What a wonderful show it was!
y first national
convention was in Philadelphia about 1961, during what was
probably the worst snow storm the Northeast had seen in years.
It was really a “salesman’s convention”
because they were the only ones who could attend. I
couldn’t drive there, nor could I find my Volkswagen,
which was lost in a snowdrift and, had it not been for my radio
antennae, it would have stayed there until spring.
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For example, “Ask the man, who owns
one” (from my father, who took it from an old auto ad).
Next: “If you’re not sure of what your buying, at
least know whom you’re buying from!
What a great show it was in Las Vegas,
where you could see dozens of the best of what our industry
offers, make immediate comparisons of features, benefits,
price, terms, performance, even delivery — all in the
space of a few hours.
If you had a little energy left over, you
could eat a nice dinner and see a first-class, entertaining
show that is probably unavailable in your hometown.
The lights, the glamour, the sights, the
gambling — it was all around us in Las Vegas, but
unfortunately never enough time to take it all in and do it all
justice.
This becomes my problem at a show like
this, because I’m also blessed with a favorite nephew and
a warm family friend who have been residents of the area for
the past ten years or so, and who can’t wait to show off
their town to reciprocate from a past New York visit.
I love these conventions because it gives
me the opportunity of renewing those many old friendships. I
can’t walk down an aisle without someone taking a
double-take at me and asking “how ya been?” and
bringing me up to date on who’s retired and down in
Florida or showing a host of pictures of grandchildren! Makes
me wonder — am I the only one who’s gotten older?
Our industry has made tremendous changes
in just the last ten years . We can start with the miracle
fibers that reached the height of manufacturing and the ability
of ease in processing. Almost gone are 100 percent cotton or
100 percent wool. They are still available, but now on special
order.
The strides in wetcleaning would not have
been imaginable a scant ten years ago. That’s why the
equipment today needs a practiced eye, not just for conforming
to the latest EPA demands, but also for the perfection of
finishing these miracle fibers still on the drawing boards.
How does it retain permanent press and
what effect will additives have on the finish such as sizing,
water-proofing, or even built-in perspiration control?
Most important, what will it do to improve
production with inexperience personnel?
Today’s beautiful equipment has all
the old names with impeccable reputations. True, gone are the
names of American greats, but replaced with some of the best
names of European and German manufacturers, even some very
respectable Japanese. It’s time to dig down and ask:
Where does it come from and are parts readily available?
A lot of hard-won dollars will be spent.
All we can do is hope to spend it wisely, be it in Las Vegas or
at home with our favorite distributor.
Again it’s time re-think and to be
certain: “If you’re not sure of what your buying,
you had better know whom you’re buying from.”
Ray Colucci, a consultant to the fabric
care industry, has revised and made available three timely
pamphlets: “Up Front Is Where It Counts” for
counter training; “Pressed for Perfection” for
finishing techniques; the popular “Route to Success To
the Home of Office” for complete route training. The
pamphlets are $20 each or all three for $50. Immediate delivery
with all postage paid is promised. Send requests and payment to
to R. Colucci, 410 Warren Ave., Mamaroneck, NY 10543.
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