We hear a lot of talk about different companies “going green,” but we rarely hear about the specific policies they’re putting into place to make it a reality. Here at CLS, we believe it’s not enough to say we’re a green company, but that it’s equally important to share with our customers the way we implement these green policies into our plants on a daily basis.

In your search for the perfect industrial uniforms for your employees, you may have come across brands that offer clothing made of moisture-wicking fabric, but what does moisture-wicking mean exactly? More importantly, how does this benefit your employees, and ultimately your business?

When it comes to running a successful business - of any kind - the key is to make things as simple as possible. In order for your business to grow, you have to let go of overseeing and managing every single aspect of your company, and either delegate or outsource all products and services that you don’t personally need to take care of. Otherwise, you’ll never have time to focus on the big picture.

Is your business space winter-ready?

Winter means a lot of things – the holidays and the merrymaking, the picturesque view of snow blanketing the landscape – but it is not so much a winter wonderland when remnants of the snow and ice get dragged indoors. Forget about the holidays - you’ll be spending them scrubbing and cleaning during this trying time of year. So, here are some helpful tips on how you can keep your business clean during the winter season!

Our CLS team loves being involved in our community and what better way to celebrate that than joining in the parade? Our "Welcome to Whoville" float was featured in the Kalamazoo Holiday Parade on November 10th, 2018. Our team and their children had a lot of fun riding on the float and were met with the first snowy weekend of the year. What a way to start off the holiday season!

Restrooms are some of the most difficult-to-clean areas of any commercial space. Your commercial restrooms need constant attention to make sure that the floors are dry, the toilets and sinks are clean, the paper and soap products are stocked, and that there are no foul or unpleasant odors.

CLS was a proud sponsor of The Upside Down Banquet hosted by Bethany Christian Services on Thursday, November 8th, 2018. The event was held at the WMU Fetzer Center in Kalamazoo, MI. Several of our CLS Team Members were able to attend the banquet and were happy to hear inspiring stories, listen to the Refugee Youth Orchestra perform, and enjoy a delicious dinner. We always enjoy getting involved with organizations such as Bethany Christian Services and support them with furthering their efforts in the community.

In every business, the restroom can be a frustrating project to take on. This is because commercial restroom cleaning is, in no way, related to business activity, yet it can make or break whether or not customers and clients will return.

Some floor mats are designed for protection against dirt and debris from the outdoors. Others are designed to keep floors dry. There are also mats that are designed for boosted leg and feet comfort. And then there are mats that cover more than a single function. Whatever you need, there are many different types of floor mats to choose from!

On Monday, August 20th, 2018 CLS hosted the 6th annual TVM Memorial Golf Classic. Due to our community’s overwhelming interest in showing support for the American Cancer Society, the event was expanded to two courses this year. Teams were split between Gull Lake Country Club and Gull Lake View West Golf Course, with dinner and auctions taking place at the country club. It was a very successful day, with great weather and good times. Announcements will be made soon about the total dollar amount we raised for the American Cancer Society this year. Stay tuned.

On August 18th, 2018 Ark In The Dark of Kalamazoo hosted a Firefly 5K to end youth homelessness and trafficking. CLS were proud sponsors of the event and our team had a blast running with their glow in the dark costumes and enjoying some delicious s’mores at the finish line.

Every summer just before the big TVM Golf Classic, CLS takes a little break from work for a company picnic with one main focus – raising money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. Team members enjoyed a wonderful lunch picnic while winning raffle prizes, learning about cancer, and watching the amazing Kinetic Affect perform their famous Michigan poem.

We hate to break it to you, but one-size-fits-all is a lie. There’s no one shirt or pair of pants that will fit all of your employees perfectly, and there shouldn’t be. All of your employees are different, and they all deserve custom work uniforms that fit right and look great.

If you haven’t worked with a corporate apparel rental service before, then finding your footing can be confusing. Let’s get back to basics! At CLS, our goal is to make everything as simple as possible for our customers, because we want you to be able to focus on the core of your business and not on your uniform program. So, let’s break down the aspects of our corporate apparel services:

When choosing industrial uniforms, you have to consider more than just what looks good. Depending on the business, industrial uniforms can be a barrier between your employees and a dangerous work environment. So don’t just skim through a catalog and select the first option that catches your eye! Use the process below to choose industrial uniforms that fit your business requirements.

Even if you don’t have heavy traffic in and out of your establishment, wet weather season tracks in 12 times more dirt, not to mention water. Vacuuming only removes 10-40% of dirt and dust. Not only is dirt a problem, but with wet dirty floors, safety becomes an issue as well.

Recently featured on the WoodTV eightWest station, take a minute to watch our interview!

If someone asked a CLS member how cutting edge, modern, or cool our company or industry is, what would we say?

You’re going about your day and suddenly you get a whiff of something that brings back memories. Memories of that one vacation, or the flowers in that field you played in as a kid… or that nasty restroom you had to use that one time.

The great bathroom debate… no, not the one about which way the toilet paper roll faces – the one about the best way to dry your hands. Which method do you think is best? According to the Mayo Clinic, there is a pretty clear winner.

Giving Back

CLS has taken on the Mannequin Challenge!

"We are so grateful and blessed to have companies like CLS helping us in the fight against cancer. The dollars we raise in 2016 is the money we spend on patients and programs in 2017 and that is why your contributions are so critical to our community and to people fighting cancer. Thanks you so much for all you do."
- Cindy Kovacik, Senior Development Manager, Distinguished Events Lakeshore Division American Cancer Society, Inc.

To Our Valued Customers:

CLS helps its customers by eliminating fruit flies and drain flies from their businesses. Gene Kruse, Vice President, states that CLS is always looking for products and services to help customers and this revolutionary product line is a real winner! Call 800.878.4357 or watch this video for more information:

CLS carries the most absorbent microfiber wet mop in Michigan. Call 800-875-4636 for all the details... Handles are FREE!

CLS announces that it will hold its annual TVM Memorial Golf Classic for the American Cancer Society on August 17, 2015 at the Gull Lake Country Club. Please call 800-878-4357 for all the details.

CLS carries "Michigan Mats" which are designed especially for Michigan's harshest winters. Call 800.878.4357 for details.

• "Water Dam" border is designed to hold dirt and moisture
• Raised nubs hold dirt and moisture below foot level and are resistant to crushing
• Strong ability to absorb liquids makes this mat perfect for indoor or outdoor use
• 100% recycled P.E.T. surface backed with Nitrile rubber
• Sizes Available: 3' x 5', 4' x 6' and 3' x 10'

CLS attended the 9-11-14 Spartan Stores Fresh Experience trade show.

Did you know that all of CLS mats are NFSI certified & ADA approved for safety and traction? Gene Kruse, Vice President of CLS, says "This is an important fact for our customers to know." Gene points out that this certification means our customers are always in compliance with the standards of safe matting for their customers safety.

CLS employees recently celebrated 640 days in a row with no loss time accidents. This is a milestone of work safety that we are very proud of for our members, said Kurt Vander Meer, President of CLS. Our goal is to create a safe work environment and our team members take safety very seriously. We are proud of them! Congratulations to the team members of CLS!

CLS is proud to announce that 6 of our Route Service Professionals recently were certified at the SE (Service Excellence) training program held on April 4, 2014. This is a great achievement said Kurt Vander Meer, President of CLS. This is a true milestone that has been accomplished in the careers of these individuals and we are proud to have them on our team.

CLS announces that Custom Logo mats will now be manufactured in HD (High Definition).

CLS now carries the Michigan Mats to help our customers protect their floors. Vice President Gene Kruse says "These mats are a must have for businesses that are concerned about their facility floors and image. These Michigan mats are available in 2 color choices and each color comes in 3 different sizes." CLS is the only company in Michigan to carry these mats. Let us know how we can help you protect your facilities floors.

November is the month CLS recognizes its team members for all the hard work and dedication they put towards serving our customers. CLS will be holding events around the state of Michigan for all of our team members to say thanks.

CLS is proud to announce that the first annual Ted Vander Meer Memorial Golf Classic, raised $20,500 for the American Cancer Society. On behalf of the Vander Meer family, and the CLS team I would like to thank all the sponsors, participants and volunteers for making this event such a great success.

CLS announces its annual Outer wear sales promotion. Save 20% on all outer wear. September 1, 2013 thru November 30, 2013

CLS has achieved the Clean Green Certification of TRSA.

CLS participated in the Spartan Stores "Fresh Experience" trade show on July 18th. It was a successful and well attended event.

We are having a golf outing in memory of our father (Ted Vander Meer) on August 19, 2013 at the Gull Lake Country Club in Richland Michigan. All the proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Please join us for a fun day of raising money for a great charitable cause. If you are interested in playing or sponsorship oppurtunities please call Josh Vander Meer at 269.343.2551 ext # 7026.

Having an upcoming company or charity event?

CLS's Microfiber Mop will revolutionize floor cleaning, saving your business time and money. Microfiber mops effortlessly surpass other floor mop and dust mop options by providing a safe, effective, and affordable way to clean.

CLS is proud to provide the technology that provides your employees & customers a Touch Free restroom experience. Patrons will appreciate a more hygienic washroom, and you'll benefit from an enhanced image. CLS leads the way in providing innovative hygiene solutions for you facility.