National Clothesline

Not all monsters dwell in closets. In fact, many can be found in at the front counter of drycleaning establishments yelling about a ruined garment, a stubborn stain or some other problem that hasn’t been addressed to their satisfaction.

Whenever such an incident occurs, it is imperative that the customer service personnel defuse the situation and regain the loyalty of the disgruntled consumer.

The Pennsylvania and Delaware Cleaners Association and the Western Pennsylvania Cleaners and Launderers Association are working together to offer a seminar that specifically demonstrates how to deal with even the most difficult and demanding customers.

The session will be taught by IFI Garment Analyst Chris Allsbrooks, whose outgoing disposition makes her one of the industry’s most popular speakers.

Allsbrooks holds a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising and textile marketing from the University of Maryland, College Park. She will focus her discussion on how counter employees can turn a negative customer service situation into a positive one.

The seminar is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Holiday Inn at 2750 Mosside Blvd. in Monroeville, PA.

The cost of each session is set at a $20 flat fee for member plants and $35 for non-member plants. Multiple employees from the same plant may attend without incurring any additional costs.

To make reservations or find out additional information, contact Dave Beatty of Murrysville Cleaners in Pittsburgh at (724) 327-6400 or call the PDCA office at (215) 830-8495. PDCA’s web site is www.pdclean.org.

With the promise of cutting edge information and innovative concepts, Herson Supply of Gaithersburg, MD, will be offering an In-House Expo on the weekend of Nov. 15 and 16.

The event will run from 3 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

There will be demonstrations on the wetcleaning process and the Aerotech Green Jet Dry/Wet cleaning system. Also featured will be a session that focuses on cleaning leathers and sports shoes in water.

Cleaners will have an excellent opportunity to network and seek advice on a variety of topics from several knowledgeable guests who are invited to attend, including: an environmental expert, a leasing attorney, a drycleaning insurance expert, a business broker specialist for cleaners, a wedding gown restoration professional and an e-mail marketing guru.

Representatives from the MidAtlantic Association of Cleaners and the International Fabricare Institute will also be present.

Deli platters will be served to attendees.

Herson Supply is located at 7901-L Beechcraft Ave. Cleaners should R.S.V.P. or find out more information by calling (301) 417-1300. For directions, cleaners may call (301) 417-2440.

The West Virginia Drycleaners and Launderers Association will participate in the CleaningExpo Showcase and Auction at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD, March 13-14.

WVDLA is the first group to actively participate I encouraging cleaners to attend the showcase next March, said Gene Moorefield, president of the MidAtlantic Association cleaners.

Organizers expect the event will be well timed for cleaners looking to make operating changes and equipment upgrades.

Operators are confronting competitive and environmental requirements from landlords and other institutions, making it essential that they find new ways to operate more efficiently and profitably, said Buddy Gritz, chairman of CleanExpo showcase. Interest rates are at all all-time low. Environmental loan funds in Virginia, Maryland and other states may assist buyers in acquiring the latest environmentally sensitive technologies, he added.

Recent changes in federal tax law increased from $25,000 to $100,000 the amount that small businesses can expense for new equipment purchases through 2005. The first-year bonus depreciation deduction increased from 30 percent to 50 percent for operating investments acquired and placed in service before January 1, 2005.

For more information on the CleaningExpo showcase, call (800) 235-8360.