National Clothesline

“Venture Beyond” is the theme for the California Cleaners Association Fabricare 2002 trade show, scheduled for Aug. 23-25 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, CA.

In addition to offering an exhibit hall full of the latest in drycleaning machinery and equipment, CCA plans to host its annual golf tournament, as well as an Early Bird Welcome Reception.

Other social engagements planned for the weekend include a Friday night cocktail party, an after-dinner casino night and CCA’s President’s Dinner, where the association’s annual Dry Cleaner of the Year award is handed out. Starting with a new tradition, the dinner will also feature the winner of the newly-formed Allied Trades Member of the Year.

CCA is still seeking nominations for both categories. The Dry Cleaner of the Year award is annually given to an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the advancement of both CCA and the drycleaning industry. The Allied Trades Member of the Year will be used to recognize an individual who has shown a strong commitment to assist cleaners in addition to a strong desire to make the association and the industry better.

The deadline for nominations is July 15.

So far, five educational seminars have been lined up throughout the weekend, including a discussion panel that will focus on new technologies in the drycleaning industry. Other seminar topics include: “Outstanding Customer Service: Easy Steps to Take to Stand Out!”; “Fraud Busters! How to Protect Yourself From Both Sides of the Counter”; “Contamination! Do you have it? How do you deal with it?”; and “Pricing for Profits.”

This year’s host hotel for the convention is the Hyatt Regency Long Beach. A special room rate of $132 per night plus occupancy tax has been secured for all reservations made prior to July 31, 2002. To make reservations, call (562) 491-1234 or (800) 233-1234.

For more information about Fabricare 2002, contact CCA at (916) 443-0986.

Drycleaners in the northern part of California will have several upcoming educational offerings thanks to the California Cleaners Association.

CCA’s Northern California School will feature a two-part course on Dry Cleaning Fundamentals. Part one will take place on Friday, Sept. 13, followed by part two on Friday, Oct. 11.

On Friday, Nov. 8, CCA will also present a class on “Leathers and Other Speciality Garments.”

All classes will be given at Snow Cleaners, located at 38 W. Sonora St. in Stockton, CA. Tuition is $75 for members and $125 for non-members.

For more information or to make reservations, call the CCA office at (800) 390-8409.

CCA President Marti Russell will hold courses on CARB certification and re-certification at the Villa Hotel in San Mateo, CA Saturday nights on Aug. 17 and Oct. 19. She will also present Wednesday night courses on July 24, Sept. 25, Oct. 23 and Nov. 20.

For more information, contact Russell at (650) 593-3646.