National Clothesline

When the Pennsylvania and Delaware Cleaners Association formed a committee for its Drycleaning and Laundry Expo 2004, the members all agreed it was time for a change.

“Our committee said they were tired of the kinds of meetings they had attended in recent years,” convention chairman Mark Pollock noted. “In addition, they did not want to be talked at anymore.”

To solve the problem, the committee simply retooled its educational programming format.

“We have tried to make our program fresh, interactive, and completely different,” Pollock said.

This year’s theme will focus on helping attendees find the competitive edge they need to keep their business out in front.

In order to deliver that message clearly, PDCA will stress the importance of interaction with guest speakers at the event, which will be held on October 2 and 3 at the Atlantic City Convention Center in New Jersey.

Audience members will be encouraged to ask questions and make comments during the seminars.

The first session will begin on Saturday morning. IFI CEO Bill Fisher will emphasize “How to Get the Competitive Edge in Any Business Climate.”

Afterward, Bill Odorizzi will focus his presentation on “Getting the Competitive Edge Through Customer and Employee Satisfaction.” Odorizzi is the president of the Textile Care Allied Trades Association and vice president of FH Bonn Co.

On Sunday, Jane Zellers will lead a panel discussion entitled “Breakfast with the Pros.” She is the chief instructor at the Southwest Drycleaner Association’s school located on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock. During the interactive program, attendees will exchange ideas with several industry leaders who will outline ways to enhance and expand profitability.

In addition to the seminars, PDCA will also offer a full range of drycleaning and laundry equipment and supplies at its exhibit hall. The free exhibit has already reached its sales goals and promises to be the largest show in the east this year.

PDCA will additionally host two receptions for networking and relaxing. Friday night will feature a free welcome reception with a cash bar. On Saturday, there will be a more traditional elegant reception following the closing of the exhibit hall.

This year’s headquarters hotel is the new Borgata in Atlantic City. Rooms with single or double occupancy are available at a rate of $185 per night for those affiliated with Expo 2004. For reservations, call (866) 692-6742.

To register for Expo 2004, visit online at www.pdclean.org. The cost is: Saturday seminar, $20; Sunday breakfast and seminar, $20; Saturday reception, $25; or full registration for all events, $50. Admission to the exhibit is free. For more information, call (800) 822-7352.