September 1997
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The pursuit of cosponsors for the Barton bill (HR 1711) got a boost just before Congress began its summer break in August as eight more members of Congress signed on, bringing the total number of sponsors to 30.
With many members of Congress in their home districts during the month of August, cleaners were being urged to contact their representatives and seek their support for the bill. The results of that effort won't be known until Congress gets back to work, but Rep. Joe Barton, who introduced the legislation in May, has said that 100 co-sponsors would be needed by the end of summer to convince House leaders there is enough backing for the bill to proceed with hearings.
Barton reiterated the importance of cleaners taking grassroots action to build congressional support for the bill at a press conference in Washington, DC, on July 25.
"I need the help of drycleaners around America," he said. "Local drycleaners should contact their member of Congress during the August Congressional recess and ask him or her to co-sponsor my legislation."
"With the support of local representatives from around the country, we can get the legislation passed quickly," he continued. "No one is a more effective advocate for this legislation than the local small business people who are being hurt by the current law."
Barton's legislation, officially called the Small Business Remediation Act but commonly referred to in the drycleaning industry as "the Barton bill," would tie cleanup standards for drycleaning solvents in soil and groundwater to the OSHA standard for workplace exposure to the same solvents.
That would alleviate the problem now facing the industry which results when EPA's cleanup standards for drinking water are applied to soil and non-drinking water cleanup. Since EPA has no standards for those types of contamination, the drinking water standards are often adopted making cleanups extremely costly.
"We cannot continue to force small businesses to pay to make dirt as clean as drinking water," Barton said. "The current federal standard has created this problem and now the federal government must correct this problem. That is what my legislation will do."
Barton's proposal, formally named The Small Business Remediation Act, would set the cleanup standard for drycleaning solvents in soil and groundwater at one-tenth the amount allowed by OSHA in the workplace.
Currently, the OSHA standard for perchloroethylene, the most commonly used drycleaning solvent, is 100 parts per million which would lead to a cleanup standard of 10 parts per million. OSHA is likely to revise its workplace exposure standard downward in the next year, possibly in the range of 10 parts per million. That would produce a cleanup standard of 1 part per million, still more readily achievable than the 5 parts per billion level.
To build nationwide support for the Barton bill among Korean drycleaners, the Korean American Cleaners Association of New Jersey sent letters calling for Barton bill support to Korean cleaners around the country.
Cleaners were asked to sign the letters and return them to the association, which in turn would forward them to Congress. Some 200 letters were returned and Tae Hee Han, president of the New Jersey association, presented them to Marshall Miller of the Baise & Miller law firm.
At the July 25 press conference, President Han and Rep. Barton exchanged plaques of mutual appreciation. The association recognized Barton for his service to the community and made him an honorary member of the Korean American Cleaners Association of New Jersey. Rep. Barton presented a Congressional Certification of Recognition to Han.
The New Jersey association sponsored the press conference and 18 members of the association attended.
Also attending as co-sponsors of the campaign were representatives from the International Fabricare Institute, the Baise & Miller law firm, the Federation of Korean Drycleaners Association's the Mid-Atlantic Cleaners and Launderers Association, and the Korean Drycleaners Association of Greater Washington.
Commenting on the Barton bill at the press conference, KACANJ President Han said the "drycleaning industry is facing environmental problems caused by clean-up standards that go beyond what is reasonable and necessary to protect the public and the environment. The Barton bill will reduce the cleanup cost considerably and protect he drycleaning business as well as the environment."
Press conference attendees included Bill Fisher Mary Scalco, and Sam Choi of IFI, Barbara Harvey and Earl Knight from MACLA; Marshall Miller and Charlotte Giddings of Baise & Miller; Back Kyu Choi, president of the Korean Drycleaners Association of Washington, Chun S. Shin, chairman of the board of the FKDA and Max Oh, an advisor to FKDA.
After the press conference, IFI hosted a luncheon at its Silver Spring, MD, headquarters for the participants where Fisher and Han exchanged plaques of appreciation and underscored the importance of unified industry action to move the Barton bill in Congress. Fisher said the work of KACANJ in organizing Korean cleaners for the campaign is vital to the success of the effort.
Grassroots action
Meanwhile, efforts to mobilize the industry on the grassroots level were continuing outside of Washington. The Fabricare Legislative and Regulatory Education group has activated its grassroots network of volunteers in on behalf of the Barton bill with the goal of contact every drycleaner in the United States by Sept. 30 to explain the need for the Barton bill and encourage cleaners to write or call their representatives in Congress.
Last month FLARE's volunteer state directors received a package of material that included a copy of the legislation, a summary of the bill and how it would protect cleaners from excessive cleanup costs, arguments in favor of the bill and responses to arguments in opposition to the bill.
In a cover letter sent with the material, FLARE said: "We need to show Congress our importance and our unity. Unified members can make for a convincing argument, or to look at the flip side, congress will not waste its time on us if we lack unity and commitment."
The Michigan Institute of Laundering and Drycleaning (MILD) has been conducting a series of local meetings around the state, inviting cleaners come and learn about the Barton bill and encouraging to participate in efforts to get it passed.
Part of the MILD campaign includes raising money for the campaign. MILD is asking Michigan cleaners to pledge financial support and by late August had received $40,000 in commitments from cleaners.
MILD executive director Merry Bering said that cleaners who are unable to donate money can still do important work. "I have a list of things they can do," she said. That includes to writing letters representatives. MILD has letters that cleaners can use and will help any cleaners find the name and address of the representative.
Personal contacts are the key, Bering said. Two Michigan representatives have signed on as co-sponsors of the Barton bill -- Fred Upton and David Camp -- and Bering said that personal contacts "made the difference in both cases."
She is hopeful that several more members of the Michigan congressional delegation will add their names to the list.
Of the 29 cosponsors signed on as of Aug. 21, eight are Barton's fellow Texans: Democrats Martin Frost, Silvestre Reyes, Ralph Hall and Gene Green, and Republicans Pete Sessions, Kevin Brady, Lamar Smith and Henry Bonilla.
Three Virginians, all Democrats, have added their names to the list since the bill was introduced. They include Owen Pickett, Norm Sisisky and Virgil Goode.
Also among the Republican cosponsors are Michael Crapo and Helen Chenoweth of Idaho; Ron Lewis and Jim Bunning of Kentucky; J. D. Hayworth, Bob Stump and John Shadegg of Arizona; Jon Christensen and Bill Barrett of Nebraska; George Radanovich and John Doolittle of California; Doc Hastings of Washington; Frank Lucas of Oklahoma; Todd Tiahrt of Kansas; and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.
From the package of Information provided by FLARE
Illogical and often unattainable remediation clean up standards are putting hundreds of drycleaners out of business and imperiling the livelihoods of thousands of drycleaners, employees and property owners. The drycleaning process creates waste water as a by product. In the past, drycleaners were encouraged and sometime mandated, to dispose of waste water from the drycleaning process into the sanitary sewers.
Unbeknownst to drycleaners, and most of the public, these sewers are often cracked and in some cases even have been designed to leak. As a result, the ground around many drycleaning stores is often "contaminated" with minute levels of drycleaning solvents.
Although this contamination was usually caused by drycleaners operating according to the law, these cleaners are now responsible for clean up for the contamination.
A clean up, or a lawsuit alleging the need for clean up, is usually triggered by the sale or lease of a property. Under current environmental laws, liability is retroactive, joint, strict and several.
With such liability laws in place, people can be responsible for clean up if they simply buy a site where there is or used to be a drycleaning store, or they can be responsible for the full clean up of a property if there is a chance that they may have contributed even a tiny bit to the "contamination."
Clean up has become such a serious problem for cleaners and property owners because EPA and others, in the absence of a federal or even a state clean up standard, have set clean up levels at 5 parts per billion (ppb). This is standard set for drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
Although the 5 ppb standard is feasible and reasonable for drinking water, it is prohibitively costly and, some argue, technologically impossible, to clean up dirt or groundwater that is not part of the drinking supply to such a level where the risk of exposure is low and the level of exposure is extremely unlikely.
This illogical and some say unachievable remediation level of 5 ppb is causing many cleaners and property owners to go bankrupt.
H.R. 1711, the Small Business Remediation Act, was introduced by Representative Joe Barton (R-TX-6) in the 105th Congress, on May 22, 1997. H.R 1711 seeks to alleviate this problem by using the OSHA workplace exposure limit as a base for soil and non-drinking-water exposure limits.
OSHA permissible exposure limit for "perc" is 100 parts per million. This is a rigorous standard required by law to protect workers adequately from any potentially harmful effects from long time exposure.
H.R. 1711 asserts that if the OSHA standard protects an estimated 99 percent of those exposed to drycleaning solvents, then it makes sense to apply that standard to non drinking water groundwater or dirt which account for less than 1 percent of exposures to these solvents.
Using OSHA's standard as its base, H.R. 1711 would set the soil and groundwater remediation standard for drycleaning solvents at one-tenth the equivalent exposure of the OSHA work place standard.
Although the OSHA 100 ppm standard covers practically all exposure, H.R. 1711 would set remediation at one tenth this level to account for sensitive populations such as children and the elderly.
Therefore, if the OSHA standard remains at 100 ppm, the remediation standard would be 10 ppm.
It should be noted that H.R. 1711 stresses that the level for drinking water will not be changed: H.R. 1711 states explicitly that it would not affect existing federal standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
This new standard for remediation would significantly ease the burden on cleaners. The costs of clean up to such unnecessary, impossible levels are so harsh that a lifetime of savings can be quickly eaten up and plans for a secure retirement or for handing the business to the next generation are lost.
If passed, H.R 1711 will protect the community and help the neighborhood cleaner to survive. Urge Congress and your fellow cleaners to support H.R. 1711.
The following information is part of the package provided by FLARE.
1. I use petroleum. Why should I support a solution to perc problems?
The current version of the Barton bill applies to all drycleaning solvents, and will set reasonable cleanup requirements based on the OSHA standards for each solvent.
2. My state has a cleanup fund. Won't this solve my problem?
If the cleanup fund has enough money, and if your site qualifies. The tax on solvent may be expensive and no one knows how much it may increase to fund these cleanup programs.
The Barton bill makes most cleanups unnecessary, so a state cleanup fund can spend the money more wisely on the sites that threaten drinking water. It is possible that future contributions to state funds could be decreased or even suspended under Barton bill cleanup standards.
3. Isn't the Barton bill "anti-environmental"?
Absolutely not. The Barton bill does not affect any standards that are applied to drinking water. It sets cleanup levels that are protective of human and environmental health, based on long-established levels that have shown no scientific evidence of harm.
The Barton bill would minimize the expenditure of massive amounts to attorneys and consultants, allowing more money to be spent on sites which really need cleanup.
4. The Barton bill doesn't repeal retroactive liability.
It doesn't explicitly repeal retroactive liability, but by eliminating unnecessary cleanups, it makes retroactive liability irrelevant. If there is no cleanup to be paid for, there is no liability issue.
5. I have a new plant with all new equipment. I don't have a contamination problem.
Accidents can still happen, and should you be so unlucky, the Barton bill will protect you from cleaning up a spill to a nearly impossible standard.
More important, even plants with the newest equipment may, at one time, have had older equipment and leaks or spills or even contamination resulting from perfectly legal and widely accepted practices in past years can still present a liability for a plant today and in the future.
6. Isn't the Barton bill destined to fail because it is a "carve out" for one Industry?
No. Industry-specific bills are passed all of the time. EPA, OSHA, and IRS regulations are full of them. Congressman Barton has assured us that this will not be a problem with this bill.
7. Isn't the Barton bill destined to fail because of opposition from environmental groups or a lack of support in the White House?
We expect opposition from environmental groups. However, there are drycleaners in every legislative district who can lobby their representatives to counter the influence of these groups. This individual contact can build enough
Congressional support, which along with some lobbying by key drycleaners, can convince the White House that this bill is good for America.
For the drycleaner with a thirst for knowledge, the pool of resources is getting wider and deeper. In the form of books, video tapes, audio tapes and now CD-ROM, instructional guides and reference tools have made a splash on the scene this summer.
The flow started in June with release of "The Caplan Method of Stain Removal," a package put together by industry consultants Stan Caplan and Dennis McCrory. It features a 77 minute video, an 86-page handbook and a quick-spotting guide for use directly at the spotting board.
About that same time, Ann Hargrove, former plant manager at The Greener Cleaner in Chicago and now a consultant and educator on wetcleaning, released "The Fundamentals of Wetcleaning," a technical guide that serves as a practical reference for cleaning a variety of garment and fabric types in water.
That was followed by an audio tape and handbook combination from consultant and trainer Sue Armstrong, "Customer Service: The Key to Success." The package presents an easy-to-follow guide for newcomers to the business on how to work with customers at the counter.
Not that such manuals and texts didn't exist before. Material produced by the International Fabricare Institute and the Neighborhood Cleaners Association-International have served as "standard texts" for years. And other industry consultants have written books in recent years, including Stan Golomb on "How to Find, Capture and Keep Customers" and Everett Childers's with "The Master Drycleaner's Notebook."
But there is one first-ever among the recent releases: "IFI on CD-ROM: The Complete Reference Guide." IFI's disk, demonstrated at the Clean Show and released last month, contains all of the IFI bulletins currently in print, articles from Fabricare magazine, recent issues of the consumer newsletter, Clothes Care Gazette, membership information, IFI's products and services catalog, and information from industry manufacturers.
It's possible to browse through all of the documents one page at a time, scrolling down through the index to the various sections. But better still is using a key word or words to find information on a particular topic.
For example, if a customer brings in a wedding gown with the care label, "Clean by Zurcion method" and you wonder what that means, launch the disc's search engine and type in "zurcion," and the information comes right to the screen. (The Zurcion process was explained in an IFI bulletin published in 1994.)
The CD-ROM is not for everyone. You need a computer running either a Windows or Macintosh operating system with a CD-ROM player installed. Other minimum hardware requirements must be met, also. And at present the disc is available only to IFI members. But the quantity of information -- 236 megabytes -- and its ready accessibility should make the disc a valuable tool in many phases of the business -- regulatory compliance, training, technical guidance and customer service.
While the other recent releases don't use computer technology, they do put into the hands of cleaners the knowledge and advice of some of the industry's top experts.
The stain removal package puts one of the industry's leading educators right on the TV screen with Stan Caplan explaining and demonstrating procedures for removing stains from each of the eight major categories and for "special" stains.
Supplementing the video is a handbook that explains in detail both the theory and practice of stain removal. The accompanying Spotter's Quick Guide, coated with a chemically resistant enamel, can be used on or near the spotting board and is indexed for quick reference to the stain removal techniques for hundreds of stains.
Hargrove's wetcleaning manual is a series of 8.5 x 4.5 inch heavy stock cards with a ring binder. The first portion covers garment classification, water conditions, testing, chemicals, spotting, problems to avoid, drying and finishing. The second portion is an alphabetical listing of fabrics with wetcleaning guidelines and tips for each type.
Armstrong's audio tape and training manual on customer service is designed to make it easy to introduce new employees to the industry as well as help more experienced hands brush up and improve their skills.
If you're planning to pursue your education while on a trip or lounging in the backyard or maybe in the "reading room," a good old-fashioned book may be the thing. To that end, Golomb's lessons in pursuing in retaining customers and Childers's book for "master drycleaners" are ideal companions. Both books were originally published several years ago and are still available from the authors.
Not English only
Training guides, videos and other material are also available for cleaners who prefer them in Korean or Spanish now that IFI has translated a number of its educational materials.
Available in Korean are the Drycleaning and the Environment Self-Study Course; the Guide for Professional Stain Removal; the ABCs of Stain Removal; and the ABCs of Finishing Problems.
Available in Spanish are IFI's Hazardous Communication Video, Part II; and the ABCs of Stain Removal. This handy guide features 50 of the most common spotting problems for dryside and wetside spotting. Cost: $10.
IFI's TABS bulletins are also available in Korean and Spanish.
Where to find them
IFI on CD-ROM: The Complete Reference Guide. $200. Call IFI to order (800) 434-6222, ext. 107 or 125.
The Caplan Method of Stain Removal. $199. The Successful Management Group. Call (800) 646-5736; PIN # 4615 or fax to (504) 885-5786.
The Fundamentals of Wetcleaning. Ann Hargrove. $78. Ann Hargrove & Associates Inc., 4123 Salisbury Avenue, Lyons, IL 60534; phone 708/447-0879.
Customer Service: The Key to Success. Sue Armstrong. PO Box 12312, Omaha, NE 68112. $59.95.
How to Find Capture and Keep Customers. Stan Golomb. $19.95. The Golomb Group. 7664 Plaza Ct. Willowbrook, IL 60521; phone (630) 887-7339.
The Master Drycleaners Notebook. Everett Childers. $24.50 PO Box 1005, Vancouver, WA 98666; phone (360) 604-0267.
Bowe Permac Textile Cleaning Book, 1993 edition. $25. Contact Bowe Permac, (800) 287-0870.
In New York, office workers dressed like hookers are raising eyebrows. In Shanghai, they're not bothering to get dressed at all. Just how far will the dress-down trend go?
The limit may have been reached this summer and there are some signs of a backlash.
But a backlash, at this point, might simply consist of telling people to put on some clothes. Women's Wear Daily reports that the number-one fashion accessory this summer appears to be bare skin. Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, the streets of Shanghai are filled with people who haven't bothered dressing at all. The New York Times reports that the fashion rage there is pajamas.
Ever-looser standards of appropriate dress for the office are a cause of consternation among some corporate executives, but they are reluctant to take direct action, WWD reports, for fear that employees will complain their rights are being violated. So they are calling in consultants to work with employees on meeting certain standards of appearance.
One of those consultants, Letitia Baldridge, told WWD she is "disgusted" by the camisoles and sheer looks she sees as she walks the halls of major corporations.
"You can't have a career if you look like a hooker," she stated flatly.
"CEOs are storming around, fussing and fuming how terrible it looks," she added. "They're asking me, 'What have we done?'"
Another such consultant, Virginia Sullivan, said calls from corporate clients for help in addressing the problem have increased 20 percent in the last year. "Inappropriate looks," she said, "have crept into the higher ranks, including junior managers."
Dress-down standards are spreading into the button-down halls of Congress, too. WWD interviewed a lawyer, recently hired to work in Congress, who expressed surprise at the bare looks of people in the hallways.
"I had heard people dress down during recess, but I thought it meant wearing a skirt without stockings. Then I got into the elevator and saw crop tops, short-shorts and halters. And I thought, 'They really mean recess.'"
An executive at a temporary employee staffing firm in the Boston area told WWD that she thinks the problem is that "companies have called it dress-down, not business casual, like we do."
She said she sometimes sends people home to change clothes when they come in dressed in T-shirts and leggings.
Pajamas in the street
The most casually dressed US worker has at least managed to get dressed. In Shanghai and some other cities in China, people feel completely comfortable walking out of the house still wearing their pajamas.
The New York Times noted that striped, spotted, and floral-patterned pajamas are plainly visible on the streets of Shanghai this summer.
"Comfort" is the key word. A Times reporter who interviewed pajama-clad men (and women) in the streets of Shanghai was told that comfort is the number-one reason for their choice of attire. But style figures into the equation, too.
Shi Lingmen, interviewed wearing his blue-and-white pj's at his place of work, seemed to think there was something distinctly hip about wearing pajamas.
"What do you think?" he asked the reporter, tugging on one of his short sleeves, inviting approval.
Wearing pajamas in public may even have socio-economic implications.
"It's stylish"
Xu Xing, wearing a frilly but skimpy white nightgown out to buy some groceries, said she feels a touch of camaraderie with neighbors she sees wearing nightclothes on the street. And she compared her own upscale nightgown with less fancy versions, pointing to a woman in a relatively plain version to ask, with barely disguised disdain,
"What do you think of that style?"
Several people in nightwear told the Times reporter that only working-class people would wear pajamas in public, while Shanghai's more sophisticated folk --who generally own many more clothes -- consider such behavior declasse.
Still, there is some evidence that the well heeled are going out in pj's, too, they just don't wear their fashion statements with pride.
"I am a professional woman, so it's not very civilized of me to be dressed like this in public," said a morning shopper in her cotton nightgown, before scurrying off in evident embarrassment. "Excuse me."
Entrepreneurial spirit
As always, there are those who see a fashion trend as a business opportunity. Hu Zhonghua wore a nightgown as she wandered along a street, but her intention is not comfort so much as sales.
Laid off by her factory two years ago, she now sews her own nightgowns and sells them for $2.50 apiece, or about half the typical store price.
"It's comfortable," she said. "Here, buy one for your girlfriend and let her try it," she urged the Times reporter.
EPA's Cleaner Technology Substitutes Assessment (CTSA) a document that examines the environmental impact of various clothes cleaning methods, has been sent to a panel of 40 peer reviewers.
The peer review panel, made up of representatives from the drycleaning industry and the environmental and scientific communities, will make recommendations to EPA concerning the final contents of the document before it is released to the public.
The CTSA is part of EPA's Design for the Environment program that has been studying ways to reduce exposure to perc for the past several years. Much of that work has focused on the feasibility of wetcleaning as an alternative to the use of perc in cleaning clothes.
At press time it was not known how long the peer review process will take, when the final document will be released or what information it will contain. But the CTSA has been in the works for some time. In fact, industry leaders were believed it was about to be released at one point in early 1995.
Media attention could be drawn to the drycleaning industry once the CTSA is released, especially if it implies the drycleaning is a health or environmental hazard. The International Fabricare Institute warned last month that the document could contain "inappropriate risk calculations for cancer, a mathematical exercise based on the improper assumption of carcinogenicity."
IFI said it hopes the peer review process will weed out any inaccurate and misleading conclusions in the draft document.
IFI said that it, along with, the Neighborhood Cleaners Association-International, Baise & Miller, the Fabricare Legislative and regulatory Education group and the Center for Emissions Control are jointly calling on EPA to ensure that this document is not leaked to the public in its preliminary form. Baise & Miller is working with Congressional members to support this effort, and IFI has provided information to all Joint State Associations.
IFI said that it will work with Joint State Associations to disseminate information as it becomes available. Meanwhile, anyone with questions about the CTSA can call IFI, (800) 434-622, Ext. 122.
Much has been written and said about how to get new customers. Every cleaner -- or at least all of those who have a plan for business growth -- has some type of program in place to attract customers. But do you have a program to make sure that you're not driving customers away?
A recent survey conducted by International Communications Research points out that programs designed to attract customers into your store can be easily defeated by your own actions -- or inaction. Survey participants -- nearly 600 women in households with annual incomes of more than $25,000 -- said dirty looking stores and messy looking displays were likely to keep them from even going into a store. Loud music emanating from the store was the number-one turnoff, mentioned by 39 percent of the respondents. An equal percentage said that a dirty or disorganized appearance would keep them out. Another leading turnoff is a crowded-looking store, mentioned by 16 percent as a reason for not going inside. Customers want to do business in stores that they trust will deliver what the want. This requires the appearance of a clean, organized, efficient and uncrowded store. Loud music or a messy environment conveys to the customer that the staff is not paying attention -- either to the goods or to the shopper. A crowded store with lines at the counter store tells time-pressed customers, "don't come in now unless you want to wait."
As Ray Colucci has told us any times: "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." From the survey, we learn that the first impression is made even before you even get a chance to say "hello." The sights and sounds, and probably the smells, too, that customers get from your store are the things that form their first impressions. If that impression is not good, you may never get a chance to make an impression with your great prices, high quality, friendly staff, wide range of services or whatever combination you offer that you believe gives you the competitive edge.
The fall season, which brings out more customers, is a good time to apply some of the lessons of this survey. Clean up and de-clutter the customer service area, take down old signs, don't leave "work-in-progress" exposed to customers' view, wash the windows, get the fingerprints off the door, turn down (or off) the music (or the TV). Some of those little things that you have just learned to "live with" and not even notice may be creating hurdles at your front door, keeping new customers from coming in just as if there were a brick wall instead of an entryway.
Two more states have enacted laws designed to protect cleaners from overwhelming site cleanup costs due to ground contamination problems. The credit for the bills in Illinois and North Carolina becoming law goes to the cleaners' associations within the respective states: the Illinois State Fabricare Association, the Korean American Cleaners Association of Chicagoland and the North Carolina Association of Launderers and Cleaners.
In Illinois, a remedial action account will provide financial assistance for contamination cleanup, an insurance account offers financial assistance for the cleanup of future contamination and an insurance account to provide financial assistance for the cleanup of soil and ground water contamination found after the policy goes into effect. In North Carolina, a tax on solvents to fund the clean-up of uninsurable sites is combined with pollution insurance for those who qualify. A state fund protects owners whose sites are refused insurance.
Now comes more hard work. The laws are in place and the state government has a basis upon which to demand site remediation. Tax money from cleaners will be funneled into state accounts to provide a fund for cleanup. Representatives of the cleaners must monitor the use and disbursement of these funds. In addition, the associations need to help cleaners when any number of advisers come forth with offers to help deal with the new standards. The responsibility to cleaners did not end with the passage of the new laws. In fact, it is now greater.
WASHINGTON, DC -- The federal budget agreement signed by President Clinton in August contains several tax law changes that could benefit owners of small business, the National Federation of Independent Business noted.
"For the first time in 16 years, Congress and the White House have produced a tax cut agreement which provides real tax relief to millions of America's small business owners," said NFIB President Jack Faris.
Following are provisions in the tax bill that NFIB said are favorable to small business:
Death tax relief. The current general exemption would increase from $600,000 to $1 million, phased in over 10 years.
For family-owned small businesses and farms, there is an additional exemption of $700,000, effective January 1, 1998, which phases down to $300,000 as the general exemption phases up.
Health insurance deductibility. Accelerated phase in of health insurance deductibility for the self-employed to 100 percent in 10 years.
Capital gains taxes. The top tax rate is lowered from 28 percent to 20 percent, effective May 7, 1997. Effective in 2001 for assets sold after January 1, 2006, the rate for assets held more than five years is 18 percent.
Expansion of home office deduction.
EFTPS. Penalties for small business owners who do not file taxes electronically under the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System mandate would be delayed until July 1, 1998.
Alternative Minimum Tax relief. Small business exemption from AMT.
Health care purchasing groups and clarifying the definition of independent contractor were two other provisions backed by NFIB, but they did not make it into the final tax bill.
However, Faris said, "The momentum for these issues is still great. There already is legislation in the House and Senate. They are very important to small business owners and we will continue to fight for their passage."
The "death tax"
In the meantime, Faris said, "small business owners can celebrate the fact that their death tax burden will be lower, it will be easier to take a home office deduction, the self-employed will be able to deduct more of their health care costs, and they will pay less in capital gains taxes and the alternative minimum tax.''
Death tax relief has been NFIB's No. 1 tax priority, Faris said.
Because it is formally called "estate tax," many business owners do not realize that they will be victims of the death tax, NFIB said. They think an estate is something that only rich people have.
However, the death tax, as NFIB calls it, is biased against the "little guy."
The gross value includes the property and the equipment. Taking those into consideration, someone with a very average, very middle-class salary can be considered a millionaire., NFIB said. Of the 60,211 death tax returns filed in 1993, almost 90 percent were for estates of $2.5 million or less.
Inflation had devalued the benefit derived from the $600,000 unified exemption, which had been in place since 1987. Indexed for inflation, that $600,000 would be close to $840,000 in 1997 dollars. The budget agreement more than compensates for inflation.
NFIB said the tax is particularly odious because it can make the death of the owner and the death of the small business synonymous. Nearly 80 percent of failed family businesses that enter bankruptcy do so after the unexpected death of the founder, NFIB said.
Apart from bankruptcy, high death tax rates force some heirs to sell their businesses, break it up or liquidate their assets.
Even if the family business owner prepares well for death taxes, the costs can be staggering, NFIB pointed out. Savings, insurance, and other forms of financial planning can help a family survive the impact of the death tax, but that means capital, instead of being used for expanding operations, must go to insurance costs, legal fees, deposits to special savings accounts, and trustee costs.
The increase in the federal minimum wage that took effect on Sept. 1 would be repeated annually for the next five years under legislation proposed by Sen. Edward Kennedy,(D-MA).
Kennedy was instrumental in getting last year's minimum wage increase through Congress. That measure lifted the minimum from $4.25 an hour to $4.75 an hour last October and put in place the minimum wage increase to $5.15 an hour this year.
In July Kennedy proposed annual increases continuing through 2002. The minimum would increase 50 cents an hour in each of the next three years -- to $5.65 an hour in 1998, $6.15 an hour in 1999 and $6.65 an hour in 2000. Thirty-cent-an-hour increases would be provided in the following two years, with the minimum wage reaching $7.25 on Sept. 1, 2002.
Kennedy based much of his argument for continuing increases in the minimum wage on a report from the Economic Policy Institute that said employment opportunities for teenagers and young adults were not harmed by the increase last year. Opponents of raising the minimum wage often argue that young workers are hurt more than they are helped by increases in the minimum wage since low-pay, part-time, entry-level job opportunities are reduced.
"The bottom line is clear," Kennedy declared. "Employment does not go down because the minimum wage goes up."
In trying to get minimum wage increases passed by Congress in successive years, Kennedy is bucking a trend of infrequent adjustments to the rate.
Until last year, the minimum wage had not been changed since 1991 when the last of a three-step increase approved in 1989 kicked in, bringing the minimum wage to $4.25 an hour.
The previous change, passed in 1980, lifted the minimum to $3.35 an hour from $3.10.
By Charley Wright
Twenty-five years ago, such things as telecommuting, work teams, elder care, and paternity leave were close to non-existent. With such a changed work place, does it make sense to pay employees in the same ways as was the practice over two decades ago?
Everyone gets paid -- too little by their standards, and too much by the employer's. But how they get paid can create a significant impact.
So, what are the leading-edge trends in compensating employees today?
Employee choices
The work force is more diverse than ever -- gender, age, ethnicity, and life-style all contribute to differing needs and desires of employees. A "one size fits all" medical plan, compensation system, retirement plan, or bonus arrangements no longer creates the results it may have in the past.
How are employees being offered more choices today?
Time-off bank. Instead of having separate policies and categories for vacation, sick leave, holidays, personal days, all are combined in a "time-off bank", and employees use primarily at their discretion.
"Cafeteria" benefits. Employees are allocated "benefit credits" and they allocate those "credits" for the benefits that they want. Formerly, this was only available to larger companies, but now available, in some fashion, to most size companies.
Recognition and reward programs. Now they typically offer gift certificates and selection value, as opposed to the standard gifts of the past.
Performance awards. These are tied to specific performance expectations, i.e., cost reductions, customer satisfaction, etc.
Pay for performance
Although difficult to implement in some work environments, bonus arrangements tied to the performance of individuals, work groups, or the company are paying off today for many companies.
One construction company allocated $1,000 units to a bonus pool, established measurable goals, then paid bonuses quarterly, based on achievement of the goals.
What happened? The company crystallized its attention on three critical elements. As the owner said, "the effect was phenomenal."
For top management
This group, typically the most important in any company, is receiving special emphasis today, often in the following ways:
Intrinsic rewards. This group is more likely to work hard for a career they've committed to than a job they're merely paid to do.
Some suggestions:
- Treat employees as adults who share your goals.
- Encourage employees to pursue their dreams while finding a way for the company to benefit.
- Fully vest everyone. (Dangling cash at the end of a stick may budge the lazy, but it will wreak havoc on those who have joined the crusade because they buy the mission.)
- Long-term ownership. Surveys show that today, large corporations pay stock bonuses worth 96% percent of base pay. They want the top management to own a portion of what they're creating.
Benefit costs
U. S. Chamber of Commerce surveys show that employee benefits cost approximately 40 percent of payroll. Yet when employees are surveyed, they estimate it's more like 10 to 15 percent.
More than ever, employers are informing employees what it costs to employ them.
Employee benefits statements are more popular than ever. When employees see that their direct compensation is $22,000, but the cost to the employer over $30,000, it gets their attention.
In today's marketplace, finding new ways to compensate employees can pay big, dividends for the employer and employee.
Charley Wright hosts a weekly radio program "Strictly Business", publishes a newsletter on employee benefits, "The Wright Track", and is the principle of "The Wright Benefits" in southern California.
SILVER SPRING, MD -- A state's stricter requirements for chemical labeling do not apply to companies from outside that state provided they meet federal standards, the International Fabricare Institute reported.
IFI said that ruling from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration came about because California has stricter requirements for chemical labeling and manufacturers were being sued by environmental groups if a product did not meet the California requirements.
"Bounty hunter" provisions of the California law let private citizens bring suits against companies they believe are not obeying the rules.
IFI noted that the environmental group, Pacific Justice, threatened to bring suit against clothing manufacturers because garments that were labeled drycleanable did not contain the appropriate warnings under Proposition 65. California's attorney general decided not to pursue this case, IFI said.
Reversing the old adage, "Go west, young man," trade show planners are heading east.
Two exhibitions in Singapore and another in Shanghai have cropped up on the 1998 trade show circuit.
In further recognition of the region's growing economic importance, the UK publication Laundry and Cleaning News is sponsoring the Asian Congress and Exhibition 97 this fall in Kuala Lumpur.
That event will be held Nov. 5-6 at the Hilton Hotel and will feature two full days of speakers from the East and West discussing key issues pertaining to the laundry and drycleaning industry along with an exhibition of equipment and products.
Conference organizers say that expansion of textile care services in Asia-Pacific markets know ranges from steady to "excitingly rapid."
More information on that event is available from Folio Consultants in the UK, phone +44 (0) 171 739 4646 or fax +44 (0) 171 739 4848.
The International Garment Laundering & Cleaning Machine Expo (IGLCMES) will be held March 20-23 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center in Shanghai, China. Technical seminars will accompany the exhibition.
Sponsors of the show note that economic development in China means more people are wearing expensive and high quality fashions, thus increasing the demand for garment laundering and cleaning.
"China has presented itself as the world's largest potential market for the washing-related, high-tech machines and associated products," the sponsors said.
Exhibitors should have the applications for booth space submitted by Oct. 1.
For more information, contact the Office of '98 IGLCMES. Shanghai Industry & commerce Exhibition Company, Room 2123, Shanghai Exhibition Center, 1000 Yan An Road (c), Shanghai, 200040, PR China, or phone Ms. Zhang Lu Hua, 0086-21-624-79783 or fax 0086-21-624-71854.
Two for Singapore
Singapore will host the Association of South East Asian Nations' (ASEAN) first international fabric care and laundry equipment exhibition, Laundrex Asia 98, at the Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Suntec City, March 17-19. More than 100 international exhibitors and 4,000 trade visitors are expected to attend.
The event is organized by Conference Exhibition Management Services Pte Ltd (CEMS) and supported by the Launderers and Drycleaners Association of Singapore (LADAS).
Edward Liu, managing director of CEMS, said the exhibition is timed well to meet Asia's growing demand for innovative laundry equipment and technologies. .
"There is a vast market in Asia Pacific for fabric care and laundry equipment," Liu said.
The area's economic growth rate of 7 to 10 percent a year presents a ready market for laundry services, as does a rise in infrastructure and building throughout the region that includes hotels, factories, hospitals and country clubs. Also boosting demand is a growing number of women entering the work force and "yuppie" couples with modern life-styles benefiting from rising affluence in Asia.
The Fabric Care Research Association of the UK (FCRA) and CEMSA 2 will cosponsors a conference in conjunction with the exhibition to provide a forum for networking and exchanging ideas with discussions on issues, developments and innovations in the industry.
AAMA-Tex 98, the fourth Asian Apparel and Textile Machinery and Accessories Exhibition, will be held alongside Laundrex Asia. Organized by the Sewing Machine Traders Association of Singapore and managed by CEMS, the show attracted more than 4,000 people at is previous presentation.
For more information, contact Lynn Tan, exhibition manager, or Patrick Wong, marketing communications executive, at CEMS, #09-43 World Trade Center, Singapore 099253; phone (65) 2788666; fax (65) 278-4077.
The email address is cemssvs@singnet.com.sg.
Another trade show, originally planned for Germany in 1998, will be held in Singapore instead. Sponsors of the Texcare exhibition have canceled plans to hold the show in Frankfurt next May and will be in Singapore Sept. 19-21 instead. Two hundred exhibitors are expected to take part in Texcare Asia at the Singapore World Trade Center.
Texcare organizers said that shifting the 1998 show from Germany to "the future-oriented market of East Asia" complies with the wishes of suppliers or laundry and drycleaning machine who claim to hold around 80 percent of the European market. An international working group, the Laundry Machinery Manufacturers International (LEAD) has been formed to represent the companies' common interests internationally.
Texcare International will be held in will be held in Frankfurt, Germany, in 2000.
For information on either exhibition, contact Messe Frankfurt GmbH, Dirk John or Ulla Reinehr, Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1, D-60327 Frankfurt am Main; phone +49 69 7575 6297 or fax +49 69 7575 6612.
Drycleaners from around the world will gather in Orlando, FL, next month for the International Drycleaners Congress annual convention
The convention opens on Saturday, Oct. 18 with a welcoming reception and dinner buffet.
Attendees get down to business on Sunday with the first general session which will follow a Younger Generation breakfast moderated by Doris Easley and Allen Gershenson. After the formal opening of the 39th annual convention by IDC president Ray Edwards and greeting from International Fabricare Institute president Gary Newton, the keynote address will be delivered by Paul Brown.
"Proactive Management" will be the title of a panel discussion moderated by Al Jordan.
Panelists will be Brooksher Banks on minimizing environmental liability; Carolyn Fawcett Parker on management benefits of a cost bureau; David Perry on processing with computers; and Sandy Seay on retaining employees in a tight labor market.
Sunday afternoon is free time. An evening program in the Magic Kingdom is planned.
Monday's session will feature a presentation on "Best Marketing Ideas" by John Jordan. A panel discussion on marketing diversification and innovations will be moderated by Marcia Todd with panelists Peter Crane on supermarket drycleaning, Wade Elam on route delivery, Eddie Mannis on returning to central plants, Chris Edwards on opening new markets and Bob McConnell on uniform rental.
A tour of the Disney World Textile Services plants will be offered on Monday afternoon.
On Tuesday, recipients of IDC fellowships will give reports on the experiences.
This year's recipients include Adrian Stephenson from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, the Campbell Redenbach Fellowship; C.B. "Trip" Penninger III of Columbia, SC, the R. R. Street Fellowship; Yoshitane Okazaki is of Tokyo, Japan, the JCPC Fellowship; Shila Armistead of Tucson, AZ, the George Laumann Fellowship; and Kiyoshi Koizumi of Tokyo, Japan, the Takeo Igarashi Fellowship.
After those presentations will be a panel moderated by Egon Burchard on new technology. Panelists will include Jack Belluscio Jr. on liquid carbon dioxide cleaning, Alexander Seitz on hydrocarbon cleaning, Ken Adamson on wetcleaning, Hiroyuki Yamaga on ozone water cleaning and Brad Lienhart on the Micare liquid carbon dioxide system.
Following a luncheon, Manfred Wentz, IDC president-elect, will give a presentation on "Off to Munich," the location of the 1998 IDC convention.
The IDC reception and banquet will be held Tuesday evening, featuring the flag ceremony, installation of officers, recognition awards and entertainment. The traditional Sayonara Breakfast will be Wednesday morning.
The headquarters hotel for the convention will be Disney's Grand Floridian Beach Resort; rates are $249 per night. Rooms are also blocked at Disney's Polynesian Resort; rates are $185 per person per night for a single or double.
Convention registration is $490 per person which includes the welcome buffet reception, a daily continental breakfast, luncheon, convention sessions, an evening at the Magic Kingdom, the plant tour and the IDC banquet and entertainment.
Pre- and post-convention tours are also planned.
The pre-convention tour will begin in Myrtle Beach, SC. Oct. 8 and be headquartered at the Myrtle Beach Hilton for three nights. On Oct. 11 the tour will move on to The Charleston Place Hotel in Charleston, SC, then it will be on to Hilton Head where the Hyatt Regency will be home for three nights. On Oct. 15 the tour moves on to Ponte Vedre, FL and two nights at the Ponte Vedre Club before starting out for Orlando and the convention on Oct 17.
Special sight-seeing, entertainment and dining activities are planned throughout the tour. The total cost is $2,498 per person (sharing a double room) for 10 days and nine nights.
The post convention tour will depart from Orlando to St. Louis, MO, on Oct. 23. The following day, travelers will board the Delta Queen's Mississippi queen for a steamboat trip up the Mississippi River to St. Paul, MN. Fall foliage should be in full color on the upper Mississippi as the steamboat makes its way north.
Costs for the tour depend on the accommodations desired on board the Mississippi Queen. Space is limited, so those who want to join the tour should make arrangements immediately.
For more information, contact Joyce Francis at the Yamato Travel Bureau, 200 S. San Pedro St., Suite 502, Los Angeles, CA 90012; phone (800) 334-4982 or fax (213) 680-2825. In the 213, 818 and 310 area codes, the phone number is (213) 680-0333.
SILVER SPRING, MD -- International Fabricare Institute speakers will be conducting programs in Utah, Missouri, Colorado, New York and Massachusetts in September.
Jon Meijer, IFI's vice president for education, will lead seminars on OSHA in Salt Lake City, UT, on Sept. 9 and in Denver, CO, on Sept. 10.
Fran Sadler, technical information specialist for IFI, will conduct a stain removal seminar in Kansas City, MO, on Sept. 13.
Sue Armstrong, an Omaha drycleaner and industry educator, will lead IFI seminars on customer service at three locations in New York -- Poughkeepsie in Sept. 23, Rochester on Sept. 24 and Albany on Sept. 25 -- and in Springfield, MA, on Sept. 27.
Several Resident courses at IFI headquarters in Silver Spring are for this year, too.
Introduction to Drycleaning, a one-week course covering the basic elements of drycleaning, stain removal and finishing for employees and owners/managers with less than one year of experience, has two remaining session with starting dates of Sept. 15 and Oct. 13. The course fee is $350 for IFI members and $455 for non-members.
Sessions of the Advanced Drycleaning course, a two-week class covering more advanced drycleaning procedures, including stain removal techniques and finishing procedures, wetcleaning, and fiber identification, begin Sept. 22 and Oct. 20. Tuition is $700 for members and $910 for non-members.
The drycleaning classes can be taken in consecutive sessions at a total cost of $995 for IFI members and $1,295 for non-members.
IFI will also hold a one-day wetcleaning course Nov. 1 for those who want to learn about various aspects of wetcleaning and using the new wetcleaning equipment and supplies. Cost of the course is $99 for members and $119 for non-members.
Advanced Stain Removal, a three-day class that delves into more advanced techniques, including using bleaches, handling antique and specialty items and removing difficult stains will be offered Nov. 14-16. Members can attend this course for $210; non-members pay $300.
For registration and other information about any of the IFI education programs, call (800) 434-622, ext. 144.
WASHINGTON, DC -- Greenpeace USA has announced budget cuts, office closings and staff layoffs as the domestic branch of the international environmental organization attempts to deal with a steep drop in membership since 1991.
U.S. membership has fallen from a high of nearly 1.2 million in 1991 to about 400,000 today. The total budget of Greenpeace USA has been cut from $29.5 million to $20.1 million. Ten regional offices will be closed; the head office in Washington will remain open. Staff will be reduced from 400 to 65 employees.
Resources previously spent on office infrastructure and overhead will allow Greenpeace to develop a more flexible and mobile approach to campaigning, the organization said. Work on toxic threats and the global fisheries crisis will also continue.
"We are restructuring Greenpeace to allow us to have maximum effect on global warming and forests," said Bill Keller, Greenpeace spokesperson. "We regret the cuts and loss of valuable staff this entails, but we want to ensure that donations we receive are used to fight environmental destruction in the best way we can."
Over the past several years Greenpeace has attempted to warn the public about "the dangers of drycleaning" with perchloroethylene as part of its "toxics campaign." The organization has been active in urging the drycleaning industry to discontinue the use of perc while promoting wetcleaning as a "greener" cleaning technology.
Other Greenpeace USA projects include deployment of the vessel "Arctic Sunrise'' off the north coast of Alaska to document visible effects of climate change and protest new oil exploration.
As part of its campaign to preserve of ancient forests, Greenpeace has been urging U.S. consumers to boycott products made from old-growth timber to prevent further logging destruction.
Greenpeace USA is one of 32 offices throughout the world. Greenpeace International has a worldwide membership of 2.9 million and is headquartered in the Netherlands. The cutbacks will not directly affect Greenpeace International, which has affiliates in 32 countries and a budget this year of $145 million.
KING GEORGE, VA -- The Mid-Atlantic Cleaners And Launderers Association will present its MAXPO/3 Oct. 25-26 at the Baltimore Convention Center at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD.
There will be no charge for cleaners to visit the exhibit which will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. A full range of equipment supplies and services will be on display on the exhibit hall.
Preceding the show hour each day there will be three "hot topics" sessions covering an assortment of issues.
Among the "hot topics" presenters will be Jon Meijer of the International Fabricare Institute on "making the CED/CPD work for you" explaining the IFI program in which cleaners receive a certificate for passing a test battery on environmental or cleaning questions related to the industry.
James Schreiner of Exxon and Jack Bellusico of Global Technologies on new cleaning solvent technology. Exxon has reformulated petroleum solvent on the market while Global technologies is involved with developing liquid carbon dioxide cleaning.
IFI's education department will present a program on problem garments with what is billed as a "new twist (that) will surely prove to be a crowd pleaser."
An update on legislative and regulatory issues will be given by Mary Scalco of IFI and Steve Risotto of the Center for Emissions Control.
"Hot Topic" programs, equipment and supply exhibits and a coin laundry tour are part of the program for the "Maximum Exposition of Drycleaning and Laundering Technology."
Another program is a new idea presentation with U. S. EPA inspector James Kenney. It will show "What Is an Inspector Looking For?" Cleaners will be able to ask question about EPA's inspections and policies at the seminar.
MACLA executive director Dave Norford delivers a session on customer service that will explain why "Thank You Isn't Enough Anymore."
Also featured at the show will be 30-minute "new idea presentations" both afternoons during the show. The presentations give attendees a chance to do some informal fact-finding and exchange ideas.
Several of the areas top coin operated laundries will be visited during a coin laundry tour starting at 8 a.m. on Sunday. Separate registration at $15 per person is required for the tour. The coin Laundry Association of Maryland is assisting in MAXPO/3 planning and most major coin laundry equipment lines will be on exhibit in the hall.
Advance registrations, available until Oct. 11, offer a package that includes the "hot topic programs, a Saturday evening reception, and the new idea presentations for $49. On-site registration will cost $39 for each of the "hot topic" programs and $10 for the reception.
Exhibit hall entrance is free but a registration badge must be worn. Non-exhibiting allied trades will have to pay $250 per day for exhibit hall access.
For registration or other information about the show, call the MACLA office, (540) 775-2525.
Group rates are available at two nearby hotels; reservations must be made by Oct. 3. The Holiday Inn Harbor, located across from the convention center, has rooms for $105 for a single or double and $115 for a triple or quad per night. Call (410) 685-3500 for reservations.
The Baltimore Hilton and Towers, three blocks from the Inner Harbor and Convention center and connected by an enclosed skyway, has rooms available at $149 for a single or double, $169 for a triple and $189 for a quad per night. For reservations, call (410) 539-8400.
CHICAGO, IL -- Leadership of two-fifths of the nation's family businesses will change hands over the next five years, according to the Arthur Andersen/Mass Mutual American Family Business Survey '97.
That will be an unprecedented level of turnover that signals a crucial time of passage for the nation's largest business sector, according to the two companies that sponsored the survey.
Twenty-eight percent of the family firms surveyed expect their CEO to retire within five years and an additional 14 percent say their current CEO will semi-retire within that period. More than half expect their CEO to retire within 10 years.
The level of change is especially high among family businesses, where the average tenure of a CEO is as much as six times longer than that of the typical non-family public company.
The survey was conducted by the Arthur Andersen Center for Family Business and Mass Mutual with assistance from the Loyal University Chicago Family Business Center and the Family Enterprise Center and Kennesaw State University in Georgia.
The survey also found that one-fourth of the family businesses said their next CEO may be a woman. Currently only five percent have a woman at the helm. Forty-two of the respondents said that more than one family member may serve as co-CEO in the succeeding generation.
Planning for succession appeared to be lacking for many of the firms.
"It is troubling to see from the survey results that many of these companies are neglecting the types of strategic planning that will be vital as they go through this transitional period," said Lara Beaudoin, associate director of MassMutual's Family Business Enterprise.
"Mystery shopper" tests of drycleaners conducted by the Neighborhood Cleaners Association-International this summer turned up results that were startlingly similar to those found in tests conducted last year by ABC's PrimeTime Live television news magazine.
ABC's tests, reported on national television on Thanksgiving Eve, focused on 15 cleaners in the St. Louis area and found that the majority did an inadequate job of cleaning and stain removal.
The TV program's "mystery shopper" also had difficulty obtaining satisfaction from customer service personnel on second and third visits to some of the cleaners whose work fell short of professional standards.
NCAI said it undertook its own "mystery shopper" survey, because, "We felt that too many drycleaners were not providing the best possible quality and service necessary to grow their business, or the adequate pricing to earn a reasonable profit." In general, the results confirmed the suspicion.
The survey was conducted in June so heavy work loads and insufficient time get the work done properly and on time would not be factors, NCAI said.
Items used for the test included ladies' garments made of silk, wool, rayon, rayon/acetate blend, cotton, linen and polyester and included two-piece suits, blouses, skirts, slacks, jackets and dresses.
Each garment was separately identified for tracking and analysis on a form that included care label instructions, manufacturer's name, and a description of garment including color and fiber content, type and location of stain applied and minor repairs required.
Each garment was stained with a tannin/albuminous combination of soy sauce and milk or mustard and mayonnaise. NCAI also untacked shoulder pads, removed buttons, opened seams, hems and linings.
"Mystery shoppers" took the garments to eight cleaners -- divided equally among cleaners who were considered to be high-priced, average-priced, discount and wetcleaning only cleaners at stores in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Florida.
Each order consisted of three or four garments and each cleaner had a week to complete work. Counter personnel were told only that "there were some stains of unknown origin on the garments."
In two cases, the garments were inspected at the counter, the stains noticed and the shopper was asked what they were.
Because the survey was intended to be a true test of drycleaners' abilities in both stain identification and removal, the shopper did not divulge the nature of the stains, saying only "I'm not sure." Nor did the shopper point out missing buttons, loose shoulder pads, open seams, hems or linings.
When the garments were picked up, each was evaluated on the basis of stain removal, minor repairs done and overall appearance including brightness, finishing and packaging.
The top-of-the-line
The highest-priced cleaner -- $25 for a ladies' suit, $12.50 for a silk blouse and $10 for a skirt -- did a reasonably good job, NCAI said..
However, the mustard stain on a rayon/acetate blend blouse not only wasn't removed; the color was out.
All other stains were removed, but each garment had a ticket indicating that the stains couldn't be fully removed without damage to color or fabric.
This made NCAI wonder if that was the cleaner's standard practice, especially since all but one of the stain were removed.
Appearance, brightness and finishing were good and extra tissue was stuffed in blouse and jacket sleeves and around collars. The highest-priced cleaner was the only one that took these extra packaging steps and was also the only one to do the minor repairs with a "no-charge" note pointing this out on each garment.
The second highest-priced cleaner charged $9 for a ladies' suit, $5.50 for a blouse and $6.75 for a skirt.
The mayonnaise stain on a rayon/acetate blend looked worse than when it was brought it in NCAI said and the cleaner didn't get the soy sauce stain out. The overall appearance was fair but finishing was very poor and no special or extra packaging was used, the report noted.
Mid-range performance
At one of the two average-priced cleaners -- $8.50 for a ladies' suit, $3.50 for a blouse and $4.75 for ladies' slacks -- a message printed on the invoice declared: "Not responsible for bleeding, fading, shrinking or discoloring. Not responsible for garments left over 30 days."
"We wondered what this cleaner was responsible for," NCAI said. "And after seeing the results, we understood why they didn't want to be responsible for anything!"
The milk and soy sauce stains were still on the rayon/acetate blend garment and none of the minor repairs were done. Overall appearance was poor, especially the whites, which were dingy.
The other average-priced cleaner -- $7 for a ladies suit, $3 for a blouse and $4 for a ladies' sport jacket -- fared slightly better. This cleaner, too, had a problem removing stains on the rayon/acetate blends and with the soy sauce on a pair of white wool slacks -- noted as a blood stain on the invoice. One of two missing buttons were replaced, and the shoulder pads were not retacked.
Overall appearance was poor, including brightness and finishing, NCAI's evaluation said.
Discounters' work
A discount cleaner who charged (prepaid) $2.89 for a blouse, $2.59 each for a skirt and ladies' slacks, and $4.99 for a dress failed to get any of the stains out.
"We wondered if any pre-spotting was being done because the stains looked almost exactly the same after cleaning as they did when we put them on the garments" NCAI reported.
Overall appearance was yellow to dingy and finishing was no better than might be done at home with a steam iron, NCAI added.
Another discounter charged $3.98 for a ladies' suit and $1.99 each for a blouse and skirt.
This cleaner fared even worse in NCAI's estimation. None of the four stains were removed from any of the wool garments and some looked worse, especially the mustard stain.
A "sorry" ticket was on each garment and a hand-written notation said the garments were cleaned twice.
The stains and their approximate location were noted when the garments were brought in, but NCAI said it suspects that was done as much to protect the cleaner if the stains didn't come out as to help with the "so-called" pre-spotting.
None of the minor repairs were made and overall appearance, brightness and finishing were fair to poor.
At the wetcleaners
The first wetcleaner's prices were $8.30 for a ladies' suit, $3.90 for a blouse, $4.40 for ladies' slacks and $7.80 for a dress.
None of the stains on the silks or rayons were removed, but NCAI said the cotton/poly blend were passable -- even the soy sauce was gone.
"Water does work well or better on some fabrics, as we all should know," NCAI noted.
NCAI judged the overall appearance to be poor to very bad, especially the finishing. All the garments were wrinkled in several places.
The second wetcleaner charged $3.50 for a blouse, $3.80 for ladies' slacks, $4 for a ladies' jacket and $7.50 for a dress.
"Basically, they produced same results on the stains as the first wetcleaner," NCAI reported. "These garments (all cotton or linen) had a dingy look to them."
But there was another problem.
At first, at 4 p.m. on a Saturday, the cleaner couldn't find the order and suggested coming back next week. When the mystery shopper insisted on getting the garments that day, the cleaner relented and said to return just before closing at 6 p.m., but no specific commitment was made.
"When we came back, we were told the order was just now being bagged and a few minutes later we got our garments," NCAI reported.
Crabby counters
NCAI said that overall service overall was good at the cleaners surveyed. But at one of the higher-priced cleaners and one of the wetcleaners, the counter person was treated the shopper rudely.
"They seemed to be annoyed when we couldn't (or wouldn't) tell them what the stains were," NCAI reported.
"The highest price cleaner gave our 'customer' the impression that they were doing her a big favor in accepting the garments for cleaning. It actually took this cleaner's counter employee several minutes to acknowledge and wait on our 'customer,' even though there was no one else in the store."
NCAI said the tests show a need for "back to basics."
"This goes for every cleaner reading this report, especially the high-priced and average-priced cleaners who complain that discounters are hurting their business. If you were a drycleaning customer and got no better results while paying a higher price, what would you do? We think you might go to a discounter. After all, what's the difference?"
Or you might look for another cleaner."
Again, as it was after the PrimeTime program aired last year, the call went out for upgrading skills in stain removal.
Take a spotting course, NCAI urged, even those who have already taken one -- a refresher never hurt. It may even help get your quality up to where it should be. The same goes for pressing, wetcleaning and counter training - we offer them all, both at the New York School of Drycleaning in NYC or at a plant in your area.
NEW YORK, NY -- The Neighborhood Cleaners Association-International is offering guidance to cleaners facing compliance with the recently approved New York regulations on drycleaning.
For its New York members, NCAI will provide a specific list of requirements that an individual clean must fulfill to comply with the new rules.
This is accomplished by the member completing a short form that gives NCAI relevant information on the cleaning plant's operation. With that information in hand, NCAI will provide the cleaner with a list of things that must be done to satisfy the requirements.
For more general information, NCAI has published the following questions and answers on the new regulations.
The association gave the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) a list of questions that drycleaners were likely to ask and DEC provided the answers.
NCAI: I have no room to fit a vapor barrier around my machine; what do I do?
DEC: Part 232 requires vapor barriers in all mixed-use settings. Failure to install the vapor barrier would be a violation of the rule. The drycleaner will have to remove a machine which cannot be enclosed in a vapor barrier in a mixed-use building.
Alternately, the drycleaner has the option to apply for a variance per Part 232.3, however, the source owner would have to demonstrate that the inability to provide the vapor barrier would not create a significant adverse health impact, among other criteria.
NCAI: Can I build my own vapor barrier room; and, if so, what material can I use?
DEC: A source owner could conceivably build their own vapor barrier room enclosure. The drycleaner, however, cannot make changes to the building without following all applicable building codes.
If building the enclosure meets the definition of engineering work, a professional engineer would be required to prepare the building plans
Materials allowed for the vapor barrier are 22 mil or thicker PVC sheeting, sheet metal, metal foil face composite board or another material which is impermeable to perc.
NCAI: Who can I get to build a vapor barrier? Does it need to be certified? Do I have to put my spotting board or anything else inside?
DEC: The rule does not limit who can be hired to build a vapor barrier room enclosure. In addition, the rule does not require certification of individuals or firms building vapor barrier room enclosures.
The room enclosure must enclose the drycleaning machine or equipment. The requirement to enclose the spotting station was removed from the rule.
The spotting station is part of the drycleaning system and the 50 ppm fugitive standard will apply to this area.
NCAI: Where does the ventilation to/from the vapor barrier have to go; to the roof, above it, or just outside some place?
DEC: The rule only requires the emissions from the vapor enclosure to exhaust to the outer air. Building codes may impact the location of this exhaust, such as preventing its location within a certain distance from fresh air intakes for the building ventilation system or otherwise.
Please be advised that it is the Department's intent to evaluate the effectiveness of this regulation in the future. This may entail ambient sampling. It would be prudent to consider this in locating exhausts from general ventilation systems.
NCAI: I do weekly leak inspections now under the EPA Clean Air Act. Does the new regulation require me to do anything different? How and why? Do I still have to do this with a fourth generation machine?
DEC: Leak inspections are required by Part 232. A trained operator is required to perform this inspection.
Since there are no operator certification programs in place as of this date, we have identified this as an implementation issue.
A legal opinion has been requested. It is anticipated that an enforcement guidance memorandum will be forthcoming.
The NESHAP is in effect and drycleaners must continue the leak inspections required by the NESHAP.
Once operators are trained they will also need to comply with the inspections required by Part 232.
This requirement also applies to operators of fourth generation machines, which incidentally do have fugitive emissions and could leak.
Details of inspections for testing for leaks and fugitive emissions will be covered during certification training.
Drycleaners are required to comply with these requirements because it is required by the rule. Efforts are underway to consolidate the leak inspection reporting requirements.
NCAI: Who will do the compliance inspections and how much will they cost?
DEC: Only registered inspectors or individuals working under the supervision of a registered inspector who meet the requirements contained in Part 232.16(c)(2) & (3) can perform compliance inspections.
We assume the inspectors will establish a fee. The regulation does not address the aspect of fees.
NCAI: Who will give me the forms and instructions I need to keep the records called for in the new regs?
DEC: The Department is developing a form to keep the records required by the rule. The Department will make the form available when it is final.
NCAI: Can I still pour my water separator water down the toilet? Can I evaporate it and how?
DEC: Perc contaminated wastewater can be discharged to a sewer system if it is treated by physical separation and double activated carbon filtration or equivalent control that has been properly designed to insure that the effluent is less than or equal to 20 ppb perc without evaporation. Local sewer use ordinances must also be complied with.
NCAI: I have a third generation machine (same goes for 1st or 2nd and Sniffer, Solvation or Azeotropic Control), but no manual and I can't get one. What do I do?
DEC: The drycleaner must document the reason they cannot get a manual and apply for a variance from this provision. This is an area where a drycleaner association may be able to offer assistance by providing a generic manual for the proper operation of drycleaning equipment.
NCAI: I'm getting a new fourth generation machine. What does the distributor have to give me so I comply with the new regs? The distributor also told me I don't need the two days of training because I've been in the business for a long time, do I?
DEC: The distributors must supply the purchaser of the equipment with a copy of the manual. Until the equipment certification requirements are in effect the manufacturer does not have to comply with the training requirements, however this certainly would be advisable.
After the equipment certification requirements are in effect the manufacturer will be required to:
- Provide a two day training on the proper operation and maintenance of the machine.
- Include a provision in the contract sale or lease to provide the equipment user a copy of the certification upon request.
- Provide calibration services for sensors or integral measuring devices that are crucial to continued compliance with the performance standards for five years.
NCAI: I heard that my spotter and I both have to be certified. How will this happen, by what date does it have to be done, by who and how much will this cost? (Same question about inspections.)
DEC: The facility owner/manager must be trained and certified and the person operating the drycleaning machine must be trained and certified.
The effective dates for certification are: After the first qualifying program is approved the requirements will take effect and the owner/manager and operator must be certified according to the following schedule.
- Upon start up for new facilities unless the training is an unreasonable burden due to unavailability of scheduled courses or testing facilities.
- Within three months for facilities in mixed-use locations with transfer machines.
- Within six months for facilities in mixed-use locations with dry-to-dry vented machines.
- Within nine months for all other facilities in mixed-use locations.
- Within twelve months for facilities in stand-alone locations with transfer machines.
- Within fifteen months for facilities in stand-alone locations with dry-to-dry vented machines.
- 7 Within eighteen months for all other facilities in stand-alone locations.
The Department has established the advisory committee and hopes to expedite approval of training and testing programs. Fees to take these training programs will be set by those offering the courses.
NCAI: I started building a new plant in early May of this year to open at the end of the month. Do I need a permit to open or operate my machine?
DEC: Part 201 requires a new drycleaner to apply for and obtain a permit prior to commencing construction. The effective date of Part 201 was July, 1996.
NCAI: I'm getting a fifth generation machine. Do I still have to do the same stuff those guys with fourth generation have to do?</p>
DEC: There is no definition of a "fifth generation machine" in Part 232. If the machine has a primary closed-loop refrigerated condenser and secondary control system (e.g., an integral carbon adsorber), it would meet the definition of a fourth generation machine and be subject to all requirements for fourth generation machines.
NCAI: I'm planning to build a separate building/room in back of my plant and will move my machine. It will only be connected by a passageway with a door to my store. Does that make it a stand-alone building?
DEC: If the "separate" building is connected it is not stand-alone.
NCAI: Someone told me I have to keep spare parts for my machine. Which parts? What if I don't have the space or money?
DEC: The rule requires the drycleaner to keep a reasonable supply of spare parts. These parts include items which wear or are expendable such as gaskets or filters. In addition, the manufacturer could recommend additional parts you should keep on had based on experience with equipment leaks.
Note: In addition to information to help individually address their compliance needs, NCAI has been conducting seminars on the New York regulations. For more information on the association's compliance assistance, call NCAI, (202) 967-3002
The National Fire Protection Association drycleaning technical committee will meet November 6-7 at NFPA Headquarters in Quincy, MA.
The committee is in charge of reviewing and modifying NFPA 32, the standard for drycleaning, and will be looking at possible changes in standards for petroleum solvent plants.
Although the next revision of the NFPA standard is not due until 2001, the technical committee wants to initiate the cycle earlier, aiming for a 1999 edition.
Amy B. Spencer, chemical engineer and staff liaison for NFPA 32, said it has been suggested that a complete rewrite of the standard should be undertaken, not just a revision. Whether that will happen will be decided by the committee. Revisions may be needed to reflect changes that have taken place in petroleum drycleaning over the past few years -- the equipment used for petroleum cleaning as well as higher flash-point solvents.
The November sessions will begin at 8:30 a.m. and run through the afternoon. All are welcome to attend, but an RSVP is mandatory, and the committee chair reserves the right to limit participation to members only. Ordinarily, the committee plans two meetings a year to handle document revisions. Depending on the level of revision to be undertaken in the drycleaning standard, one or two additional meetings may be needed once the document enters the revision cycle.
Gearing up for the effort, committee membership is being expanded. Committee members are selected for their knowledge the drycleaning industry and about hydrocarbons as a drycleaning solvent, including flammability issues, equipment engineering controls and recently developed higher flash-point solvents and other new technology. NFPA seeks a balanced representation from among several categories of interests: manufacturers, users, installers and maintainers, labor, applied research and testing; enforcement authority, insurance, consumers and "special experts." No more than one-third of the voting members of the committee can represent any one interest category.
Committee members
The committee is chaired by Richard G. Beeson of the Greensboro, NC, Fire Department. Other members include Mark D. Chubb of Southern Building Code Congress International Inc.; Steven Landon of Trophy Club and the Textile Care Allied Trades Association; David A. Martinez of Chicago Hilton & Towers; Albert S. Beers of Stokes Laundry Inc.; Mary Scalco of the International Fabricare Institute; Donald E. Major of Factory Mutual Research Corp.; David Slan of The Slan Companies; Gary Scott Earnest of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Thomas Bruce of Hoyt Corp.; Petra Klein of Forschungsinstitut Hohenstein; and Manfred Wentz of R. R. Street & Co. Inc.
Non-voting members include Robert Bell of the U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA); and Spencer of NFPA who serves as staff liaison. Kenneth W. Faig of the International Fabricare Institute is listed as an alternate member.
For more information, contact NFPA, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101 or phone (617) 770-3000. Spencer's e-mail address is aspencer@nfpa.org.
SILVER SPRING, MD -- Consumer reporter Herb Weisbaum of CBS This Morning visited the textile testing laboratory at the International Fabricare Institute to find out if a product billed as "The Laundry Solution" actually performed as well as its literature said.
Promotional material for the Laundry Solution, a blue globe that is used in a home washer, claims that replaces laundry detergents, produces better smelling and feeling clothes, requires no bleach or other whiteners, and eliminates pretreating of stains.
Tests showed that the blue globes did not live up to the claims. Two name-brand detergents significantly out-performed The Laundry Solution. In fact, the globe was no more effective than water alone, IFI said.
The segment on The Laundry Solution was scheduled to air in late August or early September. IFI noted that one state attorney general's office is looking into taking action against the manufacturers.
By Bill Bogus
Water, water all around and not a drop to drink. Water is the most precious substance on earth and we abuse it, knowingly and unknowingly.
For whatever our purpose and fancy, without fresh drinking water we cannot exist. A healthy human being will not live more than a week without water. A not too healthy person will pass away sooner. This is an inescapable fact of life.
The water we get into our homes is clean drinking water and it comes out of a faucet. Where it comes from we are not sure, but we do know that it is not contaminated with pollutants, and we also know that contaminated water could make us very sick and even cause death
Here in the United States, safe drinking water is regulated and tested daily for purity. However we have an attitude towards water. We believe that there's plenty of fresh water, enough for everybody. This is not true, and this is why we can't accept pollution as a serious problem or consider ourselves to be polluters.
Pollution starts when waste water goes down the drain, when we shower or flush the toilet. We get very serious about water when we turn the faucet on and nothing comes out -- not a drop. Just thinking about water makes us thirsty. When this happens frustration and anxiety take over. Inconvenience makes us realize how dependent we are upon others for whatever went wrong. Somebody is going to fix it. Somebody did.
Since we are dependent on others, others are dependent on us. Pollution is everyone's problem, and we must all share the responsibility. Not only do we need fresh drinking water, we need clean air. The atmosphere carries, but does not store, water. It carries about 10 days supply of clean, fresh water that will fall to earth as rain. Once it passes through polluted atmosphere it washes down pollutants which are mostly acid, then clean rain becomes acid rain and acid rain destroys trees and poisons lakes.
Regulations alone will not control pollution. However regulations are necessary. Just think, if we didn't have traffic control, the driving experience would be chaotic. With today's aggressive drivers, highways would look like General Custer's Last Stand -- a bloody massacre. Driving without regulations and obedience would hasten one's demise.
However there are times when regulations are questionable, and rightly so. Recently the Washington Post reported on four factory explosions that caused one death and a number of injuries. The factories were believed to be using air pollution control equipment mandated under EPA regulations. "Mandate" is a word that reeks with militancy and its anachronistic character speaks words of a dictator that transgresses the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States. No one wants to be mandated.
The test of time proves many things. It proves what will last and what will crumble. Only the best survive. Times have proven that drycleaning is necessary. It is the least of all polluters. We are all polluters, however, drycleaning uses less water than most services and manufacturing companies. It uses less water than the average household.
According to the National Geographic, a person uses approximately 100 gallons of water a day for bathing, laundering drinking and for other: reasons. Nationwide, this amounts to about 25 billion gallons of water per day.
Of course, there is plenty of water on earth and water is indestructible. However, 15 percent of earth's water is drinkable and 85 percent is sea water. Compared to big users of water, the amount of water used in drycleaning would be less than a drop in the bucket.
Another recent article in the Washington Post revealed a bit of temperament against polyester. Prison correction guards petitioned by formal complaint through their union asking the state for all cotton uniforms. They are asking for natural fibers.
"Polyester doesn't breathe," said one of the officers. Another officer complained, "I can't keep cool wrapped in plastic."
What would it be like if customers' clothing got slam-dunked into water and not drycleaned? It doesn't take much imagination.
Bill Bogus is president of Textile Restoration Services Inc. in Laurel, MD. He can be reached at (301) 776-4961.
Man-made Fibers
(synthetics)
Although trade names have been discontinued for many years by law, a few trade names have crept in lately by a few manufacturers and importers.
By law, only generic names can be used to describe fibers, especially synthetics which, in years past, were given different names by each manufacturer. For example, Dacron, Fortrel and Kodel were all trademark names for the generic name of polyester.
A generic name is a "family name" of a group of fibers made from the same basic chemical or substance.
Types of Synthetic Fibers
Rayon
A manufactured (synthetic) fiber composed of regenerated cellulose in which substituents have replaced not more than 15 percent of the hydrogens.
There are two types of rayon: "viscose" and "high strength."
Viscose Rayon. Viscose (regular) rayon is produced as follows:
Wood pulp is soaked in caustic soda, producing alkali cellulose. This is shredded and mixed with carbon disulfied creating "Cellulose Xanthate" which is dissolved in a weak solution of caustic soda creating a thick solution called viscose.
The viscose solution is filtered and then forced through Spinnerets (.002-.005 inches in diameter, 40 holes) into an acid bath, regenerated into cellulose (reconverted into thick solution), then dried on reels, and twisted and wound on bobbins. Continuous spinning produces quality yarn.
Viscose is also known as "Regenerated Cellulose Fiber."
High Strength Rayon
This is just as strong when wet as when dry. It withstands high heat.
It is used mainly for draperies.
It cannot be distinguished from viscose rayon.
Characteristics of rayon
Microscopic appearance. Both types of rayon have a number of lines running the same way as the fiber. If it is delustered, scattered specks of pigment can be seen.
Luster. It has a high luster unless delustering pigments are added.
Strength. It has fair strength for "viscose," and the "high strength rayon" is very strong.
Elasticity. It usually is not very elastic, but the elasticity can vary according to the manufacturer.
Heat. It loses strength above 300°F and will decompose between 350°F and 400°F.
Moths. It is resistant to months.
Water. It is weaker when wet, but the original dry strength is regained upon drying. Viscose High Strength Rayon is just as strong when wet as it is when dry. Rayon can be gently wetcleaned.
Acids. Rayon is similar to cotton, not affected by 28% acetic acid, but it is easily damaged by 56% acetic and strong mineral acids.
Alkalies. Rayon is resistant to normal alkaline spotting agents -- protein formula, 26° ammonium hydroxide (ammonia) -- but it will swell and lose tensile strength with stronger, concentrated, high pH alkalies.
Bleaches. Both oxidizing and reducing bleaches of spotting board strength (one-half ounce to a 12-ounce spotting bottle of water) can be used.
Sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) of about 1% to 2% cannot damage the fibers, but it can cause yellowing or browning of white rayon. Chlorine of 5.25% or higher will damage the fiber and cause whites to yellow or brown.
Acetate
Also called "Triacetate," it is a derivative of cellulose obtained from wood pulp and is produced as follows:
Wood pulp is steeped in acetic acid then mixed with acetic anhydride which makes an acetate dope or primary acetate. It is then precipitated in water and becomes secondary acetate, then it is dissolved in acetone. After filtering, it is forced through spinnerets (.002 to .005 inch holes, usually 40 holes to a spinneret). The acetone is removed in a warm air cabinet.
Characteristics of acetate
Microscopic appearance. It is similar to viscose rayon, except that the lines running along the fiber length are farther apart.
Luster. Either bright of dull.
Tensile strength. Less than Viscose when wet.
Acids. Unaffected by mild spotting board strength acids, but strong mineral acids will damage acetate.
Alkalies. Unaffected by mild protein formulas and 26° ammonia, but strong, concentrated, high pH alkalies will damage acetate.
Bleaches. Both oxidizing and reducing bleaches, except for any strength of sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach), of spotting board strength (1/2 ounce to a spotting bottle of water) can be used on acetate.
Dyes. Special acetate dyes are used since acetate does not accept the dyes used for cotton or rayon. These dyes will bleed to alcohol and if drycleaned while wet with water.
Shades of blue, gray and green are susceptible to fume fading.
Solubility. CAUTION: Acetate is soluble in acetone. Acetic acid over 33% will damage it.
Light. Long exposure to sunlight weakens the fiber excessively.
Acrylic
Elements from natural gases, coal, petroleum, limestone, air and water form acrylonitrile units which are filtered and forced through spinnerets.
Characteristics of acrylic
Microscopic appearance. Smooth surface with one of more lines. Fibers are staple (short).
Luster. Acrylic can be either bright or dull, depending on the he amount of pigment added.
Elasticity. Very good.
Absorption. Extremely low, between 1% and 3% at 65% Relative Humidity and 70°F.
Heat. It will yellow above 300°F. It will become sticky at temperatures over 450°F, and it softens at 275° F.
CAUTION: Use lowest iron setting if hand finishing. Do not steam since wet steam will drastically stretch acrylic. If drycleaned, acrylic must be handled as a fragile. It is better to wetclean acrylic since it has developed as a washable wool that needs little or no finishing.
Light. Acrylic is very light resistant.
Moths. Acrylic is very resistant to moths.
Water. Acrylic is not affected by water and is better wetcleaned and dried in a tumbler on low temperature. Never hang to dry.
Acids and alkalies. Acrylic is not affected by acids or alkalies at spotting board strength.
Bleaches. Acrylic is not affected by sodium perborate, sodium percarbonate, hydrogen peroxide and all reducing bleaches. Do not use chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite).
Polyester (most practical fiber)
Polyester is composed of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. These chemicals are combined and melted at a high temperature, using a vacuum, and then forced through spinnerets and solidified to form continuous filaments. These continuous filaments are then taken up on a winding tube and the polyester is stretched under heat. A controlled amount of twist is added for ease of handling. The fiber is then wound around prins for shipment.
Characteristics of polyester
Microscopic appearance. Appears to be smooth and even.
Luster. Polyester is either bright or dull.
Strength. Very strong. One of the strongest fibers.
Absorption. Very low, less than 1%,. It is actually water repellent.
Heat. Very resistant to heat, but it will soften and get sticky above 400°F. Normal steaming has no adverse affect, and wrinkles can easily be steamed out.
Light. Good resistance to sunlight.
Water. Polyester is water repellant. When creases are heat set they are permanent in water.
Acids and alkalies. Polyester is not affected by organic and mild acids and alkalies.
Bleaches. All bleaches, including sodium hypochlorite (chlorine), can be used on polyester, together with all reducing bleaches (strippers).
Nylon
Nylon is made from basic elements obtained from petroleum or natural gas, air and water. These elements are combined into compounds by chemical processes and then placed into a huge pressure cooker where the small molecules combine into giant molecules called "polymers." This produces sheets or ribbons of nylons.
To make fibers, the ribbons are ground up and heated until melted, then they are extruded through spinnerets of the desired size. The fibers solidify as they hit the cooling air, are stretched and twisted to give elasticity and strength and gathered to form the yarn.
Characteristics of nylon
Microscopic appearance. Very smooth and even, like glass rod.
Luster. High natural luster which can be controlled to any degree desired.
Strength. Exceptionally high strength.
Elasticity. Exceptionally high elasticity.
Absorption. Only 4% at 65% Relative Humidity (very little).
Heat. High resistance to heat and steam, but it will melt at 482°F. Ironing temperature should not exceed 275°F since it will glaze and yellow over 275°F.
Moths and mildew. Totally resistant to moths and mildew.
Water. Nylon loses a slight amount of strength when it is wet and it dries very quickly.
Acids. Nylon becomes very weakened by concentrated mineral acids and full strength formic acid (organic). However, nylon is not harmed by 28% acetic acid or general formula from the spotting board. Although like formic acid in full strength, acetic acid over 33% will weaken and damage nylon.
Alkalies. High resistance to all alkalies.
Bleaches. Nylon is not affected by any normal oxidizing bleach except sodium hypchlorite and it is not affected by any of the reducing bleaches.
A strong solution of sodium perborate and sodium percarbonate can damage nylon and chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) can yellow a white nylon.
Rubber (Not to be drycleaned)
A substance of natural and/or synthetic rubber, rubber fibers are generally made by splitting thin rubber sheets or by extrusion of cylindrical rubbery fibers.
Elastic material consists of a natural or synthetic rubber core wrapped with some other fiber, such as cotton or rayon.
The term "Spandex" is an elastic made of polyurethane fiber covered with another elastic fiber, such as cotton or rayon.
Characteristics of rubber
Strength. Weakened by exposure to sunlight, perspiration and heat.
The wrapped rubber material may be damaged in drycleaning (even in petroleum) due to excessive swelling and resulting strain. The cotton ply has a cutting action on the rubber as it swells.
The greater the swelling, the greater the cutting action. Perc will dry out and dissolve rubber much faster than petroleum solvent.
Uses. Used where elasticity is desirable in fabrics: bathing suits, waistbands of pants and dresses, certain trims, etc.
Metallic (Handle as a fragile)
A manufactured fiber composed of metals, plastic-coated metal, metal coated plastic, or a core completely covered by metal.
A thin sheet of aluminum foil is sandwiched between two layers of plastic, An adhesive then bonds together the plastic and metal. The plastic film may be acetate or polyester.
In another method, metallic pigments are deposited on a plastic film, which is then covered by a clear plastic film.
Characteristics of metallic
The plastic-coated metallic fibers will have many of the characteristics of their plastic coatings and adhesives.
Some plastic-coated metallic fibers are quite resistant to spotting agents.
However, hydrofluoric acid used in spotting board rust removers will damage the metallic foils if it penetrates the bonding agents of if the plastic film works loose. Use general formula on metallic fibers or fabrics to remove rust stains.
Some adhesives are solvent-soluble. Use amyl acetate on glue stains on plastic-coated fibers (test first) since acetate fibers are soluble in acetone.
Glass (Drycleaning not recommended)
Made from basic materials of silica, sand and limestone mixed with some aluminum hydroxide, soda ash and borax.
This mixture is placed into a furnace where the molten glass flows to marble, forming machines which turn out small glass marbles to permit a visual inspection for impurities.
The marbles are then remelted in small electric furnaces. The melted glass is forced through small holes of the base of the furnace, forming filaments of glass fibers. The filaments are drawn out and twisted to form yarns.
Characteristics of glass
Microscopic appearance. Glass is smooth and rod-like.
Luster. Very high luster.
Absorption. Not absorbent. Will not shrink.
Strength. Glass is the strongest of all fibers.
Heat. Totally fireproof but will melt at 900°F.
Acids. Hydrofluoric acid in rust removers will dissolve or etch glass, but oxalic acid contained in general formula will not harm it.
Alkalies. Have no adverse affect on glass.
Bleaches. Have no adverse affect on glass.
General care. It is better to wet clean and drip dry. Pressing is not recommended. Do not use dry side spotting agents. Use only wetside spotting agents.
Next month this series on fibers, yarns, fabrics dyes and finishes continues with the making of yarns, the second step in "fibers to fabrics" and the foundation for blended fabrics.
Note: My new video, "The Caplan Method of Stain Removal," which includes my comprehensive text with handy spotting board reference, is now available for only $199. Please contact Dennis McCrory, (800) 646-5736, PIN #4615.
Stan Caplan has over 35 years experience in his own drycleaning/laundry business and over 20 years experience teaching and consulting. A former chief instructor at the International Fabricare Institute and the Southwest Drycleaners Association school in Denton, TX, he offers consulting services on work flow concepts, lot systems management, call office efficiency studies, production studies, plant equipment layout, engineering studies and specifications, equipment specifications, TQM, training programs, cost analysis and accounting and general plant management. He can be reached at 3601 Clarks Lane Suite 307, Baltimore, MD 21215; phone 410/358-0870
Yes, drycleaners have known that not only the prestige and glamour of displaying a clean and beautifully packaged gown will bring in business, but it also tells loud and clear, "We're a High Quality Drycleaner!"
Sheer logic dictates that if we can clean a customer's most valuable and precious gown, we can most assuredly do an excellent job, on anything and everything in a wardrobe.
What's the secret to fragile gown cleaning and finishing?
There isn't one!
Most cleaners report it's easier than regular work. Part of the mystery lies in prespotting, careful inspecting and the very best in packaging!
In fact some 75 percent of all wedding gowns are treated on the gentle, hand wetcleaning side. Why? Simply because it's the safest and least abrasive method.
But there's even a much better method of handling fragile and old heirloom fabrics that still gives you the reputation of being the best drycleaner in town!
Are you ready for another secret?
Perhaps every major drycleaner of gowns does not do them at all but sends them out. Not that they don't know how, but the average facilities are designed around production and not "one at a time" special pieces that require extra room and can tie up a hand rubbed spotting board for the hemline, or a silk finishing station, with yards of a flouncy long train. Here comes the specialist with a complete successful program that anyone can followŠ
First, you accept the gown with a base price of approximately $100 (prices vary with each specialist). Your cost is approximately $50. You should not accept any gown without at least 50 percent deposit or more.
Next, the gown is insured for $100 and shipped to a specialist. (Call me if you need a recommendation for a specialist.)
The gown is shipped UPS or Federal Express and the customer pays the insurance. The gown is inspected, and you are advised of the final cost and any risks, such as beads to be restrung, unserviceable components, or any repairs, etc.
You then contact your customer, who has already signed a standard release form that holds you harmless, and the process of cleaning continues. (A specialist production may exceed 500 gowns a week.)
When the gown is finished it is very expertly packed in acid free tissue to prevent yellowing, mildew, etc., and packed and hermetically sealed in an attractive window-view display box, then placed in a strong protective outer shipping box.
It is now insured for $100 paid for by the processor. If more insurance is desired, the drycleaner requests such coverage and the customer pays the additional.
Why is this a good adjunct to your regular drycleaning business and an excellent way for diversifying?
For one thing, the 100 percent profit is easy to take, without the hassle or risk, all on a professional level.
But it does much more. Picture a white gown hanging in your store with the special packaging of a multi-colored poly bag, an ambassador sash across the front, and slowly revolving on a special turntable, either on a hook from above or on a stand, perhaps in your window and. If possible, you might add a night light such as an inexpensive revolving Christmas light, which also offers security when the store is closed. Some say it could cause a traffic jam of curious onlookers!
Now, do you think that the average woman would not notice and pause to look that displayed gown and reminisce about her own wedding day ?
And don't you think that tells her "they must do good work if they advertise gowns cleaned!"
You can bet she would!
It's an excellent "make sense" idea, all with little or no investment, that promotes your service, can make money and boost your image and appearance. Can any other product offer as much for so little?
Ray Colucci, an independent consultant to the drycleaning and laundry industry, conducts sales seminars and participates on industry discussion panels. He has been a tailor, professional drycleaner and national sales manager. He can be reached at 410 Warren Ave., Mamaroneck, NY 10543; phone (914) 381-2171.
Fabrics can be coated with a variety of substances. The coating or backing may be: vinyl, polyurethane, natural or synthetic rubber, acrylic, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane (also referred to as Gortex®).
The coating or backing is held to the fabric with an adhesive binder. Acrylic coatings are actually applied in a liquid form and act as an adhesive when dried and cured. The coating can be visible on the back of a fabric or be sandwiched between two fabric layers that prevent it from being readily observed.
The coating or backing gives the fabric waterproofed properties as well as resistance to wind and cold. Most coatings give the wearer a clammy and uncomfortable feel because they do not allow the body heat and moisture to escape. Gortex® fabric claims comfort since the membrane has microscopic pores that allow the fabric to breathe.
Coated and backed fabrics are used for raincoats, jackets, ski jackets, snow suits and household fabrics.
Fabric problems
The permanence of the adhesive binder and the quality control used in the lamination or bonding process will determine whether the coating or backing peels or separates from the base fabric.
Vinyl coatings will stiffen due to loss of plasticizer.
Loss of coating may result in a stained or blotched appearance. This occurs if the thin outer fabric permits light to pass through where previously the coating prevented the light penetration. Coated raincoats may become streaked due to uneven drying.
Fabric identification
Some coated or backed fabric garments are so labeled. If it is not labeled but coating or backing is suspected by feel, open the stitched lining. No matter what the label says, the coated fabrics should be handled as shown in the chart.
Drycleaning
Dryclean coated or backed fabrics for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep solvent temperature no higher than 80°F. Tumble in a reclaimer at 120°F. Hang immediately after drycleaning.
Gortex® has a higher degree of serviceability than the other coated fabrics and can be cleaned according to the shell fabric to which it is laminated.
Raincoats, ski wear, cotton, hard-finished fabrics: 12 minutes, dry at 140°F.
Wool, wool-like fabric, silk, silk fabrics: 3 to 5 minutes: 120°F drying.
Gortex® fabrics should be given a clear rinse according to the company recommendations. This prevents a loss of the feel and ability of the fabric to breathe.
Spotting
Dryside spotting agents will affect the adhesive binder of any coated fabric. Use wetside spotting agents and a leveling agent. Use limited mechanical action according to outer fabric to prevent fabric separation.
Wetcleaning
Wetclean according to labeling and limitation of outer fabric. Use cool water and mild lubricants. Rinse thoroughly to prevent streaks.
Finishing
Use limited steam and pressure when pressing.
Streaks and swales
Many rubber coated raincoats may develop streaks and swales due to uneven drying. Clear rinse garment, extract and dry at 100°F. If streaks remain, place on pressing machine and wipe areas with a cheesecloth dampened with a volatile dry solvent while applying vacuum from pressing machine.
CHART
Coating Procedure Customer
Vinyl Don't dryclean; wetclean. Obtain customer signed release.
Rubber, Acrylic Follow manufacturer's Obtain customer signed release.
Polyurethane cleaning instructions.
Gortex® Follow manufacturer's No release is required.
cleaning instructions.
Dan Eisen is the chief garment analyst for the Neighborhood Cleaners Association International. He can be reached at the NCAI office, (212) 967-3002, ext. 243 or via e-mail: ncai@sprynet.com.
Getting business is easy if you have a plan and stick with it. First of all, you have to know how to find customers.
They are everywhere. But to have a successful business, you had better check to see that there are enough prospects to provide you with the sales volume you desire.
I have written a book titled, "How to Find, Capture and Keep Customers." My illustrator prepared a cover for the book that tells it all. Well, not quite all. The illustrations and title tell you "what" to do but not "how."
The "how" requires a lot more detail and understanding that comes from studying and doing.
Let's take it step by step and explain what one has to do to find customers.
First, we have to know the market. We have to understand the demographics of the marketplace. We have to know how many customers it will take for us to make the desired living we hope to get from our investment.
In drycleaning, we know that the average suburban family, living in an average home with a value of about $125,000, will spend about $1.50 a week for drycleaning and shirt laundering.
Now at this point you may be saying that I don't know what I'm talking about. You may think that people spend a lot more than that. Trust me. I do know what people spend, based on their demographics.
My company has surveyed hundreds of market areas where we know how many customers a cleaner has and can relate the demographics to the income per household.
Even in areas where the average household income is in the $60,000 range and home values are in the $200,000 range, we only average $2 per household per week.
The age of computers has taught us many things about customer expenditure, income level, lifestyle, climate, etc.
Our company works with hundreds of cleaners around the country who track their active customers and their expenditures and we have done the demographic studies of these plants.
We know what's actually being spent in different types of markets.
For example: In sections of Miami, the income level is high, the density of population is extremely high, and yet the drycleaning expenditure per household is about the same as it is in inner-city, welfare-dependent areas.
The answer, once you know what to look for, is simple. The median age in areas of Miami is 73 and these folks have very little drycleaning and hardly ever have a shirt laundered.
It's not that they are frugal nor that they don't have a wardrobe. No, it's the climate, age and lifestyle that do not call for much drycleaning or laundered shirts.
In the welfare-dependent poverty areas where the population is exceptionally dense, there is business but the expenditure per household is low for obvious reasons.
Most markets fall in the $1 a week per household range, but for our purposes, we'll use the figure of $2 per household per week.
This would be a good upper middle class market made up of people with a median age of about 37. All the demographic information is readily available and you can get a run-down of your market by simply contacting me.
Some market areas do not qualify for an investment by a business that has to rely on over-the-counter sales. If you are already in such a situation, you have to provide other services, such as pick up and delivery, drapery take-down and re-hang, carpet cleaning, etc.
In short, you have to either have a market to support an over-the-counter business or be prepared to -- "Have vehicle, will travel."
In any event, you will have to know how to find your market as the first step to building a business.
Back to the normal package plant situation where you have a good market of 20,000 households within a two-mile radius and these folks are spending $2 a week on average. Your market adds up to $40,000 a week in drycleaning and laundry.
Your piece of the pie
If you are already in business and have captured 10 percent of the market, you will be doing $4,000 a week. Obviously, you are getting a piece of the pie but it may not be enough to satisfy your personal needs.
All it takes is a contact with a computer bank in Minnesota and we'll have the complete details of any market in the United States.
Among other things, we'll know the number of households in the one-mile and two-mile circles surrounding the plant and as far out as we want to go. We usually limit our search to two miles because if it's not there, it's not a market.
Now let's move on to the part about capturing customers.
There are plenty of them out there in those 20,000 households and there are many ways to go about getting more than your present share. I have found that individual, well-designed direct communications through a powerful mail program will build your customer base on a steady basis.
If you're doing $4,000 a week with a capacity to double that volume, then it's just a matter of time and proper marketing to reach the new goal.
Customer turnover in drycleaning is a major factor. As many as half of all the average cleaners' customers leave for one reason or another every year.
One out of five of your present customers will move away from the area within the next 12 months. That's a 20 percent loss right there.
Another group will retire, get sick, lose their jobs and cut way back on drycleaning.
But most of the turnover will be due to the cleaner's inability to "keep" his customers. We'll get into that later. For now we'll talk about getting customers.
More than your share
You can take advantage of the turnover if you understand the market and know how to go about getting new customers on a steady basis. You certainly can get more than your share of the people moving into the area.
In your prime market of 20,000 homes, you have 4,000 people moving out every year who are replaced with 4,000 newcomers. There are specific programs designed to attract newcomers.
If you are in a good $40,000 a week market, you will have plenty of competition. That's my personal guarantee.
And if you check into where the business is going, you'll find that a good share is going outside your market area. People who live on the fringe of the perimeter of your two-mile circle may live right near one of your competitor's stores.
We know that almost all drycleaning plants get 80 percent of their business from within a two-mile radius of the plant.
Most business comes from the one-mile circle, which covers an area of 3.14 square miles. Additional business comes from the second mile, which is a much bigger area consisting of 9.42 square miles. Combined, your total market covers some 12.56 square miles.
The further away you get from your location, the less draw you will have. Marketing, in a situation like this, is a diminishing return as you get further and further away from the focal point.
This is not an easy concept to sell. Many plant owners will tell us about a new development of nice homes about three miles from the plant.
Sure, they can get some customers out of that new area, but this is not cost-effective business. Good marketing means using good old-fashioned common sense.
Your best prospects
Think about who your best prospects are and why. You'll find that they are professional-type couples with both parties working. These people have the money to own a large wardrobe and their business and social activities call for good grooming and constant maintenance to provide the impeccable appearance expected in these circles.
Obviously, an area of blue collar workers doesn't have the need for special attention to their wardrobes. They also don't have the discretionary dollars to spend on a frivolous, to them, service.
Common sense tells you this, and a lot more, if you take the time to think about things.
Let's say that you are in a $2 market and have a 10 percent share. Can you double your business?
You bet you can, but that will require some knowledge of the last part of my three-pronged sales programŠ keeping customers.
Also, if you have any questions you should write directly to me. I always answer all my correspondence, so if you write, I will answer. That's a promise.
Editor's Note: Stan Golomb is recuperating from back surgery. We are reprinting this column from the August 1993 issue. His book, "How to Find, Capture and Keep Customers," is available from The Golomb Group (address below) for $19.95.
Stan Golomb is president of The Golomb Group Inc., a firm that designs marketing programs for drycleaners. Contact him at The Golomb Group Inc., 7664 Plaza Ct., Willowbrook, IL 60521; phone (630) 887-7339. His e-mail address is: sgolomb@ix.netcom.com
From time to time, suede and leather items with excessive amounts of blood or vomit soaked into them are brought in for cleaning.
The blood may have come from an uncontrollable nose bleed or perhaps an automobile accident or some other kind of accident. These suede and leather items are usually stiff with dried blood or vomit when received. The soaked-in dried blood or vomit is usually so extensive that the item is essentially ruined and unusable.
Before accepting or doing anything to such an item, get the approval from the customer. The customer must assume full risk and responsibility for the cost involved in the procedures that must be followed to attempt to restore the suede or leather item.
It should be noted and the customer advised that there are components to the blood or vomit that could affect the color and texture of the skin, causing color loss and stiffening. These would become evident after the blood or vomit is removed.
The first step in the procedure is to prespot with a specially formulated leather prespotter and blot up the blood or vomit before using the special leather cleaning method.
The stain may also be so extensive that using a spot remover is too time consuming to be practical.
Use cold water
The best way to attempt to remove blood or vomit from an excessively stained item is to soak it in cold water and/or wetclean it in cold water using specially formulated leather wetcleaning products.
Soaking the suede or leather may be accomplished by immersing it in a container of cold water mixed with a special wetcleaning leather detergent plus conditioner.
Allow the item to soak in the special leather detergent plus conditioner mixture over night so the blood or vomit can dissolve and float out of the skin.
The suede or leather item can be agitated manually several times during the soaking. It can also be gently wrung out by hand and the water/special leather detergent plus conditioner mixture replaced several times during the soaking procedure.
If the blood or vomit has not been in the garment too long, this soaking procedure should be sufficient to remove all or most of it. The suede or leather garment should then be rinsed in cool, clear water and hung on a hanger while wet and allowed to air dry at normal room temperature.
Caution: Do not dry with heat! Heat will cause the skin to become stiff and hard.
After the suede or leather has thoroughly dried, it may be leather dry cleaned in dry cleaning fluid charged with a special leather cleaning detergent plus conditioner to restore the soft, supple feel of the item.
The clean, dry suede or leather can then be sprayed with suede neutral product made specifically for leather and suede to impart a more supple feel and to bring out the color.
If the color is lighter because of the affect of the components in the blood or vomit, redyeing may be attempted by spraying the item with a special leather dye mixed with a compatible special leather neutral spray product.
If soaking is not sufficient to remove the blood or vomit, then wetcleaning is the next procedure to follow.
Try wetcleaning
This means that you wash suedes or leathers as follows: First, load the washer at halt the recommended poundage capacity with dry suedes or leathers.
Next, fill the tub with cool water at a temperature of 100°F or less. Do not use hot water because it will damage the skins.
Next, add the specially formulated wetcleaning detergent plus conditioner two ounces per suede or leather garment loaded into the washer. Use only a biodegradable detergent plus conditioner all in one product for wetcleaning suedes and leathers without harmful effects.
The wash cycle for suedes and naked leathers may be anywhere from five minutes to 20 minutes.
Wash painted leathers no more than five minutes with water at a temperature of 100°F or less and add a specially formulated leather softener/conditioner, four (4) ounces per garment, in the final rinse cycle to condition and soften the suedes or leathers.
If water repellency is desired, water repel and condition with the special formulated repellent/conditioner as a final rinse. Extract at the normal washer setting to remove excess water.
Dry the wet suedes or leathers by either hanging them to air dry at ambient air temperature or tumble them in a cool dryer at a temperature of 100°F or less. Do not use heat to dry the suedes or leathers as heat will damage the wet skins.
Author's Note: Do not attempt to use products that are not specifically formulated for use on suede and leather. The safe suede and leather products referred to in this article are specially formulated to process suedes and leathers without causing color lass, stiffening the skins or matting down the nap. For more detailed specific information on the safe suede and leather processing products referred to please, contact the author at the numbers listed below.
Frank Lucenta is president of Royaltone Company, Inc., a firm that trains drycleaners and launderers to identify, accept, spot, dryclean, wetclean, press and recolor suedes, leathers and furs. The next training session will be held Sept. 11-12 at the Royaltone Suedemate Academy in Tulsa. For information on training sessions, the subject covered in this article and other information on leather care, a free three-ring binder to hold copies of these articles and for information on Royaltone's Instruction Book and Spotting Charts, call or write to Royaltone, PO Box 25949. Tulsa, OK 74153-0949; phone (8OO) 331-5506, or (918) 663-9666, or fax (918) 665-6017, or e-mail to royaltone@royaltone.com.
Getting things done through others. That is what management is all about. It is the heart and soul of what a good manager does.
It doesn't matter if you supervise two employees or 200, it's up to you to see that the quality of work produced is top-notch and turned out on schedule.
The problem is, many business owners, especially drycleaners, began as employees themselves. They know how to get the work done quickly and efficiently. But they are so intent on getting the job done themselves that their employees are neglected.
If this sound like you, it's quite understandable.
Chances are, you worked your way into your present position as owner/manager. Your focus must now be the person responsible for other people's output. You can become equally adept at working through others as you haven been as a "worker" yourself.
How can you get top performance from those you are overseeing? Here are some tips from Dr. Nathaniel Branden, a clinical psychologist and management consultant who has written several books on the subject.
Set a standard of personal integrity.
Keep your promises, and honor your comments, both to your employees and your customers. Deal with everyone fairly and equally. Support this behavior in others. Give your employees the pride of working for a moral company.
Find out each employee's special interests.
Give each person the opportunity to do what they enjoy most and do best. Build on that person's strengths. Allow people to gravitate to the areas of work that interests them.
For instance, a presser may want to learn to be a cleaner or spotter, or vice-versa. As the opportunity arises, give them the chance to learn new skills.
Give assignments that stimulate personal and professional growth.
Stretch your people by assigning tasks and projects slightly beyond their own capabilities. This is an opportunity for both you and the worker to discover talents that may not have been known before. If you don't try it, neither of you will ever know. You may be surprised.
Give workers opportunities to practice self-responsibility.
Give them space to take the initiative. If an employee wants to do something differently, give her a chance, under your supervision.
If it works, fine. You've both learned something. If it doesn't work, the employee at least feels that her self-worth was increased because you took the time to listen to her suggestion.
Allow employees to volunteer ideas. Some of the best ideas on how to improve productivity come from your workers. After all, they deal with the problems everyday.
So encourage suggestions. Allow them to expand their range, even if they make mistakes. It's the way we learn best.
Challenge the seniority tradition.
Promote on the basis of merit. Because a person is the longest in your employ does not automatically mean he is the best suited for advancement. The recognition of ability is one of the great inspirers of self-respect and enthusiasm.
Show that it is safe to make a mistake.
Let people feel free to say, "I don't know, but I will find out." To instill a fear of error or ignorance will only invite deception among employees and, ultimately, will put an end to creativity in the workplace. Believe me, you don't want that, because there's no growth in that direction.
Show that it is safe to disagree with you.
Sounds crazy doesn't it? But this can be good advice. Yes, even you can be wrong. Sometimes. Convey respect for difference of opinion. Make eye contact and listen attentively. Offer appropriate feedback, and give the speaker the experience of being heard. The amount of respect you show to an employee is usually the amount of respect you can expect in return.
Ultimately, your decision will rule. Disagreement does not have to be disagreeable. The fact that you gave enough credence to an employee's opinion to take the time to listen is usually enough to win respect for your final decision.
Never permit conflicts of personalities.
Keep encounters at work task-centered, not ego-centered. The focus needs to be on the reality of the job. What does the work require? What needs to be done? Not on the personalities of the workers who are to perform the task.
Provide reasons for rules and guidelines when they are not self-evident.
Explain why you cannot accommodate certain requests. Don't merely hand down orders. Dictatorships seldom succeed. Be a President!
When an employee does superior work or makes an excellent decision, invite him or her to explore how it happened.
Don't limit yourself to praise. By asking appropriate questions, you help raise the person's consciousness about what made the achievement possible and thereby increase the likelihood that others like it will occur in the future.
Provide clear and unequivocal performance standards.
Let employees know your non-negotiable expectations regarding the quality of work they produce.
Praise in publicŠ discipline in private.
Acknowledge achievements within the hearing of as many people as possible, but let a person absorb corrections in the safety of privacy.
Convey in every way possible that you are not interested in placing blame; you are interested in solutions.
When we look for solutions, we grow self-esteem. When we blame or make excuses, we weaken self-esteem.
Avoid over-directing, over-observing, and over-reporting.
Excessive "managing' is the enemy of autonomy. If employees become accustomed to your ever presence and constant observation, they won't know how to act when you're not there.
Learn to take longer periods of absences. (I'm talking hours and sometimes days, not weeks and months.)
Your employees will eventually learn to function without you. And wouldn't that be wonderful?
Dennis McCrory writes for several industry publications both here and abroad. He also speaks and does consulting on advertising and marketing. He is also currently marketing "The Caplan Method of Spotting" video tape and handbook which he produced. He and Stan Caplan offer themselves as companion speakers for conventions and other industry activities. Call (800) 646-5736, PIN # 4615.
In last month's column I talked about building a successful business and the three elements required to achieve success:
- Delegating responsibility and authority to others.
- Understanding your numbers.
- Developing a plan of action for your business.
As the owner/manager of a drycleaning business, the demands on your time are limitless.
Unfortunately, your time is not. This lack of time is the reason why one of the most important steps in building your business -- planning -- is often the most neglected.
Every drycleaner works very hard at bringing in more business because more business means more money.
Everyone also thinks that more money (higher dollar sales) means bigger profits. This is not necessarily so. You must invest some time every week in planning how you will build your company and in knowing how the plan is working.
This only takes a couple of hours a week. If you absolutely, positively cannot find or make a couple of hours a week to plan the future of your business, you would be well-advised to consider selling.
Lessons in building a drycleaning business
To build a business you need more customers. To get more customers you:
- Send out direct mail coupons.
- Lower your prices.
- Open a drop store.
- Start a route.
- Do all/or some combination of the above.
When pondering these options, you always "run the numbers" to determine how much business you will have to generate for this new activity to pay for itself.
Instead of running and rerunning your numbers until they tell you what you want to hear, calculate the following:
- Your average price per drycleaning piece.
- Your average price per shirt.
- Total drycleaning dollar volume.
- Total shirt dollar volume.
If you have a counter computer it will tell you what these figures are. If you don't have a counter computer, get one.
In the meantime, track your drycleaning piece count for a month and your drycleaning dollar sales for a month. Divide your drycleaning pieces into your total drycleaning dollar sales and you will get your average price per drycleaning piece.
Monthly drycleaning sales divided by monthly drycleaning pieces = average price per drycleaned piece.
Do the same thing for shirts.
On average, your shirt volume is about 23 percent of dollar sales and drycleaning is about 72 percent of dollar sales and the other 5 percent is categorized as "other."
If your numbers don't match these exactly, don't worry. Now take a look at your total piece count for shirts and for drycleaning. The piece count for shirts and drycleaning are probably fairly close.
Case Study:
XYZ Cleaners
Average weekly drycleaning sales equal $7,290 divided by a piece count of 1,800 equals $4.05 for an average price per piece.
The average weekly shirt sales are $2,160 divided by 1,600 pieces for an average price per piece of $1.35.
Let's say that profits were 7 percent of sales last year after your pay.
Average Weekly Drycleaning Sales = $7,290
Average Weekly Shirt Sales = 2,160
Other Weekly Sales = 500
Total Weekly Sales = $9,950
With a seven percent profit, the company is earning just under $700 per week on $9,950 in sales.
Now you decide that you want to increase sales by 10 percent over last year. To do this you must increase sales 10 percent each month.
You can calculate what new sales should be each month by multiplying sales for the same month in the previous year, such as October 1996 sales times 1.1
If sales were $40,000 in October last year then they should be $44,000 in October 1997 which equals a 10 percent increase.
This $4,000 increase in sales will add additional costs to your semi-variable expenses but not to your fixed expenses. (See last months column for details.)
Achieving a 10 percent increase in sales will require additional expenses in the areas of advertising, couponing, improved quality and improved customer service. These costs are seldom calculated when projecting profits but they are unavoidable.
When a direct mail campaign that offers deep discounts works well, you can fill your plant with work, work your employees overtime and add absolutely no dollars to your bottom line.
When you offer discounts to office parks for pick up and delivery, the discounts are permanent. Thus a discount of more than 10 percent is a deep discount.
Fearing an increase
Increasing your prices is another way to increase your sales volume, but it is also one that owners and employees fear most.
Yes, that's right, many of your employees fear a price increase more than you do.
Why?
Because their interest is self-serving -- the counter people fear confrontation at the counter and the production people are afraid that they will lose hours for lack of work.
I have never seen a drycleaner go out of business because their prices were too high. You must commit to doing excellent work and you must get paid for it.
To successfully build your business your action plan must include: a direct mail campaign to attract new customers; excellent customer service to retain new and existing customers; and, you must be the price leader in your area.
Remember, in the game of business the more you know the better you can play the game.
Alan Robson is a private consultant dealing with the specialized needs of the drycleaning industry. Readers are encouraged to send him questions he can address in future columns. For more information, contact him by telephone at (508) 753-6619 or send e-mail to him at: agrobson@ma.ultranet.com
A continuing problem plaguing our industry, as well as most others, is workforce. How to find, attract, train and retain quality people is a dilemma that seems to worsen every year.
More discouraging yet is the fact that people tire or become bored with a job faster than ever. In some industries, the rate of turnover has been calculated as a cost of doing business.
Big corporations calculate how long the average employee is likely to stay with them. They then plan this into their cost of doing business and allow a budget figure towards a department for training.
Unfortunately, most of us are small businesses and do not have the luxury of a corporate training department. Even worse, our industry attracts mostly unskilled or semi-skilled labor. The time required to train a new employee is longer and more complex than those of other retail services, like the fast food industry, that we compete with for labor.
Furthermore, we require new employees to learn a variety of skills and they usually come to us with few of the talents that our jobs require. This problem for us as owners and managers creates a great drain of our time, money and energy.
To add insult to injury, the workers we attract have no idea of what challenges and demands a job will place on them. They have neither investigated our industry as a long-term career opportunity nor have they the tolerance for some of the requirements we will place on them.
Just a paycheck
All too often a job is just a temporary stopping place to help them pay some bills. They are either students looking for part-time or temporary work, or they are being crushed by the pressure of a life that they are ill prepared for in view of their lack of skills and education.
All they know is that bills have to be paid, and they must find a regular pay check, an unemployment check or welfare.
Still there are people out there looking to improve their life with a steady job. Our task is to sort through the confusion and sometimes smoke screens put in front of us to find those who meet our qualifications and train them to become productive members of our team.
Once hired we must have a plan of how to train them and give them reasons to stay with us instead of always thinking the grass is greener on the other side, and constantly dreaming of that ideal job they could have somewhere else.
We need to focus their attention since we are competing with the constant pressure they feel that "this lousy job" is keeping them from all of the fun things they can be doing. Living in a society of affluence, many of our lower level workers feel that life has passed them by. I see many workers spending so much time visualizing in their mind where they could be, they can never gain anything from where they are since their minds are often elsewhere.
Where to find them
To unearth that rare team member, let's start with where to look. The most obvious place is the newspaper classified section. The downfall here is that as unemployment levels become lower, we find ourselves inundated with the bottom-of-the-barrel undesirables.
Another source is to ask our best performers for friends to refer. Since birds of a feather flock together, highly motivated people will have similar friends. The downside here is that hiring a referral does not always guarantee a perfect match, and a friend can be discouraged and embarrassed when someone they recommended does not work out.
Another source is churches where many quality people can be contacted by sending a letter to the secretary who can pass on a job opening message to members.
Next is the community college or vocational school career office. The regular academic schools have become undependable for good candidates, but the college and vocational schools often have motivated people who, despite the fact they have chosen an educational path, still have not found that fit they are looking for.
Choosing the right one
When you have an applicant, you must become skilled at reading the application and screening for the right person.
Looking for information on the application requires some detective work. You are looking for their needs, outlook and work ethic. Unfortunately the schools are not doing a good job at preparing people for the workforce.
Look at the applicant's work history for prior jobs that may have similar environments and work skills to ours.
If you need production workers who likely have no experience in our industry, look for jobs in factories, warehousing or the like where meeting production schedules was required.
If the need is customer service, look for someone who has worked with people.
Always keep in mind that basic people skills and a work ethic must already be in the person's background. You have higher priorities than to be a baby-sitter.
To determine the applicant's needs and desires, you must ask open ended questions that require them to think and respond.
Find out why they are applying for this job and what they think they have to offer. Learn why they left prior jobs and require them to explain answers that are too vague.
Question short-term jobs and gaps between employment, these could be signs that the applicant is incapable of holding a job for extended periods of time.
Always use your judgment in translating their answers. Some people are professional job hoppers and have more experience at being interviewed than we are at giving interviews. This can make them seem believable, therefore you must ask enough questions to draw out the right answers.
Approach the same issue from different angles so you can get around answers that they have rehearsed before.
Above all, listen. Many of us get so carried away preaching about the great opportunity we have to offer, we fail to hear the applicant's viewpoint.
Putting them to work
Most important in the search for a good match for a job is a planned orientation. Have the applicant come in for a one- or two-day pre-employment orientation.
I suggest the following schedule: Never interview on the first visit, see if they can keep an appointment for an interview. If they pass this test and do well at the interview, schedule their orientation day.
Orientation can be a fairly easy process. Show one of the videos that are available from our associations, then have the applicant watch every job position for 10 to 15 minutes.
You may be surprised how many people decide on the first day whether your job opportunity is right or wrong for them.
Starting a new job is a traumatic experience, but we do not need the waste of time enrolling applicants who will take a day to a week to learn that your job is not how they envisioned it.
Once hired, introduce the new employee to everyone and try to find a peer who can guide them - someone they can look up to and go to for guidance. There will always be an employer-employee conflict in someone's mind, but a peer can give them somewhat unbiased guidance and an objective viewpoint.
Of course this peer must be someone you will have confidence in. The right trainer is very important, and sometimes an owner is not the best person for the job.
Keeping them happy
Making your company a great place to work depends on fair policies and incentives. Work into your compensation a fair growth schedule for your people, including generous bonus or incentive plans. I do not mean to give everything away, but start at a fair starting point that leaves room for the person to grow, and make sure they understand the opportunities.
Giving too much and getting too little in return can be a discouraging experience for you. You never know what a person is capable of until you work with them.
If you expect people to stay with you, it is important to give them a reason. In the past, our industry found it difficult to compete with the pay scales and benefits offered by large companies.
The good news on this front is that the corporate world has changed. Today we can offer health insurance and retirement plans without breaking the budget.
Keep the cost of these benefits in mind when establishing your total compensation package. Somewhere between 50 cents to $1 per hour can be reserved for these benefits.
Your overall costs can be the same as an all-money plan, but your benefits may well give employees the things they do not have the discipline to buy on their own, even if you paid them well enough to do so. Keep in mind that money is not everything.
Besides these money related issues, the job must keep the employee's interest and the environment must be first class. We do not offer the best working conditions when you consider the hours and heat, but we can offset this with other benefits.
Lastly ask yourself: Would you work for you? If the answer is yes, then you have the potential of surviving the workforce problem.
Arthur Weiss owns Betty Brite Cleaners and loves to get mail from readers at 334 Route 33, Mercerville, NJ 08619. He can be reached by phone at (609) 890-8787 or by e-mail: awclean@aol.com
It was the kind of deal someone born, raised and still living on the New England seacoast could not turn down, especially someone from the birthplace of the United States Navy
For the first time in 118 years, the oldest commissioned warship in the American Navy was raising her canvas and heading for the open sea, sailing from Marblehead to Boston. A crew of fifty sailors was on duty on the U. S. S. Constitution for the cruise, dressed in the uniform of the day for an early 19th century military vessel.
They towed Old Ironsides into the harbor on Sunday where they held a major celebration with "all kinds of events."
"Here it was, an historic event with all these old uniforms and all these admirals here -- the top three in the Navy on the boat -- and they wanted to make the crew look perfect," cleaner Brian Delaney of Paradise Cleaners in Swampscott, Massachusetts, recalled. What do they do? "They turn to a drycleaner."
They called Paradise Cleaners and asked for Brian Delaney. "They said they needed some work done and called us because we have a very good reputation in area."
It sounded like a great job. What the Navy needed was to have Delaney "pick up uniforms at Marblehead yacht club. There were 50 uniforms, dress whites."
The plan was to drive out and pick up the uniforms at 8 pm. Except when Delaney arrived, "nobody knew where they were. The captain was having dinner. They called him, he came out and said he didn't know. Then the chief petty officer came out."
They took a launch out to Constitution, "which was easy to see because they had it lit from special lighting from both sides of harbor."
"We asked all the launch drivers, 'you see anybody bring in bags of uniforms?'"
Someone recalled seeing the bag under the deck. By then it was 10 at night.
Delaney found the bag and brought it back to Paradise Cleaners.
"The uniforms were filthy," he said. "It isn't a modern boat -- they were climbing the rigging and all," which meant oil, tar, dirt and other grime which collects on a working sailing ship.
"The store crew came in at midnight," he explained. The job at hand called for extra measures.
"We had to dryclean them first. They were a polyester/cotton blend. Then we had to wash them all to get the stains out."
The sailors' blouses were part of the choker-style uniforms with the flap on back. "These we had to press inside out. We also had to put in a double crease in back, double in front. The procedure was one crease out, one indented."
The officers' dress was a shirt and a pair of pants with double creases.
"We pressed all night and we had to assemble each uniform" in a planned way. Each sailor's name was attached to the correct uniform as it was tagged. They had to be sent to the right seaman.
Paradise did the entire job with no time to spare, getting the order finished at 5 a.m.
They went immediately to the docks where the crew was meeting the launch at 5:30.
"They were all set so I called off each crew's name and handed the uniforms out. They were all set to go," Delaney added.
The officers and crew were very pleased with the whole operation. So pleased, in fact, they made the people from Paradise a special offer.
"An officer said, 'we really appreciate what you did. Why don't you come out and tour the boat?'"
Delaney said he and his staff took the launch out to the ship.
"We were out in the harbor at sunrise. It was beautiful. The Brass were on board, the Navy SEALS were there underwater at all times. There was all kinds of protection. It was a great event."
Delaney's affection for the ship and the Navy are part of the history of the North Shore of Massachusetts.
It was in the Marblehead, Swampscott and Salem area that George Washington christened the U. S. Navy in 1777. "The men of Marblehead manned the first ships of U. S. Navy," Delaney said with a dash of local pride. "The Hannah was commissioned here and then sailed by Marblehead men."
It was here that the Constitution was protected from a squadron of British warships 25 years later. "In War of 1812 Old Ironsides was chased into Marblehead harbor where the guns of Ft. Sewall protected it."
This latest restoration of the ship was a Massachusetts-based enterprise.
"The Constitution is always berthed in Boston, but its ties to the area brought it to Marblehead," Delaney said. "The refurbishing of it was $12 million, with the work done in drydock at Charlestown Naval Shipyard. Thousands of children participated in a 'penny' campaign for donations to pay for the work."
When he speaks of Paradise Cleaners' role in this latest story about the ship, Delaney stated his feelings in simple terms. "It was an honor to do it."
Paradise Cleaners has played its role in Swampscott with a story that goes back 25 years.
"It's a family business," Delaney said. It started when his "father Bill bought another cleaners in the area in 1972."
The decision was purely business.
"We owned some real estate and we did some construction work. The cleaners was a sideline. It was up for sale, we bought it and I took some spotting courses," Delaney said. "My father was a contractor and we owned quite a few apartment buildings in Marblehead."
The store they bought was Parisian Cleaners, "actually a big, big outfit since the twenties in the Lynn area. It was down to one last store because the family sold it off over the years.
What the Delaneys purchased was an old store with transfer equipment.
"My sister worked in the store more in the beginning. We had a drycleaning manager. When my father passed away in 1979, I got more hands on. When we lost our lease, it was either close the business or make an investment in new equipment."
"When we lost our lease with Stop and Shop (a New England supermarket chain) we moved over to Paradise Road. There we got everything brand new."
It was 1986 when they moved into their 3,000 square foot location.
"We opened with all new equipment, all new everything, just cross the road in Swampscott. My sister Lisa Delaney and I are still here on site." Their mother Betty Delaney is also still involved. The business is located on Vinnin Square where Swampscott, Marblehead and Salem come together.
In the first eight or so years after the move it was difficult for the company. "We had to pay more for rent and the loans on the new equipment -- perc units."
"We're not in a residential building; we're half of a gas station. They come in and get their gas and do their drycleaning."
Brian is the president of the corporation, Lisa is the treasurer and Betty is the clerk.
"I do the drycleaning and spotting and run the financial end of it. Sis runs the front end of store."
As pleasant as small coastal town life can be, there are difficulties built into it.
They survived the tough times of the eighties and early nineties, even when discounters came in with a $2.99 cleaner across the street.
"He's still there but I kind of deal with upscale clientele, the high end, the people with $2500 men's suits and expensive women's clothes. You get some summer people; a lot of my good customers go to Florida in the winter."
There's a lot of competition in town besides the discounter. Delaney counts six cleaners within a few miles.
"Competition is tough. We stress our quality and service."
His kind of quality means "pretty much everything is hand finished, hand done. We have no steam tunnels and we pay a lot of attention to detail. We have a tremendous amount of same day service."
It's simple economics, the kind that made the purchase of the shop a business decision.
"Basically, it's what the market demands with the type of people who are Paradise customers," he said. "Their clothes are very expensive and they express that they want good work. We do a very good job of spotting."
The Delaneys keep an eye on programs which effect the business. One such was a new seminar which involves the state EPA. "Massachusetts has a whole new program of simplifying all the laws, getting it down to one workbook and working with the cleaners. They want to help you get in compliance."
One of the efforts is "a new tech assistance program, where they send out a technician to see the plant and suggest what the owner should do."
As far as paperwork goes, "we have to complete a workbook, fill in a simplified form and have it in by Sept. 15."
Paradise has been renovated over the last 10 years and new equipment has been purchased. Because of this, Delaney believes they don't have much to worry about except the cost of complying. "New regulations mean the cost of business goes up."
"Our airborne emissions are pretty good. We have a waste water treatment machine, a Mist-It. Because land was being sold, Sunoco drilled all kinds of test holes and everything came out okay."
"It's tough to raise your prices, to try to provide a decent living wage to employees. It's not the easiest job in world. That's one of the aspects of the Constitution thing, as a whole it's such a positive experience."
As a drycleaner, Delaney is proud of the industry's role in the community.
"We're an essential part of the economy, an essential part of life," he declared.
"If you want to look good, who do you turn to? The drycleaner."
"Planning for Greater Profit" was the theme of Don Rice, keynote speaker at the Textile Care Allied Trades Association convention in Aspen, CO, Aug. 6-9.
In two separate talks, Rice urged his audience to build profit into the business's pricing structure and ensure survival and success by retaining customers.
A professor emeritus of Industrial Distribution at Texas A & M University, Rice said a business's goal should be to become the high value, low-cost, hassle-free provider of goods and services that customers will want and will buy.
He emphasized that "low cost" is not the same as low price. The key is to be the first choice of customers, suppliers, associates and financiers. This requires providing the absolute best customer service available.
Rice bucked some of the long-accepted ideas about customer service. For example, he said that the notion that one most be constantly prospecting for new customers is unnecessary if a company is thoroughly responsive to its existing customers.
In addition to Rice's two presentations, the well-attended TCATA convention featured a number of social activities and meetings of various committees of the industry's allied trades group. The next convention will be held in San Antonio, TX, May 16-19.
TRAVERSE CITY, MI -- The Michigan Institute of Laundering & Drycleaning held its 84th annual meeting and summer convention last month.
A variety of seminars highlighted the weekend, including an opening workshop Friday evening on stress management.
Dr. Wayne Hill warned participants that "tension retained from stress is the major cause of heart attacks, stroke, cancer and illnesses." He then led a series of exercises designed to ease the effects of stress.
Saturday afternoon speakers included Jeff Short of the MILD workers' compensation program and drycleaner Ken Adamson of Hamilton, Ontario.
Short spoke on ways to profit from workplace safety while Adamson explained aqueous and non-aqueous textile care processes.
The Saturday evening president's banquet featured state representative Michelle McManus as the keynote speaker. Association members participating in the program included Clio drycleaner Jan Caon Barlow, executive director Merry Bering, and cleaner Paul Roth of Bay City.
The Mike O'Neill Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Connie and Leon Puzevic of the Clothes Basket in Mattawan. Connie is a current area MILD director and is active on many association committees. Leon is a past area director, past president and past board chairman. The couple has been in the industry for 32 years.
The O'Neill Award is given to "those who go above and beyond the call of duty with their time, their effort and their commitment to the industry," MILD said.
Issues discussed at Sunday sessions were employee benefits and court action by customers against cleaners.
The benefits panel included Jan Barlow, Ken Brownell and Merry Bering.
Drycleaners Shirley Winterburn and Greg Watkins were joined by attorney Peter Boyles in the program on cleaners being taken to court.
The morning seminars concluded the convention activities.
In other association news, Bering reported that an active campaign within Michigan to solicit contributions to the Barton Bill effort has raised $40,000 in pledges.
MILD area directors have been contacting potential donors to discuss the importance of the bill and explain why funds are needed.
They also offer activities for people who cannot donate money but are willing to do other things.
Colucci to speak on Columbus
Ray Colucci will be speaking to the Central Ohio Drycleaner's Guild on Thursday, Sept. 11.
Colucci will cover a variety of topics in his talk on counter operations -- management, quality control, handling claims and using mystery shoppers.
The meeting will be at Damon's Restaurant on Nationwide Boulevard in Columbus, OH, and begin with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7. For more information, call Randy Ross, (614) 291-6969.
Representatives of the Illinois State Fabricare Association said the Illinois Drycleaner Environmental Response Trust Fund was signed into law by Gov. Jim Edgar on Aug. 19.
Key benefits of the new law include a remedial action account which will provide financial assistance for the cleanup of existing soil and water contamination, an insurance account to provide financial assistance for the cleanup of future contamination and "an improvement in the marketability of both drycleaning sites and operations, an improvement in the business loan market for drycleaners and the promotion of environmental compliance by cleaners," ISFA said.
The law will provide reimbursement of site investigation costs and cleanup of existing soil and groundwater contamination that is discovered between July 1, 1997, and June 30, 2002. Benefit claims must be filed with the state by June 30, 2002.
ISFA explained the insurance demands of the new law. The association said an insurance account established under the law will provide financial assistance for the cleanup of soil and ground water contamination that occurs or is discovered after the effective date of a policy.
Maximum cleanup benefits will be $500,000 with $10,000 deductible. The annual premium for the first year will $250 per facility and will increase $125 per facility annually for the next three years. After four years, the premiums will be actuarially established based on various risk factors.
The fund will be administered by a seven member council. Council members will be drycleaner owners and operators, wholesale distributors of drycleaning solvents, drycleaner equipment manufacturers, and individuals with insurance and/or financial market experience.
The Illinois EPA will have a nonvoting member to provide technical direction and advice to the council. The council will have the authority to hire a private firm to administer the operation of the fund. These operations would include providing technical assistance to program participants, adjudicating claims and underwriting the insurance applications.
The law includes cost control measures to protect the program's participants from cleanup costs that are excessive or are unnecessary. In addition, the council will have the authority to prioritize remedial action account benefits if funds are not available to pay all projected claims.
Town hall meetings are being planned by ISFA to educate cleaners about the requirements of the law. The association said it is working with the Korean-American Cleaners Association of Chicagoland to publicize the meetings.
In addition, ISFA said the council mandated by the law is now being formed.
The Illinois-based Center for Neighborhood Technology, Ann Hargrove & Associates and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management will hold a program on environmental compliance Sept. 18.
Sylvia Ewing-Hoover of CNT and wet cleaning consultant Ann Hargrove will present "Wet Cleaning: Success and Challenges" as part of the IDEM 1997 Dry Cleaners Environmental Compliance Workshop. The groups are contacting cleaners, trade associations and others about the program
The seminar will be held at the Indianapolis Marion County Public Library in conjunction with the IDEM Compliance and Technical Assistance Program. Workshop hours are 2 to 6 p.m.
Ewing-Hoover claimed "while many cleaners are debating which solvents to use, others have embraced wet cleaning as sound business practice and as a way to participate in pollution prevention 'Star' programs in these three states."
CNT hopes to work with local trade associations and governments "to insure their success," Ewing-Hoover added. "Talks with cleaners at Clean '97 and the calls that come to CNT show that fabric care professionals have a lot of questions about the future of today's solvents, wet cleaning, and other emerging technology."
The availability of reliable information has expanded greatly in the past year. CNT research partners at TURI have produced a manual on wet cleaning which is available at no charge. Ann Hargrove has developed a set of cards to help cleaners get started and serve as a wet cleaning reference guide. The UCLA wetcleaning report will be out this fall and "goes beyond CNT's research in many areas," Ewing-Hoover said.
She also said "thanks to support from the Design for the Environment project of the federal EPA, research from CNT and others should be available at Tex-Care," the NCAI trade show in Edison, New Jersey, Sept. 20-21.
Ewing-Hoover said the quantity of information now available "will help cleaners find answers to the tough questions they face in today's regulatory environment."
According to CNT, plans are underway for the center to a add a focus on cleaners in Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois to ongoing education efforts, funded by a pending grant from the U. S. EPA's Small Grants Program.
For more information on the Indiana workshop contact Dave Wintz of IDEM, (317) 233-1194, CNT, (773) 278-4800, or Ann Hargrove, (708) 447-0879.
The Michigan Institute of Laundering & Drycleaning will hold a spotting seminar Oct. 4-5 with Neighborhood Cleaners Association International executive director Bill Seitz serving as the instructor. The seminar takes place in Lowell.
Information on the MILD program is available from Merry Bering, (517) 337-2909.
Illinois State Fabricare Association has three programs planned.
On Sept. 20 a finishing class will be taught by Indiana Drycleaners & Launderers Association executive director Rex Beddies. The location in southern Illinois.
On Sept. 21 Beddies will teach a finishing class in Frankfort, IL.
ISFA has a stain removal program Oct. 24-26. Call ISFA for information, (815) 729-0137.
JACKSON, MS -- A group of South Central Fabricare Association board members went on a one-day retreat this summer to define what sort of future it could create for the association.
The idea was to examine the strengths, weaknesses and accomplishments of SCFA," executive director Darienne Wilson said. "Facilitator Beverly Meng helped the group define what it wanted the association to be in five years, not what it was today."
In creating a vision statement, the participants developed a list of statements they felt applied to the association. By examining the positive and negative traits, they were able to write out what they wanted for SCFA.
The vision statement is an effort to define where SCFA will be in the year 2002. The idea is to develop a strong, viable trade organization with 500 members (and) a field representative who is responsible for serving in membership.
Some members say they see association member Linda Ferguson as a player in national association activities, a Barton Bill enacted into law and the development or affiliation by SCFA with a regional cleaners' training school.
Among the defined goals are a Five-Star Certification program in the region, a series of regional workshops, a cooperative advertising program and expanded participation in board meetings.
Wilson is especially optimistic about a public relations program. She referred to a program administered by the Brick Manufacturers Association which was used in Mississippi and Memphis, Tennessee, with great effectiveness. That association saw its market share rise after it ran a program promoting its products, Wilson claimed.
She believes drycleaners can enjoy the same sort of success if they band together in a public service media effort.
"We are looking to the future to foresee the needs of the industry and address them, maybe better than we have before. By doing so, we may attract new members who appreciate those efforts," Wilson said.
Dennis E. Crawley, the former president of the Louisiana Laundry and Dry Cleaners Association, died after suffering a heart attack in July. He was 51.
Crawley was the retired owner of ACME Cleaners in Monroe, LA. He was also past president of the American Heart Association and a former member of the Rotary Club of Monroe and the Monroe Jaycees. He also served in the Louisiana Army National Guard, having retired as a first sergeant.
He was president of the association before it merged with Mississippi to form the South Central Fabricare Association.
"Dennis was a director for a long time. He was on various committee and was a big supporter of Louisiana drycleaner," drycleaner Jim Shepherd said.
Crawley was a graduate of the National Institute of Drycleaning in Silver Spring, the predecessor to the International Fabricare Institute.
He and his brothers were owners of ACME Cleaners in Monroe. They diversified into carpet cleaning.
He is survived by his wife Jean Wagoner Crawley, daughter Shana Crawley, son Jeff Crawley and stepdaughter Pam Waller as well as his father Harold and other relatives.
The South Central Fabricare Association has space remaining for its stain removal class in Lafayette, LA, on Oct. 18.
Indiana Drycleaning & Laundry Association executive director Rex Beddies is the instructor for the class. Beddies has taught similar programs at locations across the country.
SCFA is working on developing new educational and training programs for the 1998 membership year.
Information is available from SCFA executive director Darienne Wilson, (601) 354-2049.
Chuck McCarty and Diane Buxbaum of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, met with officers of the Korean American Cleaners Association of New Jersey to discuss training programs on drycleaning regulations. Cleaners were told "EPA was concerned about the fact that too many drycleaners do not comply with EPA regulations," KACANJ representatives said. The problem was blamed on cleaners not having knowledge of the rules or not being alert to them.
The association has arranged for two seminars for Korean cleaners to be held Sept. 18 and Oct. 18. The time for both sessions is 7 to 9:30 p.m. Attendees will be given a certificate of attendance at the completion of each program.
Call KCANJ, (908) 283-5135, for details.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Air Quality, has finalized the "General Plan Approval and General Operating Permit No. BAQ-GPA/GP-6" for petroleum-using drycleaning stores. Those drycleaners with petroleum machines must apply through the state for a permit.
According to the bureau, the permit is "limited to plants that are not volatile organic compound (VOC) or hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emitting facilities." This applies to stores whose annual potential emissions do not exceed 25 tons of VOC in southeastern Pennsylvania or 50 tons elsewhere.
Cleaners who currently use or plan to use petroleum machinery in their store must apply for a "Petroleum Dry Cleaning General Permit." It establishes a single application and renewal process, payable every five years. The fee is $250 for the period 1995-1999 calendar years, $300 during the 2000 through 2004 calendar years and $375 beginning in 2005.
The permit expires five years from the authorization date with a renewal application expected 30 days prior to that date. Cleaners will be permitted to operate the store until the final renewal decision by the department. The permit may be revoked if the permittee allows any modifications to the air pollution control device covered by the permit. With a suspension of the permit, the store may not operate at all.
Specific rules apply for equipment constructed or modified after Dec. 14, 1982, and for dryers installed between that date and Sept. 21, 1984, in plants that consume less than 4,700 gallons of petroleum yearly.
Petroleum cleaners must install and use a solvent recovery dryer. Cartridge filters must be used in the petroleum solvent dry cleaning dryer. Manufacturers of the dryers must include leak inspection and repair cycle information in the operating manual for the equipment.
The department may also require testing by the cleaner if the state believes "that air contaminants from a petroleum dry cleaning plantŠ are in excess of the limitations" specified by state law. It will fall on the cleaner to perform and pay for any testing called for by the department.
Cleaners must also maintain monitoring, record keeping and reporting data, specifically regarding monthly petroleum solvent consumption records so to determine VOC emissions. Equipment be inspected at least every 15 days and that "all vapor or liquid leaks be repaired within the subsequent 15-day period."
For information from the state, call Kimberly Maneval, (717) 787-4325.
Barney Deden, owner of One Hour Martinizing in Omaha, NE, and a leading proponent of the Barton Bill, will present arguments for the Small Business Remediation Act (HR 1711) at the Neighborhood Cleaners Association International Tex-Care '97 show in Edison, NJ, Sept. 20-21.
Deden's talk is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 21, at 10:45 a.m. It is part of the association's expansion of the seminar sessions to include the political activities of the industry. Also added is a 9:15 a.m. presentation by Donald Halperin who will explain NCAI's plans for a Political Action Committee (PAC).
Billed by NCAI as "America's largest and best regional exhibit and convention," Tex-Care presents no-charge seminars and exhibits. The association expects a trade show of 350 booths supplementing eight education programs. Exhibit hours are noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Seminars will be held both mornings.
The seminar schedule starts on Sept. 20 at 9 a.m. with a one-hour program on the internet. Presenter Scott Alloway will discuss "How Drycleaners Benefit by Using the Internet and E-Mail," with an emphasis on the gathering and exchange of information of use to cleaners. In addition, a connection to the net will be used to explore some of the home pages posted by cleaners and allied trade companies.
From 10 to 11 a.m., Mike Tatch, an environmental consultant endorsed by the NCAI, plans to show cleaners the information needed to pass a New York State Neg-Reg Inspection the first time. Since New York State drycleaners face Department of Environmental Conservation-mandated inspections up to twice a year, a drycleaner needs to know what to expect when a government representative appears at the store.
NCAI believes states adjacent to New York will institute similar testing programs in the future and that this program offers advance warning of what to expect.
Bob Stewart of Kirk's Suede Life will talk about wet cleaning suede and leather in a session scheduled from 11 a.m to noon. "The world's best authority in our industry on suede and leather cleaning will show you why and how 85 to 90 percent of all suede and leather clothing can be processed by wetcleaning," NCAI said.
This session is a step by step presentation of the processes and procedures for wetcleaning suede and leather garments, including an explanation of chemicals to use, time, temperature regulation, mechanical action and other controls required by the process.
The sessions on Sunday, Sept. 21, begin with NCAI chief garment analyst and associate director of the New York School of Drycleaning Dan Eisen. In a one-hour program starting at 8:15 a.m., Eisen reviews ways to reduce customer complaints and claims. The objective is to reduce them by at least 75 percent, NCAI said, with problem solving done at each step of the textile care process -- the counter, drycleaning, spotting and finishing.
Donald Halperin, NCAI lobbyist and government relations representative, takes the podium from 9:15 to 9:35 a.m. Halperin will explain why NCAI believes the industry needs a political action committee (PAC). In the process, he will discuss how a PAC works.
Deborah Rechnitz CMA, the president of Methods For Management, discusses "Planning for Your Changing Future - Problems Plus Opportunities Equal Solutions" in a program scheduled from 9:35 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. A well-known consultant in the industry, Rechnitz will tell participants to "get your head out of the sand and see what your future holds. The future can be bright, sunny and successful if you work at it."
The Barton Bill and what it means to the industry is next on the seminar agenda. In a 15-minute talk starting at 10:45 a.m., Barney Deden, a drycleaner from Omaha with the Martinizing group, explains why the industry needs to rally behind the Small business Remediation Act (HR 1711). Deden has testified before Congress on the measure and has presented the case for the act to drycleaner group across the country.
The other Sunday program is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. as a "Special Korean Meeting."
Frank Choy, NCA-I's Korean Affairs Manager, presents a special counter training course designed specifically for the Korean-American audience. Choy teaches that "well trained counter personnel can reduce claims and increase volume because in many cases, the counter person is the only person the customer knows."
For information on Tex-Care, contact Jerry Levine at NCAI (212) 967-3002, x 228.
ALBANY, NY -- The state of New York has advertised for organizations which can prove capable of "administering certification programs" for drycleaners in accordance with the state's drycleaning facilities regulations.
The Department of Environmental Conservation Bureau of Stationary Sources is responsible for soliciting and approving qualified program delivery agents. The certification can be provided by any organization that meets the requirements. Within industry groups, the Neighborhood Cleaners Association International and the North East Fabricare Association have plans to offer appropriate programs.
TRENTON, NJ -- Supporters of a New Jersey state legislative initiative to deal with contaminated sites in the state are still hopeful that a resolution can be achieved with the current legislation.
Arthur Weiss of Betty Brite Cleaners remains convinced the New Jersey legislature will resolve the impasse over a drycleaners site fund bill.
"We've talked about funding, we've come up with a funding mechanism, we've come up with registration fee and a perc fee of about $5 a gallon," Weiss said.
He also reported that Anne Marie Brennan is trying to organize a meeting in September in advance of the Neighborhood Cleaners Association International TexCare exhibit "so we can have a game plan," Weiss said. He predicted the legislature will "go with the side of reason (because) the public good becomes greater than not raising taxes."
Brennan, Weiss and Bob Santo have been the leaders of proponents for a site remediation bill.
RALEIGH, NC -- The North Carolina Dry Cleaners Solvent Cleanup Act was signed into law by Gov. James Hunt last month.
"The bill passed the House and Senate and Gov. Hunt signed it the next week," North Carolina Association of Launderers & Cleaners executive director Steve Winzeler said. "Once we got going, it really rolled this summer."
The initiative by the cleaners to create a bill and get it enacted involved a number a people from within the association.
The act was developed in response to pollution law which makes the owner/operator liable, not just in terms of business assets but in personal liability terms.
Key points in the act cover a number of issues.
The financial responsibility is one million dollars, in the form of pollution liability and remediation insurance. Cleaners must obtain that or must deposit a one million dollar bond with the environmental management commission.
The act creates a tax on solvents to fund the clean-up of those sites that are uninsureable.
It also requires pollution insurance for those who qualify for purchase of insurance. Financial responsibility insurance will have to be in place April 1, 1998.
Insurance on the group plan is available at $1,835 a year per site.
The environmental management commission has the option of creating standards cleaners must follow. It can adopt "minimum management practices for the handling of drycleaning solvent" at stores and distributors, including mandating machines that perform equal to "dry-to-dry machines with integral refrigeration condensers," prohibition of solvent discharge into sewers and spill containment around machines.
Also established are requirements for floor sealants for cleaning room areas, spill containment around drycleaning machines, filters, stills, vapor adsorbers, solvent storage areas and waste solvent storage areas and the use of "improved solvent transfer systems" by 2002.
According to Denny Shaffer, a cleaner who worked on passage of the act, "it was the most difficult thing I ever did. We spent a year and a half educating people."
"We didn't want to do cleanups to 0.7 ppb, but it is difficult for the state to sign off on something that had the appearance of conflict with federal laws," Shaffer added.
The 0.7 standard comes from state law, which is 10 times more strict than federal standards for cleanup.
The brownfields issue may be the most important thing accomplished. These standards that take into account the proposed use of the property.
"You can prioritize sites," Shaffer said. The goal is to clean up sites where people drinking out of wells are affected by the site but at the same time apply lesser standards where there are 17 continuous blocks of cement and contamination is not endangering health. However, there will be a deed priviso which states "this property for limited use unless you come back and reopen cleanup."
"We need to be able to use the resources available to clean sites," Shaffer said.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- San Francisco Bay Area cleaners face amended regulations which involve perc levels in the machine at the end of a cycle, containment room air standards, vapor barrier rooms and inspection reports among the major points.
Bay Area Air Quality Management District Regulation 11, Rule 16 defines perc emission mandates for cleaners in the Bay Area. According to a cleaner with the Peninsula Dry Cleaners Association, the proposed changes "amend the state regulation even tighter."
As the standard now exists, a containment room for the cleaning machine must be vented and this must go up through the roof. In addition, the spotting board with dryside solvents must be in the room.
Also, cleaners under BAAQMD jurisdiction must have total room enclosure in co-residential facilities; units which share one common wall with a residential facility for a year.
"That's already in enforcement," cleaner Marti Russell said. "Next year co-commercial units will be looked at one by one."
The California state standards has nothing in it on vapor barrier rooms, Russell added. "It's the local districts who can make it more stringent and here they've tweaked it really tight. It's so tight we can't meet it."
PDCA and its state affiliate, the California Fabricare Institute, have filed for a variance hearing on the issue, she said.
The complaints center on "what we found from the source test group is that the local regulation (Regulation 11, Rule 16) was not done the right way," Russell said. "Some of it cannot work."
"The local air resources board comes out and does testing," Russell said. "It is later 'equated' to dollars. Then a bill is sent."
A cleaner can then file a variance which halts the fine process. A variance hearing is scheduled where a five-person board decides what the cleaner needs to do.
The state standard for perc emissions sets a containment room standard of 25 ppm. According to Russell, local cleaners have found it difficult to meet the mandate.
She attended a demonstration test where the cleaner had a brand new 50 pound machine tested.
"His vapor in the drum was really high," she said. "The testing people were very, very serious. There was a 775 cfm fan on the unit but he needed to go up to 1,000 cfm fan." After the fan replacement, the unit passed.
A proposed workshop is going to try to rewrite how the enforcement group does its inspection on the vapor barrier rooms, the leak detectors, and other items will be presented in the near future by the two trade groups.
But delays are costing people money. Russell complained that "the enforcement people are out there, testing and writing fines. We've asked them to consider halting all inspections or issue a letter of compliance."
Also at issue are the leak detection analyzers, which run between $125 and $150 each. These didn't work and they are now pricing units at $240 an analyzer.
"Our leak detectors are not sophisticated as theirs," Russell said. "We asked them to call off the wolves until we get the situation resolved."
SACRAMENTO, CA -- The California Cleaners Association was christened at the 76th anniversary convention of the California Fabricare Institute.
According to representatives of the association, the details of the name change are being worked out to effect a legal name change.
CCA hopes to have an 'unveiling' of the name change at its Board of Directors meeting in November in Los Angeles, an association officer said.
Past CFI president and Turlock cleaner Harry Boucher was named the 1997 Dry Cleaner of the Year by the association. Boucher has been a leading booster of the group and its efforts to expand opportunities for cleaners.
The association convention marked the first year of independent status for the group since it severed ties with the International Fabricare Institute.
In the past year CCA added three field representatives, expanded its educational programs, lay the foundation for a school in the state and created an insurance program for cleaners.
"We're on the right track," Boucher said prior to the convention.
The school project is expected to reach a formal site agreement in the near future.
A Stockton site with 22,000 square feet of space, petroleum and water-based solvent cleaning machines and other necessary equipment will be reviewed by the full education committee.
According to CCA officer Jackie Smith, "nothing is cast in concrete. We visited a site in southern California and then one in northern California."
Smith said CCA "would like to establish a permanent location where people can send employees to learn. We've bandied a three- and four-day course and a one-week school. We'd use various people as teachers."
The key considerations are a "place that's easy to get into, a place they can stay and be comfortable."
If the Stockton site is viable, they hope to have it started by the first of the year.
In the interim, a CFI school program is planned Sept. 20-21 in San Diego. The class will be taught by Kenney Slatten. Enrollment has already exceeded initial attendance projections.
For details, contact the association, (916) 443-9023.
A Western States Fabricare Association meeting Sept. 10, in Tucson will feature Arizona Congressman Bill McGibbon.
The WSFA meeting Sept. 15 in Phoenix will host U.S. Congressman John Shadegg.
In Nevada, the Las Vegas chapter of WSFA has organized a food drive through member drycleaning stores on behalf of the Salvation Army. Television station KFBT 33, cosponsor of the drive, is running promotional spots created by local celebrities Sandy Hackett and Steve Rossi.
The food work is in addition to the regular "Hope for the Holidays" clothing drive the cleaners sponsor each year.
Information of the Las Vegas programs is available from Frank Porfido, (702) 658-0963 or Vic Plassman, (702) 736-7474, as well as the WSFA office.
In a media event, WSFA president David Link appeared on the television show "Good Morning Arizona." Link offered tips on packing for summer vacation so garments are in wearable condition when unpacked from a suitcase.
For information, call WSFA executive director Mike Schenck, (602) 253-9186.
Kwik-Kover Manufacturing has been acquired by Nichols Paper Products Co., providing Nichols with its entry into the drycleaning market with the new acquisition's name brand garment covers, dress shields and hanger capes. Operations have been moved from Lincolnwood, IL, to Nichols' headquarters in Nichols, WI. The acquisition also led to the expansion of Nichols' workforce by 30 percent, increasing the total number of employees to 65. Over the past 11 years, Nichols Paper has built seven addition to its paper converting operation, The most recent additions increased the company's capacity by 25 percent, to 104,000 square feet.
American Credit Corp. has appointed Thomas Davey as vice president of its financing operation. American Credit provides financing for customers purchasing ADC products through its nationwide network of distributors. Davey will be responsible for all aspects of sales and credit. Davey has more than 12 years of sales and management experience in the equipment financing industry. Most recently he was with Eagle Equipment, where he developed and managed the captive finance group. He has also worked for U.S. Leasing Corp., a division of Ford Motor, and Norwest Bank. Davey can be reached at American Credit Corp. by phone, (508) 678-9000, ext 174; fax, (508) 678-9447; or email, tde@amdry.com. The company's web site address is www.amdry.com/serv01.htm.
Bill Stork is the new national sales manger for Suprema Corp. of America, importers of the Suprema drycleaning machine. Stork will be responsible for expansion of the company's distributor network for technical support for Suprema distributors and machine owners. His 30 years in the drycleaning industry includes experience in retail drycleaning operations, equipment sales and plant engineering. Suprema Corporate offices are located in Jacksonville, FL. Stork can be reached by phone at (800) 952-7760.
Raytheon Co. said it has signed an agreement to sell the home appliance, heating and air conditioning and commercial cooking segments of its Appliance Group to Goodman Holding Co. of Houston, TX. Raytheon will retain its commercial laundry business as well as the electronic controls segment of the Appliance Group. The sale, subject only to approval by the U.S. Government, is expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year. Raytheon said it will realize a total value of $750 million from the transactions, including $550 million in cash from Goodman and $200 million from the sale of Appliance Group receivables.
Daniels Equipment Co. of Auburn, NH, was recognized by IPSO USA as the company's top distributor at a breakfast meeting during Clean '97 in Las Vegas. Other distributors recognized for their sales were Sound Machinery Co. of New York, Atlas Laundry Equipment Co. of Texas, Central Equipment of South Carolina, Laundrovest Laundry Systems of New York, Lipton & Associates of Kentucky, Sanford Equipment Co. of New Jersey, Southeast Laundry Equipment Co. of Tennessee and Steiner-Atlantic of Florida. The presentations were made by Dirk Laceur, president of IPSO USA, and Bob Eisenberg, executive vice president. Eddy Coppieters, chief executive officer of IPSO International, addressed the more than 100 distributors and guests on the company's expanding facilities in Belgium and its growing international role.
EAST POINT, GA -- Union Drycleaning Products has introduced its P-735 drycleaning machine, a 35-lb. capacity unit with a small footprint. The machine has as standard features a Computer 48 microprocessor control with manual override, dual lint filters, two self-cleaning tanks, a self-cleaning Eco-filter and carbon cartridge filter, soap additive unit, Turbofan solvent vapor recovery sub-system, still overflowV protection, floor safety tank, AutoDry technology, self drying button trap and stainless steel parts and construction. It is also available in the U-2000 series configuration with a Recuper 300 vapor emission control and Idromatic fully enclosed muck ejection system for "hands-off" still cleaning.
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NEW YORK, NY -- Cleaners can offer new shirts to customers at prices below suggested retail under a new program being offered by the Neighborhood Cleaners Association-International. NCAI said the Van Heusen dress shirts are available in half-size increments from 14 through 18 1/2 in white or blue and with plain or button down collars. The shirts sell for $40 to $50 retail, NCAI said, but through the program cleaners can purchase them to sell as new to customers or use as replacements for $17.25 to $20 per shirt, depending upon quantity purchased. A promotional kit for the program includes a display case for two shirts, a full color 17" x 22" window poster and 500 hang tags telling customers that they can purchase shirts directly from the drycleaner.
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GREENVILLE, NC -- U.N.X. Inc. has a shirt laundry product called Breakthrough that can increase shirt life while reducing operating costs and simplifying operating procedures. Breakthrough is a low alkalinity, enzyme-based detergent with a built-in oxygen bleach in a one-shot, one-product, easy-to-use form. U.N.X. said it provides shorter operating formulas, eliminates collar treatment and scrubbing and, in most cases, will lower chemical costs and reduce water and energy expense.
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SEDALIA, MO -- Adco has developed three wetcleaning products to help cleaners get the same results with wetcleaning that they do with drycleaning. The wetcleaning products include wetcleaning Detergent, Wetcleaning Sizing and Conditioner and Wetcleaning Combo. Wetcleaning Detergent is pH-controlled product for use with wools, silks, rayons and other fine fabrics. It contains grease removing additives, quick soil release and soil-suspending agents and can be used for soaking, hand washing or in home-style washing machines on the gentle cycle. It is effective in both warm and cold water and does not require rinsing. Wetcleaning Sizing and Conditioner is added during the final rinse cycle to give fabric body and help control drying to prevent static, reduce wrinkling and provide a fine finish. Wetcleaning Combo is formulated for use with wools, silks, rayons and other fine washables. A combination of detergents, brighteners, conditioners and sizing agents with grease and soil-removing additives, it is designed for one-step machine wetcleaning. Adco said all of its wetcleaning products can be used for hand or machine wetcleaning and each contains protective colloids to prevent shrinking, pilling, felting and dye bleeding. For oily or heavily soiled areas, Adco said its pH neutral Nox Spots can be sprayed or brushed on the soiled area to penetrate and aid in stain release during wetcleaning.
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WESTPORT, MA -- Hoyt offers its Sniff-O-Mite perchloroethylene carbon adsorption unit for capturing fugitive emissions from the cleaning machine. Hoyt said the unit will control solvent emissions from the loading door and the lint and button trap. Wastewater generated during the stripping process is eliminated in a sniffer's evaporative tank.
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OCEAN, NJ -- Control Information Systems Inc. (CIS) has released Control 97, an enhanced version of the company's point-of-sale system with a reengineered modular structure and object oriented design. CIS products are available in single user or multi-user network versions. Supported servers include LANtastic, Novell or Microsoft NT and clients can be DOS, WIN 3.x, WIN 95 or NT workstations.
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SKOKIE, IL -- Foster-Stephens has introduced its four-color year-at-a-glance calendars for 1998. The calendars provide drycleaners with a full year of advertising and offer a choice of pictures -- a pumpkin field or a mountain scene. The cleaner's name is imprinted at the bottom.
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TULSA, OK -- Ink Load is a batch additive that is added to the drycleaning wheel to remove ink and lipstick from a load. It can be used in any drycleaning machine and any drycleaning solvent as well as in wetcleaning in any washer, Royaltone said. For dry-cleaning, add Ink Load to the wheel at the rate of eight ounces per ten pounds of items, then batch clean to 120 minutes with no filter. In wetcleaning, it is added to the wash water at the same rate and washed for 10 minutes.
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Date created: Sept 4 1997
Copyright © 1997, BPS Communications Inc.
National Clothesline
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