Seminars at Sea, cosponsored by the MidAtlantic Association of Cleaners, the Pennsylvania and Delaware Cleaners Association and the Ohio Cleaners Association, will be sailing away for 12 days and 11 nights in November.
Participants will depart on Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. from Ensenada, Mexico on Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas.
The next four days will be spent cruising across the Pacific Ocean until the ship stops in Hilo, Hawaii on the morning of Nov. 9.
Other Hawaiian cities that attendees will have a chance to visit include: Kona, Kauai, Maui and Honolulu.
Cost for Seminars at Sea runs from $1259 to $1999 per person, depending on room location. There is also a $174 per person additional tax cost.
All meals on board the ship, daily activities, nightly entertainment, exclusive Seminars at Sea cocktail parties and the full seminar program are all covered by these fees. Seminar programs are planned to avoid conflicts with shipboard or shore activities.
The costs do not include air fare; flights can be arranged by The Ship Shop through Royal Caribbean, as well as any transfer arrangements required from San Diego to the ship in Ensenada prior to departure.
Additionally, The Ship Shop can help provide transportation to the airport in Honolulu and each participant's subsequent return flight home.
Participants may also make independent flight and transfer arrangements.
Hotel accommodations in San Diego and Honolulu are available on request.
A $500 deposit per person is required in order to make a reservation. Final payment for Seminars at Sea is required by Aug. 22. To make a reservation, contact Donna at The Ship Shop at (800) 243-1630.
For more information, contact your association: PDCA members should call (800) 822-7352 or (215) 830-8495; MAC members should call (800) 235-8360; and OCA members should call (614) 221-1900.
The MidAtlantic Association of Cleaners will be keeping cleaners busy this summer with two seminar offerings in June.
On June 3, a training course on pricing policy implementation will take place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Oreck Floor Care Center, 2138-A Generals Highway, in Annapolis, MD.
Attendees will also have an opportunity for a state air quality inspection refresher program hosted by MAC Directors Kathleen Razmus, Michael McKay and Donald Coleman.
For more information, call the MAC office at (800) 235-8360.
"Time Off in Virginia: State and Federal Laws on Employee Leave, Vacations and Holidays" is a one day seminar scheduled for June 12 in Richmond, VA.
The program will cover a variety of topics for business owners and managers, including The Family and Medical Leave Act, The Americans With Disabilities Act, The Fair Labor Standards Act, and The Virginia Workers' Compensation Act.
Cost for this seminar is $209 for a single registrant or $199 each for two or more. The tuition costs includes the price of a manual.
Register by calling Lorman Education Services at (715) 833-3959.
The Neighborhood Cleaners Association has formed a new chapter in Illinois.
The chapter, called "NCA State of Illinois," was formed at a May 12 meeting involving leaders of the Illinois Drycleaners Legislative Committee (IDLC) and the Korean-American Drycleaners Association, Nora Nealis, executive director of NCA and Steve Yudelson, NCA's president.
The IDLC and KADA cleaners' groups have been at odds with the Illinois State Fabricare Association over revising the state's site remediation and environmental program for drycleaners. ISFA is affiliated with the International Fabricare Institute.
Among the Illinois cleaners meeting with Nealis and Yudelson in May were Sung Jo, KADA president, and Steven In and Won Lee of KADA and David Franke, Ken Sink, Marty Oster and Greg Josephs of IDLC.
NCA said it will work with the Illinois chapter members toward achieving their legislative goals and also work with the chapter to promote public relations and educational opportunities in conjunction with others states and chapter of NCA.
NCA has 12 chapters in several states including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts and Kentucky.
"This is a total win-win situation for everyone," Yudelson said. "The Illinois cleaners get the involvement and experience of not only the NCA but the very capable and talented NCA board of directors who represent cleaners throughout the nation, with the wealth of experience that offers.
"As the NCA expands its national presence, making it an even stronger voice for the independent cleaner, we look forward to working closely with NCA-Illinois," Yudelson said.
The Wisconsin Self-Service Laundry Association will be holding its fall convention from October 5-7 at the Regency Suites Hotel in Green Bay, WI.
Planning for this year's event is currently underway, headed up by committee members Tom Schingen, Ron Brudnicki and Wayne Kuhn.
Tentatively planned for Friday, Oct. 5 are a variety of service schools for individual drycleaning machines. A round robin schedule will be set so that cleaners who own more than one type of machine will be able to attend more than one session.
WSLA also plans to hold educational seminars on Saturday and Sunday. Speakers for the weekend will include accountants and natural gas specialists, as well as representatives from the Coin Laundry Association who will discuss current national trends that are taking place in the self-service laundry industry.
Exhibitors who wish to take part in the convention have until August 15 to register.
WSLA/CLA members who wish to attend the convention can pay an early registration fee of $40 if sent prior to September 20; otherwise, registration is $60. The fee covers all meetings for an individual plus one spouse or guest.
Non-members must pay $55 before September 20. Registration goes up to $75 if the early deadline is not met.
WSLA will also be offering a meal package for $55, which includes the Saturday lunch ($15 individually), the Saturday banquet ($27 individually) and the Sunday brunch ($18 individually).
Room rates are also available in a block discount at Regency Suites for WSLA members. For reservations and information, call (800) 236-3330.
For more information on WSLA's convention, contact the association at (920) 748-7263.
During WSLA's general meeting at its Spring Convention, it was announced that Cheryl DeWall was elected to the association's board of directors.
DeWall, who purchased the Campus Clothes Basket in Superior, WI, in 1999, will be serving the Northern District.
Her store offers drop-off drycleaning, seamstress work and even a children's play area.
The Iowa-Nebraska Drycleaners and Laundry Association has unveiled plans for its 3rd Annual Fall Seminar, which will take place at the DoubleTree Hotel in Omaha, NE, from Oct. 12-14.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. on the night of Friday, Oct. 12, with a "Wine and Cheese Reception" courtesy of INDLA and the Allied Trades representatives.
On Saturday morning at 8 a.m. INDLA will host its annual meeting that will feature the election of the new board of directors and an update on cleaning-related legislative issues.
Throughout the day, a variety of educational sessions are planned, including a discussion on "Energy Use and the Drycleaner" by Dave Rohan of Metropolitan Utilities District.
Jane Rising of the International Fabricare Institute will present one seminar on problem garments and another one on wetcleaning later in the day. She has been with IFI since 1985 holds a Bachelor's degree in Home Economics from the University of Hawaii.
There will also be a presentation of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" at 7:15 p.m. following the Saturday evening banquet. The program will give cleaners an opportunity to win between $1 and $200 by answering questions pertaining to drycleaning and industry-related issues.
On Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m., John Demonceaux will present a humorous motivational seminar on how to help employees feel valuable as a part of an organization.
Later on that day, Jane Rising will present a seminar on customer service.
For more information on INDLA's fall seminar, contact the association by calling (515) 225-3654.
The Indiana 5-Star Environmental Recognition Program, originally developed in 1995 for drycleaners, will be undergoing some changes soon as the result of a re-evaluation by the program's review committee.
The committee, which consists of representatives from Indiana's Department of Environmental Management and the Indiana Drycleaning and Laundry Association, as well as various state health departments and other interested parties.
The 5-Star Program was originally designed to recognize plant owners and employees who voluntarily demonstrate an excellence of knowledge by satisfactorily passing a test with questions on environmental regulations, proper waste handling and safe drycleaning equipment operating procedures.
Cleaners are ranked on a scale of one to five stars, each additional star building on the requirements met by the previous one, so a 5-star cleaner must first meet all of the criteria for the first four stars.
The program is broken down into three different categories, including: Certified Environmental Drycleaners (CED), Certified Professional Drycleaners (CPD); and Certified Professional Wetcleaners (CPW).
The program revisions are expected to be implemented soon. The new changes include:
More details about Indiana's 5-Star Environmental Recognition Program can be obtained by visiting the web site for Indiana's Office of Pollution Prevention and Technical Assistance at www.state.in.us/idem/ctap/cleaners. The site has downloadable PDF files for a program application, as well as a list of all participating state drycleaners.
INDLA's site contains a list of drycleaners active in the program. Go to www.indla.com, enter the site, then click on the link for "Information on CED, CPW, CPD."
The North East Fabricare Association will be presenting three seminars on "The Fine Art of Finishing" in the coming months.
Training specialists Carmelia and Fred Bernardi, who have more than 40 years experience in the drycleaning industry, will help attendees increase production and eliminate problems in the finishing department.
The husband and wife team are the former owners of Commodore Cleaners in Rhode Island. Carmelia Bernardi served as NEFA's president in 1978 and became the association's Field Service and Membership Coordinator in 1985.
Fred Bernardi has served as NEFA's secretary and both he and Carmelia have been active on the association's board of directors.
"The Fine Art of Finishing" course taught by the Bernardis is designed to improve customer relations, plant production and overall work quality.
The Bernardis will combine hands-on training with classroom teaching. Those who take the course will study fibers, fabrics and the characteristics of steam.
The first course is schedule to run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 2 in Hartford, CT. Another course is scheduled to run for the same eight-hour period on Sunday, June 3 in Reading, MA.
The third seminar on "The Fine Art of Finishing" will be divided into two different segments and will take place in Providence, RI. The first will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 12, followed by another evening session from 5 to 9 p.m. the following week on Thursday, July 19.
Cost for the course is $165 for members and $215 for non-members. However, if non-members pay the full price and register for membership within a 30-day period, then $50 will be refunded.
The number of participants per class is limited, so early registration is highly recommended.
Coming in August, NEFA also has plans for seminars on "The Art of Professional Spotting" and the association's 11th Annual Clean Classic Golf Tournament.
For more information, or to register for any events, contact Mary White at (800) 442-6848.
A "different kind of trade show" is promised on Oct. 13-14 when the Neighborhood Cleaners Association holds its 2001 edition of TexCare at the New Jersey Convention Center located in Edison, NJ.
Though the "New NCA" has yet to announce specific ideas on how the association plans to revitalize its educational and entertainment programming, it promises that it will be "unlike anything we've seen in our industry."
At the same time, NCA also plans to maintain some of its traditions, including packing the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Hall with a full range of exhibits.
NCA plans to keep its members update with the latest developments for its TexCare 2001 Convention on its web page, located at www.nca-i.com
In the meantime, local NCA members will have an opportunity to take part in a marketing seminar on June 14 hosted by the Eastern Massachusetts Chapter and presented by marketing expert Pamela Yellen.
The seminar will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Occasion's Banquet Hall in Norwood. The $15 registration cost includes the seminar, as well as a buffet dinner on the same evening.
More details can be obtained by calling Susan Goddard Jean at (508) 384-3715.
Also coming up in NCA's future is its 3rd Annual Mets Game and Picnic Outing sponsored by the New York City/Long Island Chapter.
Tickets for the event are $40 and will include a picnic dinner and seating at a New York Mets home game when they play the St. Louis Cardinals. The fun and food begins at 5:45 p.m.; the game is scheduled to start at 7:10 p.m.
For more information, contact Joe Hallak at (201) 343-7333 or Ed Roth at (718) 969-0207.
Aldrich Clean-Tech Equipment will be hosting its 2nd Annual Aldrich Open on June 22. The cost for the event is $90 per player; however, drycleaners can play for free.
The golf tournament is slated to take place with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. at the Kettlebrook Golf Course in Paxton, MA and is seeking to raise money in order to benefit The Compassion Pregnancy Center of Worcester, Inc.
The organization seeks to provide assistance and ongoing confidential resources to those who face unplanned pregnancies in the greater Worcester area.
Prior to tee-off, a live jazz band will be performing from 7 to 9 a.m. while breakfast is served. Following a boxed lunch, an early Italian buffet is scheduled in the early afternoon.
At that time, prizes for the day's tournament will be presented to the winning golfers.
To register for the 2nd Annual Aldrich Open, contact Brian Mattei at (508) 792-1007.
For information on The Compassion Pregnancy Center, call (508) 393-6438.
The Southwest Drycleaners Association will holds its next trade show April 13-14, 2002, in San Antonio, TX.
The San Antonio Convention Center, which will house the exhibits, has been recently refurbished. The nearby St. Anthony Hotel will be the headquarters for other convention activities.
More information is available by calling the SDA office, (210) 826-4684.
The Royaltone Leather Cleaning Academy in Tulsa, OK, has several upcoming educational sessions planned for June and September.
On Friday, June 22, a one-day RLCA Leather Spray Finishing Class is planned to teach students how to restore faded suedes and leathers.
On the following Thursday and Friday, June 28 and 29, a two-day RCLA Leather Cleaning course will be offered. Another two-day session is also planned for Thursday, Sept. 13 and Friday, Sept. 14.
The class is an opportunity for plant owners and managers to learn how to safely and easily spot, wetclean, dryclean, press and refinish suedes, leathers and furs with a higher profit-per-garment ratio.
Attendees each receive a complete instruction manual written by course instructor, Frank Lucenta, which is available in both English and Korean.
Upon completion of a course at the Royaltone Academy, attendees will be presented with a course completion certificate. After training support is provided through a free hotline at (800) 331-5506.
Class size is limited for all courses at the Royaltone Academy in order to provide individual instruction, so early registration is recommended.
For more information, call (918) 622-6677 or visit the Royaltone web site located at www.royaltone.com.
The Southwest Drycleaners Association announced its newly-elected officers and board of directors during its 94th Annual Convention held in Sedona, AZ, from March 29 through April 1.
Following IFI CEO Bill Fisher's keynote speech at The Director's Breakfast on Friday morning, SDA held its quarterly board of directors meeting where the results of SDA's new officers were announced.
Allan P. Johnson will be the associaton's new president, taking the reins over from Darrell Sawyer. Johnson will be joined by Patricia Ann Godo as 1st vice president and Danny Renteria as 2nd vice president. Rick Sims will serve as directors representative and James Hericks was appointed sergeant-at-arms.
Elections for SDA's board members were held during the General Membership Meeting later that afternoon.
The eighteen directors elected for renewal of term include: John Bigler, Craig Campbell, Charles Enderlin, John Faulkner, Pat Godo, Philip Hearnsberger, Lee Henson, Allan Johnson, Keith Kocher, Laurie McReynolds, Danny Renteria, Donavan Rudd, Greg Salome, Darrell Sawyer, Lou Schickel, Joyce Shollenbarger, Rick Sims, Richard Skinner and Bruce Squires.
New directors elected for three-year terms beginning on May 1 include: Amin Bata, Rick Gonzalez, Joel Hilliard, Sr., Charles Ingram and John Kim.
Jeff Barcafar and John Bogert were also selected as the two members appointed as Allied Trades Liaisons.
SDA also presented two seminars at its annual convention. Chris Allsbrooks discussed how to handle problem customers and Kenny Slatten provided education on stain removal.
The North Carolina Drycleaning Solvent Act may be able to provide financial assistance to statewide drycleaners and solvent vendors starting in June.
The bill, which was originally passed in 1997, has undergone a series of revisions over the past four years and was postponed to take effect on Oct. 1, 2001, as the result of a typographical error.
A bill has been scheduled to be introduced in both houses of the North Carolina legislature that seeks to rectify that error and move the program's launch date to summer. However, the exact date the law will take effect remains uncertain.
Once the law is initiated, cleaners will pay a $10 per gallon tax on all purchases of perc and $1.35 per gallon surcharge for hydrocarbon-based solvents.
The revenue generated from the increased solvent tax will go to assist North Carolina cleaners who are paying to cleanup contaminated plants. It is estimated that there are currently over 100 statewide drycleaning sites in some stage of clean-up.
A total of about 900 abandoned or currently operational sites in NC are believed to have a high probability of contamination, according to Bruce Nicholson, head of the Division of Waste Management's Special Remediation Branch of the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Drycleaners who meet the eligibility requirements and participate in the program are subject to deductibles and co-payments for site clean-up costs, according to the law.
The law also calls for sites to be cleaned up on a "worst-sites-first" basis so that contaminated properties that pose the greatest risk to human health and the environment will be dealt with as soon as possible.
A web site with more information on North Carolina's Drycleaning Solvent Cleanup Act is available at www.ncdsca.org.
The Better Business Bureau of Mississippi and the Louisiana- Mississippi Drycleaners and Laundry Association have combined efforts in order to initiate a new Fabric Advisory Panel.
The panel will be made up of representatives from the drycleaning/laundry industry, retail industry and consumers and will be used as an arbitrary means to settle disputes regarding damaged or lost clothing between customers and drycleaners and launderers.
In cases where an acceptable settlement has not been reached, a form explaining the nature of the complaint will be sent alongside the garment in question to the BBB office. Then, the Fabric Advisory Panel will review the complaint and determine the validity of the claim based on the information submitted.
When a difficult dispute arises, the Panel will have the option to send the garment to the International Fabricare Institute for help in rendering a judgement.
Once the ruling is decided, participants in the dispute will be notified in writing.
For more information on the Better Business Bureau of Mississippi, visit the organization's web site at www.bbbmississippi.org.
The San Diego Dry Cleaners Association will be offering California drycleaners the California Air Resources Board required courses on the Air Toxic Control Measure in June and July.
The Air Toxic Control Measure is part of a set of drycleaning regulations enacted by CARB in 1994, which stipulated that drycleaning machine operators be certified as having completed a course on safe environmental procedures.
Class offerings are set to take place on June 23 and July 28.
The sessions will take place at the Inn Suites Hotel, located at 2223 El Cajon Blvd., in San Diego, CA.
Cost for the course is $100 for re-certification and $150 for first-time certification.
Advanced registration is important because classes may be cancelled unless enough people register.
The class will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A book is provided for first-time certifiers, so re-certification applicants should bring their old book, certificate, and a picture ID.
For more information, contact SDDCA at (619) 267-5390.
A Milnor washer-extractor service seminar has been scheduled to take place from Aug. 14-17 in Los Angeles, CA.
This will be Milnor's second scheduled service seminar for 2001; the first one was held in Myrtle Beach, SC, from April 24-27.
The four-day course is designed to train personnel how to quickly and accurately diagnose and treat field problems for a wide range of Milnor washer-extractors, as well as help attendees achieve a general understanding of how the equipment operates.
The seminar will cover Milnor washer-extractors from 35 lb. to 750 lb. capacities, including split and open pocket designs. The course will also provide training on microprocessor programming and how to troubleshoot through microprocessor wiring diagrams.
Cost for the seminar is $125 per person per day.
For details, contact Randy Stiver, supervisor of training and education at Pellerin Milnor Corporation, by calling (504) 467-8780, ext. 514 or writing to: P.O. Box 400, Kenner, LA, 70065.
A brochure for the seminars is also available by calling (800) 469-8780. More information can also be obtained by visiting the company's Internet site at www.milnor.com
The Southern California Drycleaning School, located at the Harbor Occupational Center at 740 N. Pacific Ave. in San Pedro, CA, is currently offering a variety of courses on the subject of drycleaning.
The school is operated by the Los Angeles Unified School District in conjunction with the California Cleaners Association.
Currently, day courses are being offered Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Evening classes run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:45 to 9 p.m.
Classes cost $48.50 each, which includes a student I.D. fee.
For more information, contact the school at (310) 547-5551 or Joe Torres at (818) 413-0686, or visit CCA's web site online at www.calcleaners.com.
Copyright © 2001, National Clothesline Maintained by: Hal Horning