National Clothesline

What’s in a name? Quite a lot. For 53 years, the Neighborhood Cleaners Association has kept the same name as a nod to its roots.

After all, the association was formed by neighborhood cleaners during a time when legislative proposals aimed to jeopardize their existence by banning them from residential areas.

However, the NCA board of directors recently decided it was time for a new name that outlines how much the association has expanded its membership base and scope over the years. As of August 1, 2003, NCA will now be called the National Cleaners Association.

Though the name has changed, NCA’s initials and logo will remain the same.

“NCA’s name change from neighborhood to national is a true indication of the organization’s position in the industry,” said Board President Steve Yudelson of Bentley Cleaners in Norwalk, CT.

Throughout the organization’s long history, it has always represented the interests of its member cleaning plants, but it has also played an active role in regulatory and legislative issues that affect drycleaners nationwide.

NCA has made a reputation for looking out for all cleaners, and the NCA board hopes the new name change will better reflect the association’s commitment to the industry and its role as a leader for cleaners from coast to coast.

For more information about NCA, call Ann Hargrove at (800) 888-1-NCA.

The National Cleaners Association plans a winter seminar at the Atlantis Resort and Casino on Paradise Island, Nassau, Jan. 16-18.

The three-day conference will offer educational programs, time to network, tabletops exhibits and time to relax and play. All presentations will be offered twice to allow time for a meet and greet cocktail party, one-on-one time with presenters, water sports, gambling, shopping and swimming.

“The cornerstone of the event is our educational program,” said NCA event coordinator Ann Hargrove. She said the program will focus on ideas and the tools for cleaners to manage and market their businesses successfully.

Among the speakers will be Wendy Vinson from the “E-Myth” company. She has been delivering E-Myth programs for over seven years and conducts a monthly leadership workshop for businesses leaders. Her presentation will be “Working on Your Cleaning Business and Your Life.”

Jay Lehr, Ph.D., an authority on groundwater hydrology will share his thoughts on, “Freedom vs. The Environment.” Best-selling author and marketing expert Lois Geller will be on hand to show drycleaners how to generate profitable new consumers and retain existing ones by using affordable, advanced direct marketing strategies in her presentation, “Winning Customer Acquisition & Loyalty Strategies from a Master Marketer.”

Rounding out the program will be cleaning industry guru Sid Tuchman, who will present an interactive session, “Focusing on Small Things for Big Results.”

The seminars cost $200 for members and $250 for non-members.

Atlantis Hotel rooms are available at the rate of $199 in the Coral Towers and $255 in the Royal Towers — half of what visitors normally pay. All rooms have a harbor view. The hotel will honor this special rate for three days prior and three days after the weekend of the seminar.

For more information about the program, call Ann Hargrove, (800) 888-1-NCA.

The Northeast Laundry Association’s is gearing up for its 91st annual meeting and fall conference, scheduled from September 18-21 at the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa, located at 625 North Rd. in Groton, Connecticut.

The weekend will feature two helpful educational seminars.

Jim Ruth of Mountville Mills will discuss “Running a Successful Sales Route Promotion” from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 19.

On Saturday morning, David A. Rich, president of Rich Ideas, will present “The Art of Being Contagious.” The seminar will unlock the secrets to creating natural persuasion. Cleaners will also learn how to keep their customers from going elsewhere by knowing what they really want.

In addition to the informative sessions, NELA has planned several fun social gatherings.

A cocktail reception is planned for 6 p.m. on Thursday evening, followed by a dinner at the hotel at 6:30 p.m.

On the next day, golf enthusiasts will tee up and take part in NELA’s 24th annual golf tournament, which will be hosted at the Shennecosset Golf Course from 11:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Registration is $75 per person.

Other relaxing afternoon options for attendees, include a visit to the Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration, the Old Mystic Village or Foxwoods Resort and Casino.

Friday evening will conclude with a dinner cruise aboard the Sea Pony up the Thames River.

More social events will keep things hopping on Saturday night. A cocktail reception begins at 7 p.m., followed by NELA’s annual banquet and presentation of awards from 8 to 9:30 p.m. The rest of the evening will feature music and dancing at the Mystic Marriott.

Registration packages for the full conference run $190 per member and $240 per non-member. Individual day packages may also be purchased. For more information, call (781) 397-8870.

Hotel reservations may be made at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa by calling (800) 446-2600 or (800) 228-9290. Rooms will cost $199 per night for attendees.

Though the Neighborhood Cleaners Association recently changed its name to National Cleaners Association to better reflect the broader scope of its programs, the organization will continue to offer comprehensive courses regionally at its New York School of Drycleaning.

Cleaners will have one more chance this year to take NCA’s 10-week “Principles and Practices of Drycleaning” program which meets between 7 and 11 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday evenings. The class starts on Monday, September 29.

Cost for the course is $870. Additional instructional aids include a $40 Student Notebook and a $40 Fabric Book, which are both optional.

NCA will also host another round of its four-week pressing program. The class meets from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The course begins on Tuesday, September 30.

Tuition is $380, or $190 in advance and then $50 per week until paid in full. For more information, contact the NCA office by calling (212) 967-3002.