin Laundry Association’s Board of Directors condemns violent behavior and disrespectful discourse of any kind, in any of the communities we serve, whether real or online. Further, we vehemently reject any environment that engages in racism, prejudice, discrimination or hate toward any race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.”
CLA says it will continue to openly demonstrate this position within all avenues and interests, as well as through the efforts of the LaundryCares Foundation, “which exists to enrich the communities of [its] members through programming that addresses unmet needs of laundry customers.”
While CLA is an apolitical trade association that does not endorse any specific political party or advocacy group, President and CEO Brian Wallace says it was deemed important by the Board and staff to research these issues and release a statement “that lets our members know where we stand and how we intend to be part of the solution going forward.”
He says it “reflects how our long-standing mission statements apply to this critical moment in our country. Coin Laundry Association and LaundryCares Foundation believe that racism and violence have no place in our society nor in our places of businesses. I further believe that we have a responsibility to advocate for the fair treatment and dignity for our customers.”
A Diversity & Inclusion Committee established late last year "will continue listening and learning; pursuing best practices while supporting our staff, our members and the local communities we serve," adds Wallace. "We are a stronger, smarter and more effective organization when we include more diverse voices."
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].