National Clothesline

The California Cleaners Association anticipates a crowd of around 3,500 drycleaners to attend its upcoming Fabricare 2004 trade show and convention.

Those who make a point of showing up will have three days to experience all the latest products and technology the industry has to offer at the main exhibit hall, which includes representation from hundreds of companies.

Located at the Long Beach Convention Center, the event will take place from August 27-29. Next door is the Long Beach Hyatt Regency, CCA’s headquarters hotel, at 200 S. Pine Ave. Reservations are available by calling (800) 233-1234.

The convention will feature several educational sessions aimed at helping cleaners improve their skills and unify together to make the industry stronger.

The informative programming will being on Friday morning at 9 a.m. with “Leases - How to Negotiate (Or Renegotiate) For Maximum Success!” by Kelly Kelleher of Kelleher Equipment Co.

Because leases are a vital component that can make or break a business, owners should be aware of hidden costs, fine print conditions and environmental concerns. Kelleher will look at all of these subjects and more in an attempt to help cleaners avoid a bad lease negotiation and get the best deal possible.

On the same morning, “Contamination! They Want to Test. What Do You Do?” will be presented by Lisa Bond of Richards Watson Gershon at 10:15 a.m. As a leading environmental attorney, Bond will arm her audience with the tools they need to successfully handle issues surrounding site contaminations.

On Saturday, attendees can opt to pick up knowledge at a seminar entitled “Computers, Communication and Cleaners,” presented by Gary Axelson of Lakeside French Cleaners and Brooksher Banks of Banks & Associates. Both speakers will outline ways cleaners can profitably utilize their point of sales computer systems.

Chris Baggott of Exact Target will be on hand at 10 a.m. to discuss “E-Marketing for Your Business - It’s Easier Than You Think.”

Finally, a guest speaker panel will look at “What Regulations Might Be Coming Your Way - Solvents, Air Districts, the Legislature & You!” at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Panel participants include: CCA lobbyist, Mike Belote of California Advocates; Nora Nealis of the National Cleaners Association; Steve Risotto of Halogenated Solvents Industry Alliance; Robert Wyman of Latham and Watkins; and a representative from the California Air Resources Board.

CCA will host several social and networking activities throughout the course of the event, as well, including a welcome reception at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 26, and an official opening ceremony on Friday that will feature the election of CCA’s 2004-2005 officers, the division election results and a board directors’ meeting.

A “Catch the Wave” cocktail party is set to start at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and a “President’s Reception and Dinner” from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday evening will feature comedian Mack Dryden. At that time, CCA will† officially install its new officers and announce the winners of the Dry Cleaner and Allied Trades Member of the Year Awards.

Complete convention registration packages are available. The cost is: $175 for members; $275 for non-members; $200 for member Allied Trades; and $300 for non-member Allied Trades. Register online at www.calcleaners.com.