American Drycleaner - July 2022

drycleaner

July 2022

Vol. 89, No. 4

FEATURES

2022 Clean Show Guide

It’s time for the industry’s largest event of the year! Our guide to the 2022 Clean Show o ers information about the event, how to get around, educational opportunities, a list of exhibitors and more. It’s your playbook for getting the most out of the show!

Networking with Peers

Leadership can sometimes be a lonely pursuit, but it doesn’t have to be. In-person and virtual networking opportunities allow dry cleaners to connect with colleagues across the nation to share ideas and find solutions to common problems.

Leaving a Smaller Ecological Footprint

Best Cleaners in upstate New York has made a point of selecting green alternatives at every opportunity to protect the environment while serving their customers. We examine some of the choices they’ve made — and why they make a di erence.

If you need a little help finding this month’s hanger hidden on our cover, here’s a clue. Good luck!

PRE-INSPECTION

You Are Not Alone

There’s a proverb that states, “A problem shared is a problem halved.” While entrepreneurs tend to value their individuality, the truth is that, for those in leadership positions, it can be lonely. When you are the one ultimately responsible for the decisions that will impact your company and your employees, that weight can feel heavy — especially during times of stress like we’ve all just been through. Fortunately, there are multiple possibilities available for dry cleaners who see the value of sharing both their ideas and their struggles. We’re examining several of these options this month. There will be lots of opportunities for networking and building relationships at this year’s Clean Show, to be held July 30 through Aug. 2 in Atlanta. To help you make the most of it, and to make sure you don’t miss any opportunities to make those valuable connections, our first feature this month is our Clean Show Guide. We offer a preview, along with travel information, a listing of exhibitors, a schedule of educational programs and more. The best way to find success is to be prepared!

Our second feature, “Networking with Peers,” examines how online and in-person gatherings can help transform a drycleaning business. By seeking the counsel of others who face the same challenges they are, these cleaners are finding answers they can immediately put into effect. Even if they just need to vent their frustrations, these groups can provide valuable sounding boards and discover new ways forward.

Our third feature, “Leaving a Smaller Ecological Footprint,” highlights the green efforts of Best Cleaners in upstate New York. By buying the right equipment, making smart choices and having the right mindset, this business is helping the planet and pleasing its customers.

We also have the results of our latest “Your Views” survey, where we asked dry cleaners how they go about pleasantly surprising their customers. A happy customer is a loyal customer, and loyalty is the key to long-term success.

Remember: There’s no need to go it alone when you can go with friends!

American Drycleaner (ISSN 0002-8258) is published monthly except Nov/Dec combined. Subscription prices, payment in advance: U.S., 1 year $50.00; 2 years $100.00. Foreign, 1 year $120.00; 2 years $240.00. Single copies $10.00 for U.S., $20.00 for all other countries. Published by American Trade Magazines LLC, 650 West Lake Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER, Send changes of address and form 3579 to American Drycleaner, Subscription Dept., 125 Schelter Rd., #350, Lincolnshire, IL 60069-3666. Volume 89, number 4. Editorial, executive and advertising offices are at 650 West Lake Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661. Charles Thompson, President and Publisher. American Drycleaner is distributed selectively to: qualified dry cleaning plants and distributors in the United States. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising for any reason.

© Copyright AMERICAN TRADE MAGAZINES LLC, 2022. Printed in U.S.A. No part of this publication may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher or his representative. American Drycleaner does not endorse, recommend or guarantee any article, product, service or information found within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of American Drycleaner or its staff. While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the magazine’s contents at time of publication, neither the editors, publishers nor its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise therefrom.

American Drycleaner, July 2022

Publisher

Charles Thompson

312-361-1680 cthompson@ATMags.com

Associate Publisher/ National Sales Director

Donald Feinstein 312-361-1682 dfeinstein@ATMags.com

Editorial Director

Bruce Beggs 312-361-1683 bbeggs@ATMags.com

Editor Dave Davis 312-361-1685 ddavis@ATMags.com

Digital Media Director

Nathan Frerichs 312-361-1681 nfrerichs@ATMags.com

Production Manager

Dave Davis

How Do You Pleasantly Surprise Your Customers?

The difference between a dry cleaner becoming a commodity and a trusted expert often falls to the customer’s experience at the store. For this American Drycleaner Your Views survey, we’re asked our audience about their mindset and the steps they take to make sure they are the first — and only — dry cleaner their customers consider.

When asked what facet they believe makes the most significant impact when it comes to customer service at their company, the front CSRs were the winners by far. Almost three-quarters (71.4%) of our respondents felt that a welltrained counter staff had the most effect on the experience. “Speed of service” and “convenience” tied with 10.7%, while “location” was selected by 7.1%.

Our respondents reported giving their staff different levels of autonomy when dealing with customer complaints. The largest section (40.7%) reported that their staff needs “management/supervisor approval” when it comes to handling unhappy customer claims, while 29.6% said that their staff “can make it right up to a certain amount.” Our respondents tied at the far ends of the spectrum, with 14.8% saying that “they have full autonomy to make it right” and “ownership approves all claims.”

Not all efforts to provide the “wow” factor that goes into pleasantly surprising customers have to be expensive — or cost anything but time and consideration. When asked to provide some low-cost ways they discovered to show they value their customers’ business, our respondents offered some enlightening answers:

• Happy welcome and sincere thank you.

• By reminding and celebrating them on their special dates like birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and festive seasons through reminders, text messages or calls.

• A % discount without a reason!

Finding a way to learn about their customers’ experiences is critical to figuring out what is working, what is broken and what can be improved at a drycleaning company. When asked how they went about gathering feedback from customers, two-thirds (66.7%) took the direct route of simply asking the customer. Social media came in second, with 11.1%, and survey/mailers and surveys built into their store’s point of sale system tied at 7.4%. Review sites and text/SMS systems tied at 3.7%.

We finished our survey by asking our respondents for

What makes the biggest impact on customer service at your company?

What makes the biggest impact on customer service at your company? Well-trained

How much independence do you give your CSRs when it comes to handling unhappy customer claims?

How much independence do you give your CSRs when it comes to handling unhappy customer claims?

14.8% 29.6% 40.7% 14.8%

They have full autonomy to make it right

They have full autonomy to make it right

They can make it right up to a certain amount

They can make it right up to a certain amount

They need management/ supervisor approval

They need management/ supervisor approval

Ownership approves all claims

14.8% 29.6% 40.7% 14.8%

Ownership approves all claims

any additional tips or findings they had when it came to providing their customers with great experiences. Responses included:

• They want to know the owner is involved with their service

• People these days are in awe when the clerk greets them by name.

• Just educate and train staff as much as possible!

The “Your Views” survey offers a current snapshot of the trade audience’s views. The publication invites qualified subscribers to American Drycleaner emails to participate anonymously in the unscientific poll each quarter.

2022 CLEAN SHOW GUIDE

By Dave Davis, Editor

After three years, the industry’s largest live event — The Clean Show — is set to resume this summer, this time at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in downtown Atlanta.

The Clean Show — to take place Saturday, July 30, through Tuesday, Aug. 2 — will offer attendees unequaled opportunities to network, attend education sessions and discover new offerings and technology from all around the drycleaning and textile care industry.

An estimated 350 exhibitors will be on hand during the event. Visitors will witness live demonstrations of machin ery and technology, and be able to make contacts, pose questions and get information about products and services offered by manufacturers, vendors and suppliers.

Additionally, industry experts will be conducting more than 30 hours of presentations and meetings throughout the event. No matter where you are in your career or where your business is in its journey, The Clean Show offers invaluable information for improvement, along with unrivaled networking opportunities.

The four-day event begins at 8 a.m. EST Saturday, when only distributors will have access to the show floor. Gates will open for everyone at 10 following a brief rib bon-cutting ceremony, and the show will run until 5 p.m. Hours for the rest of the event are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sun day and Monday and 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

As Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the largest, and busiest, airports in the nation, flights to and from the city are widely available. The city

also offers multiple ride share and taxi services. During its four-day run, The Clean Show will provide complimentary shuttle bus service to and from multiple downtown hotels. Shuttles will run from designated boarding spots to the GWCC every 15-20 minutes, from 7 until 11 a.m., and then back to the routes every 20 to 30 minutes from 3 until 6 p.m. Saturday-Monday and from 1:30 until 4 p.m. Tuesday. For a full schedule, see page 10.

While there’s plenty to do in Atlanta (check out our Atlanta Travel Guide in the June issue of American Drycleaner), it’s important to plan your time at the show to make the most of your experience. Our Clean Show 2022 Show Guide is here to make that task easier for you!

(MORE THAN) READY TO MEET IN PERSON

After two years of making do with virtual meetings and fighting feelings of isolation, John Silverman, president of the Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA), believes that Clean 2022 will be the event the industry has been yearning for during those dark times.

“I think the energy level will be high,” he says. “My expectation is everybody’s going to be super excited to get together — just getting out there and talking to people that have like-minded problems and solutions. I think that expectations for that are very high right now.”

Silverman is also looking forward to the event for personal reasons.

“The thing I’m most looking forward to seeing all my friends I haven’t seen in a couple of years,” he says. “These are friends and customers who I don’t get to see regularly, including industry friends. Without everyone traveling, it’s been really tough to keep in touch, so I’m looking to make connections.”

Mary Scalco, CEO of the Drycleaning & Laundry In-

The industry’s largest event is ready to go!

(Photo: © Gene Phillips/ ACVB & AtlantaPhotos.com)

stitute (DLI), shares Silverman’s outlook.

“I think people can’t wait to come out,” she says. “Those who have survived and are still in business have had to make changes, and they’re willing to make changes, so I think it’s going to be a good show.”

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

In late 2018, Messe Frankfurt, one of the world’s largest global trade show organizers, acquired the rights to The Clean Show. The Frankfurt, Germany-based company retained then-longtime manager Riddle & Associates to run the 2019 show in New Orleans, and is fully managing it now.

The company is no stranger to the textile industry, says Messe Frankfurt North America’s Greg Jira, show director for the event: “We produce events along the entire textile industry lines — from fabric sourcing to garment creation to aftermarket care shows like The Clean Show.”

Jira says that, with its history in the field, Messe Frankfurt understands the importance that trade shows, including The Clean Show, have in the minds of drycleaning professionals.

“Trade shows help bring all the different aspects of the industry together — users, distributors, suppliers and manufacturers. With such a broad audience together in one place, participants are able to schedule meetings, negotiate orders, explore collaboration opportunities, and attend educational sessions. Having the whole industry concentrated in one place at one time allows for unparalleled networking opportunities. A chance encounter on a trade show floor, hotel, lobby, or shuttle bus — these are all places where business can happen.”

While John Riddle was the public face of The Clean Show to many during his years leading the event before his retirement in 2019, Scalco thinks the new owners will rise to the challenge of continuing his work.

“I believe that Messe Frankfurt will respect what John did and try to carry much of what he did forward,” she says. “The fact that there has been a break will probably help in terms of any differences they want to make. The pavilion that DLI and the other associations are in looks very European to me, in terms of design, and that probably would make sense. But I think you’ll see a lot of the same things. I think most of the exhibitors expect it to be a lot of what it was like before.”

“We will introduce some new technology,” Jira says. “There’ll be a different level of show graphics. But you know, as the saying goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ Our goal is to bring the same great experience that the exhibitors and attendees have grown accustomed to over the years.”

He adds that the 2022 show will have a record number of companies exhibiting at Clean for the first time.

EDUCATION, EVENTS & MEETINGS

For descriptions of each session/event (if provided), turn to page 28. Sessions or events with an asterisk (*) are considered to be “members-only.”

Time Session Title Sponsor

FRIDAY,

JULY 29

10 a.m.-2 p.m. LaundryCares Foundation Free Laundry Day CLA 5:30-7:30 p.m.TRSA Welcome Reception * TRSA

SATURDAY, JULY 30

8-9 a.m. The Next Generation of Laundromats CLA 8-9 a.m. Best Culture Wins DLI 8:15-9 a.m. Laundry/Infection Prevention Forum ALM 8:30-9:45 a.m.State of the Linen, Uniform & Facility Services Industry TRSA 9-9:45 a.m.Pardon the Interruption, Automation in Process ALM 9-10 a.m.Leveraging Community Engagement for Social ImpactCLA & Profit: Laundromats Doing Well by Doing Good 9-10 a.m.Self-Service Technology is Here DLI Noon-1:30 p.m.Hygienically Clean and Clean Green Certification LunchTRSA Noon-2 p.m.LaundryCares Foundation Luncheon CLA 2-3 p.m.Attracting & Managing the New Generation General of Workforce 2-4 p.m.ALM Member Social * ALM 3:30-4:30 p.m.Where to Start? Tips for Entering CommercialGeneral Laundry Industry 5-6 p.m.Hospitality Reception CLA 5:30-7:30 p.m.DLI-TCATA Membership Reception * DLI, TCATA

SUNDAY, JULY 31

7:30-8:30 a.m.Global Linen, Uniform/Workwear & Facility Services Breakfast * TRSA

8-9 a.m. Everything You Need to Know About Your First CLA Laundromat — and More! 8-10 a.m. 12 Profit Activators: Guaranteed to Create an Immediate DLI Cash Flow Surge 8:15-9 a.m. Proven Strategies to Combat Hourly Labor ShortagesALM 8:30-10 a.m. Global National Association Initiatives TRSA 9-9:45 a.m. The CDC Perspective on Textile Care Services ALM 9-10 a.m. Tips and Tools for Evaluating New Laundromat Technology CLA 11 a.m.-3 p.m.ALM Give Back Event ALM Noon-2 p.m.Women’s Luncheon w/Keynote Speaker Fawn Germer *CLA Noon-2 p.m.Global Linen, Uniform/Workwear & Facility TRSA Services Industry Recovery, Trends and Expansion 2-3 p.m. 2022 Economy - Are We Ever Going to See Normal? General 3:30-4:30 p.m. Global Session Panel General 7-10 p.m. CLA Dinner Event: Sea of Possibilities * CLA

MONDAY, AUGUST 1

7-8:30 a.m.Women in Textile Services & DE&I Breakfast * TRSA 8-8:30 a.m.CLA Annual Meeting * CLA 8-9 a.m. Marketing Through Your POS DLI 8:15-9 a.m.Building a Business on Culture ALM 8:30-10 a.m.Maximizing Your Laundromat’s WDF and Pickup CLA & Delivery Business 8:30-10 a.m.Legal Issues: Contracts, Labor Law and Other Legal TrendsTRSA 9-9:45 a.m.Rejecting Business Opportunities: When It Makes SenseALM to Say Goodbye or No Thanks

9-10 a.m.CINET PTC Global Best Practices Program DLI Noon-2 p.m.Secrets to Chick-fil-A Hiring & Training for ExceptionalTRSA Customer Service

2-3 p.m.Human Resources Strategy General 5-6 p.m.Hospitality Reception CLA

TAKE A BREATH, MAKE A PLAN

When attending an event with the scope of Clean, it’s easy to start to feel lost. However, by doing some planning ahead of time, the show can become much more manageable.

“It can be incredibly overwhelming,” Scalco says. “I would get on The Clean Show’s website and figure out where I wanted to go. There’s not a ‘drycleaning pavilion’ on the floor — it’s spread out in terms of the booth layout. So, make a plan and see how you’re going to get there so that you’re not just bouncing back and forth.”

“Cleaners should make a list of things that are nagging them in their businesses and try and identify companies that can help solve problems,” Silverman says. “Go to those people first.”

And, while it’s important to have a game plan, Jira believes it’s also important for cleaners to leave some room for discovery.

“Make sure you leave some time to pursue all the halls,” he says. “You never know when you might unex pectedly find an unfamiliar exhibitor who can spark a new idea or can bet ter solve an issue you’re having.”

Also, with the sheer amount of information that attendees will be gathering, it can be easy to lose or forget valuable information, Silverman says.

“It helps that, especially if you’re going for the first time, to bring a pen and paper and try and gather your thoughts, maybe on the way home,” he says. “I remember as a younger person in the industry going to The Clean Show and reflecting and writ ing notes on the airplane about all the great things I saw and the business ideas I had. It’s just such a good op portunity to get out there.”

ENJOY YOURSELF

While there will be a lot to do and

COMPLIMENTARY SHUTTLE BUS INFORMATION

ROUTES 1 - 3

HOTELS TO GWCC, HALL B EVERY 15-20 MINUTES

FROM

RETURN TO HOTELS FROM GWCC, HALL B EVERY 20-30 MINUTES

Saturday, 7/30 7:00 am - 11:00 am 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Sunday, 7/31 7:30 am - 11:00 am 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Monday, 8/1 7:30 am - 11:00 am 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Tuesday, 8/2 7:30 am - 11:00 am 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

HOTEL ROUTE # BOARDING POINT

Omni CNN Center Atlanta..................WD Walking Distance, No Shuttle Service Required Renaissance Atlanta Midtown................3 Front Entrance, Across Street at Tech Trolley Stop Westin Peachtree Plaza ........................2

For hotel shuttle information or ADA transportation call/text 1-312-634-6030. Please note that this phone number is active during shuttle times and 30 minutes prior and post scheduled times. Please request ADA service at least 30 minutes in advance of desired pick up time.

Shuttle managed by www.cmac.net

see at Clean, it’s important to keep in mind that a gathering like this should also be enjoyable. It’s been a while since the last show, and it will be a while until the next one: the resynchronizing of international trade show schedules following the pandemic has pushed the next Clean Show out to 2025.

Given this, attendees should make the most of Clean in Atlanta, Silverman says.

“Just take your time, and don’t

ignore the small booths. Small or large, everyone has some great products and great information. Enjoy it — take in the sights and watch the large machines work, even the ones that wouldn’t neces sarily fit in your plant. You may make a connection that will help you transition to the next phase of your business in the future. Take a look at the big ironers and folding machines and just enjoy it. Enjoy the energy of all.”

Welcome to the Show

The following companies and orga nizations have reserved exhibit space in the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta for Clean ’22 as of June 17, according to show manager Messe Frankfurt.

The list totals approximately 350 exhib itors at press time; it’s possible that more exhibitors will be added in the final weeks leading up to the July 30-Aug. 2 event. Where available, the descriptions of products and/or services provided here are general in nature and should not be considered all-inclusive.

Listings are subject to change without notice. Check www.cleanshow.com for any updates.

123

1Concier 4248 (Riegel-T-Y Group-Harbor Linen) Hospitality and healthcare linens.

AA. L. Wilson Chemical Co. 2555 Stain removers and other chemicals for professional drycleaning and laundry use.

A.M.S. Products LLC 4212 Custom-printed laundry and route bags; mesh laundry bags; barrier and impervious bags; cart covers; and other bags.

A1 American 1954 Textile, OS&E and FF&E products, including towels, sheets, decorative bed coverings, bulk/bottled amenities, paper products and more.

ABG Systems North America Inc. 3828 Healthcare textile traceability and identification systems.

ABS Laundry Business Solutions 4228 Laundry enterprise resource planning, contract management and logistic solutions for textile rental.

Ace Heaters LLC 437 Water heaters and related equipment.

Advanced Poly-Packaging Inc. 3306 Customized equipment solutions

designed to bag bar towels, mop heads, microfiber towels, gloves or other small textiles, as well as folded or bulky products.

Air & Water Systems 3402 Specializes in industrial humidification and evaporative cooling equipment.

Air World Inc. 3554 Manufacturer of pads, covers and drycleaning supplies.

Albatross USA Inc. 3611 Cleaning chemicals, adhesives and lubricants for textile production and care.

Alliance Laundry Systems 2642 Commercial laundry equipment and services under the Huebsch®, IPSO®, Primus®, Speed Queen® and UniMac® brand names.

Alliant Systems 3604 Route automation for the textile rental industry.

Amcot Cooling Tower Corp. 4309 Cooling towers.

American Changer 1439 Manufactures bill/banknote changers, coin/ token dispensers, ticket dispensers, prevalued card dispensers, self-serve smart card kiosks, and tokens.

American Coin-Op 4314 Trade magazine, website, podcast and social media for self-service laundry owners.

American Dawn Inc. 3848 Reusable textiles for rental and institutional laundries, including toweling, table linen, bed linen, patient gowns, scrubs, chef apparel, lab coats, butcher frocks, wraparounds and specialty apparel.

American Drycleaner 4314 Trade magazine, website, podcast and social media for drycleaning businesses and suppliers.

American Express 3569 Credit cards.

American Laundry News 4314 Trade magazine, website, podcast and social media for managers and administrators of institutional/on-premise laundries and textile rental companies.

American Laundry Products Inc. 2058 Laundry textiles and associated items for flatwork ironers.

American Laundry Systems - 400 Division of E&O Mechanical Independent consultancy specializing in construction and operations of commercial laundry services.

American Pride Linen Co. LLC 2149 Linen supplier serving hospitality, healthcare and industrial customers.

American Reusable 1049 Textile Association

Trade association promoting greater appreciation and demand for reusable textiles.

American Trade Magazines LLC 4314

Publisher of American Coin-Op, American Drycleaner, and American Laundry News.

Angeline Group Ltd. 2052 Medical textiles and accessories.

Apparel Machinery/ 3861 Naomoto Corp. Ironing and finishing products for apparel manufacturing, laundry and drycleaning industries.

AquaRecycle LLC 2444 Water recycling and dryer heat recovery systems.

Aquawing Ozone Laundry 2400 Systems - AWOIS Ozone laundry systems.

ARCO/MURRAY 3502

Design/build construction firm focused on the laundry industry.

ArtiClean Ozone 2037 Laundry Systems Ozone laundry systems.

Association for 1036 Linen Management

Nonprofit trade association dedicated to the professional development of personnel involved in the textile care industry.

Association of Wedding 4139 Gown Specialists

Nonprofit trade association for members specializing in wedding gown cleaning, preservation and restoration.

Atmosphere TV 844 Streaming TV service for businesses o ering audio-optional TV.

Automation Dynamics 4244

Automated sorting, counting and weighing equipment for various laundry applications.

EXHIBITORS

BB & G Lieberman Co. Inc. 3870

Industrial sewing, tailoring, drycleaning and laundry products and supplies.

B&C Technologies 422, 444 Commercial washers, dryers, ironers, feeders and folders.

Balcan Packaging 1750 Flexible packaging solutions.

Bandall America 548 Bundling and banding solutions.

Beck’s Classic Mfg. Inc. 3855 Reusable incontinence products including underpads, clothing protectors, diapers and briefs.

BeCreative 360 4334 Marketing and promotions for dry cleaners.

Beisler America LLC 1056

Industrial and commercial sewing machines, and pressing, fusing, iron, vacuum table and industrial knitting equipment.

Biosan LLC 2249 Peracetic acid formulations for sanitization and disinfection of laundry in commercial, institutional and industrial operations.

Bissell Commercial 2454 Vacuums, power sweepers, extractors, flooring machines and other equipment.

Block Bindings & 2758 Interlinings Ltd. Trimmings and related services.

Bobco Systems Inc. 4165 Material-handling and garmenthandling equipment and systems.

Boca Terry 3564 Manufacturer/supplier of bathrobes, towels and spa accessories.

BOWE Textile Cleaning GmbH 3537 Drycleaning machines.

Braun 2908

Batch tunnel washing, conventional washing, material-handling, drying, and finishing equipment.

Brightwell Dispensers Inc. 4218 Dispensers for soap, chemicals and paper products.

Brim Laundry 1428

Machinery Co. Inc.

Large-capacity washer-extractors, dryers and related equipment; touchscreen control systems; OEM replacement parts and supplies.

Brink’s Inc. 3458

Brooks-Waterburn Corp. 1640 Insurance services for Laundromats.

Buckeye Pads and Covers 3656 Press pads and covers.

Bundle Australia Pty. Ltd. 507 Laundry management software.

CCACO Manufacturing Corp. 1938 Coin laundry furnishings, including folding tables, seating, clothes-hanging racks, and custom bulkheads.

Calderon Textiles 1443 Distributes commercial linens to the textile rental, healthcare, hospitality and consumer products industries.

Card Concepts Inc. 1228 Laundry payment solutions.

Careismatic Brands Inc. 2557 Medical apparel, footwear and accessories.

Cart & Supply 1045 Laundry carts.

CBA Machines 435 Purchases and sells industrial and commercial laundry equipment.

Cents 4118

Laundry point-of-sale and business management platform.

Chemtainer/Maxi-Movers 2252 Bulk delivery trucks, shelved exchange carts, tilt trucks, utility carts and bushel carts.

Chicago Dryer Co. 2704 Flatwork finishing equipment, including separators, feeders, ironers and folders; data tracking technology.

Chief Clean 4140 Commercial janitorial dust mops and wet mops, handles and frames.

Church & Dwight Co. Inc. 3610 Laundry detergents and chemicals.

Clean Cycle Systems/ 2955 Tecni-Quip Carts Lint collection and exhaust air systems; laundry carts and covers.

Clean Laundry Funding 2655 Laundry financing services.

CleanCloud 1518 Point-of-sale and pickup-anddelivery software for dry cleaners and laundry services.

Cleaner Business Systems 4032 Point-of-sale software systems for dry cleaners.

Cleaner Marketing 3661 All-in-one marketing solution for dry cleaners.

Cleaner’s Supply® 4322 Wide range of drycleaning and laundry supplies and products.

CM Company 3760 Lint rollers.

CM2W JSC 3548 Hardware solutions and softwar management platform that enables remote monitoring and control over industry machinery and dosing equipment.

CMVSharper Finish Inc. 1904

Commercial laundry flatwork ironing equipment.

Cobblers Direct by 4214 My Shoe Hospital Shoe repair services.

Coin Laundry Association 836 Not-for-profit trade organization representing member laundry owners, prospective laundry owners, and equipment manufacturers and distributors.

Colmac Industries 3128 Garment finishers, automated soil sorting and counting systems, and garment presses.

Columbia/ILSA Machines Corp. 3728 Drycleaning machines.

Consolidated Laundry 4110

Machinery

Industrial dryers, shuttle conveyors, towel folder and mat rollers.

Cooling Vest by Flexifreeze 945 Personal cooling garment.

Covers Etc. Inc. 4071 Laundry and drycleaning pads and covers.

CRDN 4317 Restoration cleaning and contents restoration.

CSI Cleantie 3703 Computer systems for drycleaning, laundromat, clothing alteration and shoe repair businesses.

Cupron Medical Textiles 3607 Copper-infused patient gowns and bed linens.

Curbside Laundries 1752 Wash-and-fold POS software for Laundromat owners.

EEC Environmental's reputation for providing costeffective environmental solutions for dry cleaners has made EEC the go-to choice for management companies, developers, independent dry cleaners, and national laundries for close to 30 years.

EXHIBITORS

DDatamars Inc. 2550

Electronic textile identification solutions for laundries.

Davis Packaging 3705

Laundry wrapping equipment and wrapping film.

The DECC Company 645 Dryer panels coating.

deister electronic GmbH 2458 Electronic, RFID and mechatronic systems for security, logistics and supply chain markets.

DEMA Engineering Co. 2002 Chemical dosing and fluid control products.

Dexter Laundry Inc. 2628 Commercial washers, dryers, and laundry management systems for vended and on-premise laundries.

Diamond Chemical Co. Inc. 3206 Laundry, warewash, housekeeping, sanitizing and other institutional and industrial products.

Dimmid Inc. 3657

Doxon Mfg. Co. 1436 Commercial laundry parts. Drycleaning & Laundry 928 Institute Trade association representing member dry cleaners and launderers.

Duncan Fabricating Co. Inc. 2150 Vended laundry bulkheads and commercial appliance outlet centers.

EEastern Funding 1636

Commercial lender to laundromats, dry cleaners, car washes and other businesses.

Eazyclean Technologies GmbH 4014 Drycleaning machines.

Ebco Industries Ltd. 406 Carts, liners, covers, shelving, cabinets and bags.

Ecolab 3908

Laundry detergents and chemicals; dispensing equipment; water and energy management; and real-time data management for large-scale, commercial laundry operations.

Ellis Corp. 2528

Open pocket and sideloading washerextractors, industrial dryers, conveyors for automation, water heating and heat recovery systems, and wastewater and

ceramic filtration systems for recycling laundry water.

Encompass Group LLC 2350 Reusable textiles, professional apparel, and disposable and singleuse medical products.

Energenics Corp. 2438

Lint filters for dryer exhaust; cartwashing systems; disinfection products; and vacuum systems for lint collectors.

ESD 2942

Mechanical and electronic payment systems for the multi-housing market and laundromats.

European Finishing 3428 Equipment Corp. Tensioning and finishing equipment.

EzProducts International Inc. 3303 Permanent heat seal clothing labels, heat seal presses, eyeglass labels and self-stick labels.

FF-MATIC Inc. 3506 Odor-control and restroom hygiene products.

Fashion Seal Healthcare 501 Manufacturer and provider of scrubs, lab coats, patient and ancillary apparel to hospitals and industrial laundries.

Feig Electronics Inc. 3755 Contactless identification, electronic control systems and payment terminals.

Felins Inc. 2406 Tying, shrink-wrapping and banding machines and systems.

Fibertech Plastics 4055 Laundry trucks and utility carts.

Fike & Fike Inc. 4154 Linen management and route accounting software.

Firbimatic 3954 Drycleaning machines.

Foltex 1236 Feeding, folding and stacking equipment

Forenta L.P. 3528 Drycleaning and laundry presses, shirt units, conveyors, and water chillers.

Foster-Stephens Inc. 4240 Wedding gown and garment preservation systems and supplies.

FRSTeam 3401 Garment and textile restoration for the insurance industry.

Fulton Boiler Works 3438 Boilers and related equipment/systems.

Future Polytech 511 Poly bag and film solutions for hospital, commercial, and clean room laundry operations.

G.S. Manufacturing 3603

Aluminum material-handling systems, including laundry carts.

Garment Management

Systems

G1606

Automated assembly systems, heat-seal machines, automated uniform-delivery systems and automated coat-check systems.

GE Appliances, 1144 a Haier Company

Commercial laundry equipment.

Gemu Valves 4339 Valves, and measurement and control systems.

George Courey Inc. 944 Bedding, linens and textiles for hospitality, healthcare and other markets.

Girbau North 2106, 2112, 2118 America (Continental)

Wide variety of equipment and systems for vended, on-premise commercial, multi-housing, industrial and textile care laundries.

Golden Star Inc. 1204 Mops and textile cleaning systems.

Gotli Labs AG 4331 Production management system for laundry operations.

Gottcha-Covered LLC 3602 Laundry equipment.

GreenEarth Cleaning 3454

Patented liquid silicone-based drycleaning solvents, with marketing/branding assistance.

Guangzhou Payblox Co. Ltd. 409

Gurtler Industries Inc. 1728 Advanced detergents and specialty chemicals for the commercial laundry industry.

HH-M Company 1440 Drain troughs, lint interceptors and related products.

Hamilton Engineering Inc. 2009 Pre-packaged hot water solutions.

EXHIBITORS

HamperApp Technologies Inc. 1642 On-demand laundry service.

Hans-Joachim 3444

Schneider GmbH Laundry and drycleaning supplies, including hangers.

Happy Nest LLC 1744 Pickup and delivery laundry service.

Healthcare Laundry 1541 Accreditation Council

Non-profit organization formed to inspect and accredit laundries processing reusable textiles for hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities.

Heat Seal 4111 Laundry wrappers and bundlers.

HID Global 413 RFID identification and sensing technology.

High Mark Manufacturing Inc. 1910 Coin laundry bulkheads, drain troughs and furniture.

Ho man Mint 1336 Laundry tokens.

Hohenstein Institute America 407 Textile testing, evaluation and certification.

Hot Water Products 4310 Water heaters and related products.

Hunt Textiles 653 Institutional towels, sheets, table linen, aprons, microfiber towels, and dry/wet mops.

Hurst Boiler 417 Steam and hot water boiler systems.

Hydro Systems Co. 3648 Chemical dispensing and dosing solutions, including equipment, software and services.

Isuzu Commercial Truck 1350 of America Trucks.

Italclean Srl 4220 Drycleaning and laundry equipment.

Itsumi USA Inc. 3736 Shirt finishing equipment.

JJ.P. Equipment Inc. 1418 Industrial laundry equipment sales.

JENSEN USA Inc. 506 Washing equipment, finishing systems, material-handling systems, and system software and process technology.

JLT Co. Ltd. 4242

JS Fiber Co. Inc. 429 Hospitality and healthcare bedding.

Jupiter Coverage 3654 Insurance services.

KKaeser Compressors Inc. 2452 Compressed-air equipment.

Kannegiesser ETECH 806 Washing, finishing and uniform processing systems; conveyor systems; production management software.

Kemco Systems 1853 Water heaters, heat reclaimers, water recovery/reuse systems and water treatment systems.

Keycolour Inc. 401 Textile dyeing products.

KioSoft Technologies LLC 1412 Payment technology for laundromats and route laundries.

Kleen-Rite Inc./KR Products 3844 Solvent filter/purifier system.

Flatwork finishing equipment, washer-extractors, garment finishing tunnels, cart washers, and more.

Lattner Boiler Co. 3606 Fuel-fired and electric boilers for dry cleaning and other industrial applications.

Laundris™ Digital 2256 Inventory Management Linen inventory management software platform.

Laundroworks 3812 Payment and management technology for vended laundries.

The Laundry Boss 3448 Vending payments and credit card processing.

Laundry Vending Products 2254

Laundrylux 2502, 2544 North American supplier of Electrolux and Wascomat commercial laundry equipment.

LaundryPass 1356 Card payment/management system for Laundromats.

Lavatec Laundry 528 Technology Inc.

Continuous-batch washers, washer-extractors, dryers, flatwork feeders, ironers, folders, stackers, material-handling equipment, and other equipment.

Lavo Solutions LLC 3364 Chemical dispensing solutions and data analytics for the cleaning and hygiene industry.

LCT-Textilligence 4232 Garment distribution and wardrobe system using RFID technology.

Leebaw Manufacturing 3510 Material-handling carts, garment carts, shelving units, lift tables and other products.

IIndy Hanger & Supply 4236 Galvanized wire hangers.

Infinity Massage Chairs 4148 Massage Chairs.

Innovative Management 2556 Designs RFID tracking systems.

Insight Facilities 4012 Management Inc.

Manufacturing of stainless steel and aluminum products.

International Silicon 3765 Trading Inc. Drycleaning and laundry pads.

American Drycleaner, July 2022

Kleen-Tex USA LLC 544 Commercial and industrial mats.

KLOPP: Money 4137

Handling Equipment

Coin counters, sorters and wrapper crimpers.

Kreussler Inc. 3136 Laundry, drycleaning and wetcleaning chemicals and detergents.

KSE Suppliers 3808 Institutional linen supplier.

LLapauw USA 1044

Leonard Automatics 3744 Garment finishing, small-piece stacking, cart washing, pressing and other equipment.

LG Electronics 3244

Commercial washers and dryers.

LinenMaster LLC 1538 Linen management software.

Linentech 1340 Commercial laundry management software.

Low Cost Manufacturing 523 OEM and generic parts for coin-op and commercial washers and dryers.

EXHIBITORS

Luetzow Poly 3410

Plastic polyethylene garment bags, laundry and drycleaning bags, and other products.

MM&B Hangers 3944

Wire garment hangers and paper products for drycleaning and textile rental industries.

M+A Matting 4048 Mats.

Mamute USA LLC 3838

Industrial washers, dryers, ironers and folders.

Marina Textiles Inc. 4144

Institutional linens for hotels, hospitals and other institutions.

MARUSO USA Inc. 3756

Plastic hangers for dry cleaners.

Material Flow Systems LLC 3928

Material-handling systems, including rail systems, conveyors and trolleys.

Maxi-Press Elastomeric Inc. 3938 Membranes for water extraction presses, and ironer supplies.

Maxon Lift Corp. 2145 Truck and trailer liftgates.

Mayfield Group 4210 Advertising services for retail fabricare.

Maywood Furniture Corp. 411 Laundry tables and other furniture.

Medline Industries LP 1051 Broad spectrum of healthcare textiles and other healthcare products.

Meese Inc. 408 Bulk linen and laundry carts.

Memories Gown Preservation 4332 Environmentally friendly wholesale gown cleaning, preservation, and pre-paid shipping.

Messe Frankfurt 900 Trade fair, congress and event organizer.

Metalprogetti 2328

Automated systems for moving, handling, sorting and dispensing hanging and folded garments.

MEVO Metzler GmbH 3912

Wire hangers, and drycleaning and laundry products.

Micross Automation Systems 423

Commercial laundry tracking software and systems.

Miele Inc. 3544 Laundry care equipment and products.

Miller Bags Company 3660

Infection control plastic laundry bags.

Milliken & Company 431

Fabrics for tablecloths, napkins, placemats, aprons and tableskirts; dust control products; industrial and specialty textiles.

MIP Inc. 1838

Reusable healthcare products, including bed linens, underpads, carts, bags, etc.

Miura America Co. Ltd. 3406 Steam, hot water and modular boiler systems.

Mobile Computing 509 Corp. Inc. (MCC) Software for linen and textile delivery optimization.

Monarch Brands 2855 Wholesalers and manufacturers of microfiber, commercial linen, institutional towels and wiper rags.

Monarch Coin & Security 2255 Coin/token chutes, money boxes, locks and keys for coin laundry machines; bathroom locks.

Morito Scovill Americas 2056 Fasteners for apparel and industrial applications, as well as attaching machine equipment.

Mountain Electronics Inc. 2755 Circuit board repair for commercial laundry equipment.

Mr Je 2352 Home-delivery laundry franchising.

Norchem Corp. 1916 Laundry chemicals; chemical dispensing systems; wastewater treatment and recycling systems; and system controllers and software.

NuMat Systems LLC 3204 Mat repair and remanufacturing service.

OOmni Apparel Inc. 4245 Lab coats, butcher coats and aprons.

OMNI Solutions LLC 1408 UV-based technologies for water, surface, and air treatment.

Onnera Group

Equipment solutions for the restaurant and catering, laundry, and refrigeration applications industries.

2514

NNational Cleaners 3854 Association Trade association for professional garment/fabric cleaners and suppliers.

National Combustion Co. Inc. 1851 Commercial water-heating systems.

Navien Inc. 439 Tankless water heaters and boilers.

Nayax LLC 1441 Point of sale and cashless payments.

Newhouse Specialty Co. 4064 Specialty products for the laundry, drycleaning and garment manufacturing industries.

NIE Insurance 4109

Insurance for dry cleaners and coin laundries.

PPAC Strapping Products 3865

Plastic strapping, steel strapping, strapping machines, strapping tools, and accessories.

Parker Boiler Co. 3464 Steam boilers, indirect-fired water heaters and related equipment.

PayRange Inc. 1944 Mobile payment systems.

Paystri 649 Merchant payment and processing.

Peach State Dryer Vents 1847 Commercial and residential dryer and air duct services.

Pellerin Milnor 2928 Washer-extractors, automated tunnel washing systems, dryers, material-handling systems, and laundry computer networks.

Pepin Manufacturing Inc. 4138 Lint rollers.

Phoenix Textile Corp. 504 Terry products, blankets, bedding, uniforms, microfiber, window coverings, cubicle curtains, furnitures, and design services.

Pinnacle Textile 1512 Industries LLC

Uniform manufacturer and distributor, including kitchen, linen industrial and medical merchandise.

Plexus Industries 1641 Commercial laundry bags.

There’s more: We’re just two members of NIE’s team of experts. NIE has been handling fabricare insurance since 1915!

EXHIBITORS

Podab Group 1156

Professional drying equipment.

Pony SpA 3718 Garment finishing and pressing equipment.

Poseidon Textile Care Systems 3468 Commercial grade wetcleaning equipment, parts and service.

Positek RFID Inc. 3918 RFID-enabled sorting and tracking software and systems for the textile maintenance industry.

Prime Capital Funding 2856 Independent equipment and specialty finance company.

QQuietaire Cooling 2656 Industrial fans and commercial ventilation equipment.

Rome Conveyors 3964 Conveyors and other materialhandling systems.

The Route Pros 4330 Route growth/retention services.

Royal Basket Trucks Inc. 414 Carts, trucks and containers.

Royal Blue Textiles 445 Bedding, terry products and patient apparel.

Rumby 3832 On-demand laundry and drycleaning service.

Ryco Conveyors Inc. 3965 Design, sales and installation of material-handling systems.

SSan-Ai Industries Inc. 2102 Finishing equipment products.

Sintex Sales USA Inc. 1952 Textile manufacturer for hospitality commercial laundry, healthcare, and airline industries.

SMC Corp. of America 1801 Automated control technology.

SMRT Systems 3655 Drycleaning software.

SNA Manufacturing LLC 3560 Foam hanger covers and shoulder guards.

Softrol Systems Inc. 2128 System controls and management information solutions for the automation of industrial uniform and textile laundry facilities.

SonicAire 4238 Cleaning and cooling fans for laundries and drycleaning plants.

Southwest Laundry Equipment 3503 Industrial and commercial laundry equipment supplier.

RR & B Wire Products Inc. 2027 Industrial laundry and linen transportation equipment and products, including carts and trucks.

R.L. Williams Co. 3955 Restroom products for the uniform, linen rental and dust control industries.

R.R. Street & Co. Inc. 1212 Solvents, additives, stain removal agents and filtration products for laundry, wet cleaning and dry cleaning.

R.W. Martin & Sons Inc. 2345 Industrial laundry equipment, parts and service,

RealStar USA 3238

Drycleaning machines.

Reed Manufacturing Co. 4010 Workwear and uniforms.

Reflective Apparel 4158 Reflective workwear.

Rema Dri-Vac Corp. 3754 Air vacuums, condensate tanks and fabricare industry equipment.

Renegade Brands 4054 Laundry chemicals.

Rennco 2051

Laundry bagging and packaging equipment.

Renzacci SPA - 3818

Industria Lavatrici Drycleaning machines, washer-extractors, dryers and wetcleaning machines.

American Drycleaner, July 2022

Sanitone by Fabritec 3202 Professional drycleaning detergents, wetcleaning soaps and spotting chemicals as well as restoration and shirt laundry products.

Sankosha USA Inc. 3416 Garment-pressing equipment and bagging machines.

Sea-lion America/ 1712 Jiangsu Sea-lion Industrial laundry machinery.

SEITZ, The Fresher 3264 Company Inc. Complete line of laundry and drycleaning chemicals.

SEKO Dosing Systems 3516 Corp. USA Dosing and control systems.

Setomatic Systems - 1628 SpyderWash Laundry payment systems.

Shahab Textiles 1540 Towels, hospital wear, bed linen, garments, and other textiles.

Sigma Garment Films 3605 Garment film and flexible packaging.

Sigmatex-Lanier 1208 Wide range of textile products for the textile rental, healthcare and hospitality industries.

Simple Laundry Solutions LLC 951 Industrial laundry equipment; water treatment and recycling; resource conservation.

Spartan Chemical Co. 2538 Cleaning and sanitation solutions for the industrial and institutional market.

Spindle 1218 Operations management software for commercial laundries.

SPOT Business Systems 1704 Computer software and systems for drycleaning operations management.

SRS Conveyors 4113 Turn-key garment materialhandling solutions.

Standard Change-Makers - 2003 Div. of RKU Standard Inc. Unattended payment, exchange, dispense and change machines.

Standard Textile 1328 Healthcare, hospitality and institutional textiles and apparel, and linen management services.

Storms Industries Inc. 2456 Flatwork ironer textiles and supplies, cleaners and belting; sling bags; cart covers; filtration and dust-control products.

Streamline Solutions 2244 Recyclable soiled-linen bags, laundry hamper stands, laundry supplies, medical supplies, medical cart covers, disposable cart liners and other products.

Striem 2250 Solids interceptors, oil separators and chemical waste tanks.

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE SUCCESS IS OPTIONAL

PRODUCTIONREPORTS

Upload pictures, track deliveries, and submit order status updates from anywhere, at any time.

VISIBILITY

Root out employee theft and increase accountability through machine learning and cash box security.

SMRT generates reports for every metric of your business. Access analytics 24/7.

SECURITY

Keep your data safe with industry-leading security encryption, threat monitoring, and detection.

MARKETING

Powerful communication tools and Interactive technology effortlessly combine innovation with quality customer service.

CUSTOMER

Upload pictures, track deliveries, and submit order status updates from anywhere, at any time.

Sumal S.L.U. 3644

Roll and metal containers for industrial laundries and textile industry.

TTamsan USA 1357

Screw compressors.

Tangerpay 4360 Cashless laundry payment systems.

Texas Automation Products 1610 Heat-sealing equipment and accessories.

Texprofin 850 Towel folders.

Textile Care Allied 1028 Trades Association

Trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of laundry and drycleaning equipment and supplies.

TheLaundryList.com Inc. 1344

Used industrial laundry machinery; plant design and installation services; energy e iciency studies.

Thermal Engineering 2050 of Arizona

Wastewater heat reclaimers, heat-recovery systems, shaker screens, water heaters, storage tanks, pumping systems, ceramic filtration systems and other products.

Thermopatch 1403 Labeling, transfers and emblems on textiles.

Thomaston Mills 2450

Bed and bath linens for the hospitality, healthcare and institutional markets.

Tingue 2238

Laundry textiles, parts, supplies, remanufactured equipment, and rigging services for industrial laundries.

Tjerlund Products 3864

Draft, combustion air, and ventilation equipment and systems.

TOLON USA 3254

Washer-extractors, tumble dryers, ironers and towel folders.

Triad 1338 Bill breakers and changers.

TRSA, the Association for 828 Linen, Uniform & Facility Services

Trade association representing the textile services industry.

UU.S. Leather & Lace 3302 Prestige Preservation Leather care and wedding dress preservation.

Union Drycleaning 3216 Products, USA Drycleaning machines.

Unipress Corp. 3228 Shirt-finishing machines, and laundry and drycleaning equipment.

UniSec Div. of 3714 New York Machinery Drycleaning machines.

United Mineral & 2156 Chemical Corp. Drycleaning solvent.

United Soybean Board 3711

Information on soy-based products for laundering and dry cleaning.

United Textile Distribution 1304 Dust control products, table linen, bed linen, towels, hangers, aprons and other products.

United Wire Hanger/ 4251 UWH Industries Wire and plastic hangers and related paper products for the uniform rental, drycleaning and apparel industries.

Unitex International Inc. 3932 Textiles and linens for healthcare, hospitality, commercial laundries and big box retailers.

UNX-Christeyns 4128

Commercial laundry chemical products and dispensing systems; hygiene solutions for textile care, cleaning industry, and medical and life sciences sector.

USTEK RFID 4060

Textile tracking using RFID.

Utilimaster 428 Walk-in vans, truck bodies and up-fit services.

VValmet 2200

Textiles and accessories for feeders, flatwork ironers and folders.

Vega Systems Group 644

Wide variety of laundry washing, flatwork, garment and handling equipment.

Vend-Rite Mfg. Co. Inc. 1928 Soap venders, bag venders,

snack/drink venders, coin laundry signs, plastic laundry bags and drop-o bags.

Vending.com/Fawn Vendors 1950

Selection of snack, soda machines, hot beverages, cold/frozen food, and other vending machines.

Venus Group 425

Variety of textile products for institutional laundries, hospitality, healthcare, and government.

W

Wash-Dry-Fold POS 1846

Point-of-sale system for Laundromats.

Washin’ Jax 3565 Laundry agitators.

Webb & Son Sewing 2001 Machine Sales Inc.

Sewing machines and after-market products and services for the sewing industry.

Wedding Gown Preservation Co. 4319 Gown preservation services.

Welspun 3665 Home textiles.

WesVic Systems 4028

Automated counting and real-time performance feedback system.

wh Münzprüfer Dietmar 1845

Trenner GmbH Electronic coin handling; cashless payment.

Whirlpool Corporation 1544

Commercial Laundry Commercial washers, dryers and specialty products.

White Conveyors Inc. 3948

Automated garment-sorting, storage and retrieval systems.

Workwear Outfitters 1508

Work apparel and footwear.

WSI 2416

Wash-aisle chemistry, wastewater treatment, specialty chemicals, dispensing technology, and information systems.

Y

Yamamoto North America 3144

Washer-extractors and combo units for on-premises laundries.

Yancheng Dragon 3709

Bed linen, table linen, workwear and occupational clothing.

Educational Sessions

Roughly 30 hours of education sessions—included as part of the cost of Clean Show registration—will be spread throughout the event’s July 30-Aug. 2 run at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Plus, there will be a handful of other special networking and service opportunities, including a couple before the exhibition begins.

“Classroom” sessions are scheduled during the first three days, both mornings and afternoons. Attendees are welcome to sit in on any they choose, regardless of industry segment or association affiliation. Associations have also scheduled certain members-only events that may require additional registration. The schedule follows:

FRIDAY, JULY 29

10 a.m.-2 p.m. — LaundryCares Founda tion Free Laundry Day, several Atlanta area laundromats, presented by Coin Laundry Association (CLA). This is an opportunity to volunteer at several Atlanta area laundromats. Volun teers are asked to consider making a $25 minimum donation to help defray event costs. (Registration is required.)

5:30-7:30 p.m. — TRSA Welcome Recep tion, Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of

Fame, 250 Marietta St. NW, presented by TRSA.

Kick off your Clean Show experience during the TRSA Welcome Reception and enjoy “tailgating” with many linen, uniform, and facility services industry colleagues and full access to the Hall where you’ll hear stories, accomplishments, and tradi tions of the game’s greatest legends. (This event is limited to TRSA members only, and registration is required.)

SATURDAY, JULY 30

8-9 a.m. — The Next Generation of Laun dromats, Rooms B302-305, presented by CLA.

With laundromats being designated as an “essential business,” the industry is experiencing growth in attracting new people. Many of these new owners come from other industries and bring expertise in technology, marketing and business acumen. Attend this session to hear from the new generation of laundromat owners and learn some of the innovative ideas that they have applied to their businesses.

8-9 a.m. — Best Culture Wins, Room B314, presented by Drycleaning & Laun dry Institute (DLI).

Workplace culture affects all aspects of your business and has never been as important as it is now. A positive culture will elevate productivity, decrease turn over, increase loyalty, and impact overall employee happiness. Designed to inspire action, this presentation will share experi ences on what it takes to make — or break — a thriving culture.

8:15-9 a.m. — Laundry/Infection Prevention Forum, Room B308, presented by As sociation for Linen Management (ALM).

During this open conversation among notable infection preventionists and laun dry managers representing cooperative, hospital-owned, and commercial laundry operations, you’ll hear the concerns and responses from these professionals as they address top concerns about textiles and their handling.

8:30-9:45 a.m. — State of the Linen, Uniform and Facility Services Industry, Room B312, presented by TRSA.

Industry leaders from linen, uniform, and facility services industry serving uniform/workwear, healthcare, restaurants/ F&B, and hospitality/hotels discuss their recovery and opportunities for expanding services.

9-9:45 a.m. — Pardon the Interruption, Automation in Progress, Room B309, presented by ALM.

When customer demand and labor re sources are not in sync, the only answer may be to increase automation. But, how do you do it and keep the operation going, so that your customers get the textiles they need for their patients and guests? Hear case studies and implementation plans that enable you to maintain operations, customers and employees.

9-10 a.m. — Leveraging Community En gagement for Social Impact and Profit: Laundromats Doing Well by Doing Good, Rooms B302-305, presented by CLA.

Laundromats have a unique reach into under-resourced communities and can upcycle their facilities with dedicated

learning spaces and by hosting free laun dry day events among other initiatives. LaundryCares Foundation (LCF) features many success stories that bring business owners and their communities together to impact families. This program will focus on how laundromats can connect with their communities to benefit local residents and increase profitability through initiatives of the LCF.

9-10 a.m. — Self-Service Technology is Here, Room B315, presented by DLI.

Automated self-servicing kiosks for garment pickup and drop-off can let you serve more customers with fewer employ ees. This session offers insight on how one drycleaning business is reimagining the customer service experience by increasing automation and convenience while de creasing employees and labor costs.

Noon-1:30 p.m. — Hygienically Clean and Clean Green Certification Lunch, Room B311, presented by TRSA.

Learn more about TRSA’s facility, com pany and individual certification programs, including Hygienically Clean, Clean Green and Certified Professional Laundry Man ager (CPLM), as well as new Health & Safety and Certified Laundry Maintenance Manager (CLMM) programs. Gain insight into the inspection process, Quality Assur ance manuals, and leveraging the value for a competitive advantage, especially with increased focus on hygiene and environ mental sustainability, and employee train ing and retention.

Noon-2 p.m. — LaundryCares Foundation Luncheon, Rooms B302-305, pre sented by CLA.

Over a free lunch, enjoy this chance to find specific ways to connect to your community, learn customer social respon sibility, and hear testimonials from own er-operators who have experienced these opportunities firsthand. (Registration is re quired.)

2-4 p.m. — ALM Member Social, Booth 1036, presented by ALM. Free social for ALM members on the exhibit hall floor.

2-3 p.m. — Attracting & Managing the New Generation of Workforce, Exhibit Floor Classroom (Booth 320), general session.

Exploring ways to motivate, retain and attract the best people. Staffing continues to be problematic. Learn effective strate gies to build your team.

3:30-4:30 p.m. — Where to Start? Tips for Entering the Commercial Laundry In dustry, Exhibit Floor Classroom (Booth 320), general session.

Have you ever thought about what it would take to enter the commercial linen and uniform rental market? There are pros,

American Drycleaner, July 2022

but also cons that come along with tack ling a market you’re unfamiliar with. Hear from industry experts from CLA, DLI and TRSA on the best place to start this type of transition, how the industry works, and what competition already exists, to deter mine if it’s the right move for you.

5-6 p.m. — Hospitality Reception, Rooms B401-402, presented by CLA. Free reception.

5:30-7:30 p.m. — DLI-TCATA Membership Reception, Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Ave. NE, presented by DLI and TCATA.

This event is for DLI and Textile Care Allied Trades Association members only.

SUNDAY, JULY 31

7:30-8:30 a.m. — Global Linen, Uniform/ Workwear & Facility Services Breakfast, Room B311, presented by TRSA.

A TRSA members-only breakfast with executives from commercial laundries and suppliers (registration is required).

8-9 a.m. — Everything You Need to Know About Your First Laundromat – and More!, Rooms B302-305, presented by CLA.

This session is for potential owners and will cover everything you need to know to get started. From site selection to financing to closing the deal, this session will guide you through basics of starting a self-service laundry. Experienced own ers will share their tips on what to do and more importantly, what not to do, to start off right.

8-10 a.m. — 12 Profit Activators: Guaranteed to Create an Immediate Cash Flow Surge, Room B314, presented by DLI.

If taking your business to the next level is your goal, then you don’t want to miss this session. First, a marketing expert will present 12 activators proven to grow your business. Then, a panel of dry cleaners will discuss how they implemented these activators and the success they ultimately achieved.

8:15-9 a.m. — Proven Strategies to Combat Hourly Labor Shortages, Room B308, presented by ALM.

A poll released in December 2021 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce indicated the worker shortage is unlikely to ease up anytime soon. Have you sharpened your strategies to explore new markets for workers, and doubled down on addressing barriers to employment? Recruiting ex pert Robin McCord shares strategies that have been successful in manufacturing, healthcare, and the professional cleaning industry.

8:30-10 a.m. — Global National Association Initiatives, Room B312, presented

by TRSA.

A panel discussion of linen, uniform, and facility services national association CEOs offering updates on ongoing initia tives on circular economy and net-zero, commercial vs. home laundering, and research, as well as promotional activi ties and regulatory updates. Sponsored by Deutscher Textilreinigungs-Verband (DTV-Germany), European Textile Services Association (ETSA), Textile Services Asso ciation (TSA-UK), and TRSA.

9-9:45 a.m. — The CDC Perspective on Textile Care Services, Room B309, presented by ALM.

Meet Janet Glowicz, Ph.D., RN, CIC, FAPIC, Infection Preventionist, CDC Divi sion of Healthcare Quality Promotion, the CDC’s newest in-house expert on health care textiles, and hear first-hand her con cerns and initiatives related to laundry processing and operations, and linen han dling and management.

9-10 a.m. — Tips and Tools for Evaluating New Laundromat Technology, Rooms B302-305, presented by CLA.

With so many different systems avail able for laundromat management, accept ing payments, point-of-sale software for WDF and pickup and delivery, account ing, and more, it can be overwhelming to select the right system for your busi ness. In this session, you’ll receive tips on what features to look at when evaluating systems, such as the technical and func tional requirements, client references, sup port and training provided, and, of course, price. You will leave this session with tools you need to evaluate your next technology purchase.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. — ALM Give Back Event, Booth 1036, presented by ALM.

The association is partnering with America’s VetDogs to raise funds to pro vide trained support dogs for veterans. Meet Joe Worley and Galaxie, as well as some of the pups-in-training, and show your support.

Noon-2 p.m. — Women’s Luncheon with Keynote Speaker Fawn Germer, Room B405, presented by CLA.

What you say and how you say it is ev erything as a woman in a male-dominated industry, so here’s a crash course in power with best-selling author and leading pod caster Fawn Germer. In this CLA mem bers-only event (registration is required), learn how to strike a power pose and add firepower to your language so you can be effective and real. She’ll show you how to use your body to convey confidence and power, handle interruptions, protect your ideas from being stolen, and surround yourself with the support team that helps you grow your strength.

Noon-2 p.m. — Global Linen, Uniform/ Workwear, and Facility Services Indus try Recovery, Trends and Expansion, Room B312, presented by TRSA.

Learn how the global linen, uniform, and facility services industry recovered from the pandemic and lessons learned, as well as opportunities for expanding business. Gain insight into how organiza tions are leveraging increased interest in hygiene, and environmental and supply chain sustainability, to differentiate and grow their customer base.Panelists will discuss employee recruitment retention, environmental social and governance (ESG) efforts, and how building brand rep utation contributes to growth. Understand principles that limit and facilitate revenuegeneration and cost-control strategies as panelists present short profiles of the in dustry in various geographic markets and the impact of supply concentration (chain vs. independent laundries), demographics (population, workforce), economic mix by industry (product- vs. service-producing) and supply costs.

2-3 p.m. — Economy – Are We Ever Going to See Normal?, Exhibit Floor Classroom (Booth 320), general session.

It has been obvious enough that 2020 and 2021 were years of unprecedented turmoil. Thus far, 2022 has not been ex actly stable. Halfway through the year, where does your business stand? Are con sumers going back to their old habits or have these behaviors changed forever? Are the new patterns bad or good for the industry — or maybe a little of both? Chris Keuhl, Armada Business Intelligence, has the answers to these and other questions.

3:30-4:30 p.m. — Global Session Panel, Exhibit Floor Classroom (Booth 320), general session.

7-10 p.m. — CLA Dinner Event: Sea of Possibilities, Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St. NW.

Tickets are required for this CLA mem bers-only event.

MONDAY, AUG.

sociation activities and provide an update on strategic initiatives and plans for the future. (For CLA members only.)

8-9 a.m. — Marketing Through Your POS, Room B314, presented by DLI.

Are you using your point-of-sale sys tem to its full potential? Your POS may provide valuable data about customer ex periences, preferred services, and spend ing habits. This information can then be used to build targeted messages to boost repeat purchases and additional spending. Hear experts share ways to use this pow erful tool to create personalized interaction with customers and increase revenue.

8:15-9 a.m. — Building a Business on Culture, Room B308, presented by ALM. Does your company culture create an environment that not only attracts employ ees but also customers? ImageFIRST has built their company with a purpose, “posi tively impacting lives of our associates, our community, our customers, and their patients.” A culture based on caring, and it all starts with putting their associates first, is a driver in ImageFIRST’s steady growth. ImageFIRST Executive Vice President Jay Juffre will offer a glimpse of how his com pany’s culture and purpose has driven business development.

8:30-10 a.m. — Maximizing Your Laun dromat’s WDF and Pickup & Delivery Business, Room B302-305, presented by CLA.

Many store owners have taken their self-service laundromat to the next level by adding wash/dry/fold and pickup and delivery services. And those who’ve of fered these services in the past are raising the bar. This next-level session will feature expert advice for reaching new heights in your WDF business: digital marketing, production, employee training, commer cial vehicles, order packaging and more! Experts in the WDF and PU/D business will share their best practices for adding efficiencies to your operations and maximizing your profits.

1

7-8:30 a.m. — Women in Textile Services & DE&I Breakfast, Room B311, presented by TRSA.

A diverse workforce is a reflection of a changing world and marketplace. Coretha M. Rushing, SHRN-SCP, Society of Human Resource Management, will provide tips and resources on how to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace in our constantly changing environment. (Registration re quired for this TRSA members-only event.)

8-8:30 a.m. — CLA Annual Meeting, Rooms B302-305, presented by CLA.

Association President and CEO Brian Wallace will share an annual report of as

American Drycleaner, July 2022

8:30-10 a.m. — Legal Issues: Contracts, Labor Law and Other Legal Trends, Room B312, presented by TRSA.

This session will provide participants with current information regarding legal issues in the linen, uniform and facility services, including analysis of recent court rulings, and state rules/regulations. Gain insight into the most common legal is sues, and avoiding and handling the latest contract, labor law and other legal trends impacting your business. Learn how you can help ensure your organization is pro tecting its assets, employees, customers, and others.

9-9:45 a.m. — Rejecting Business Op portunities: When It Makes Sense to Say

Goodbye or No Thanks, Room B309, pre sented by ALM.

Sometimes it is necessary to focus on your key customers and weed out, or decline, business opportunities for the ones that strain resources, don’t meet your business objectives, or that create chal lenges and difficulty for your staff and op erations. Learn how to identify who to let go and feel comfortable having those dif ficult conversations while at the same time maintaining your image in the industry.

9-10 a.m. — CINET PTC Global Best Prac tices Program, Room B315, presented by DLI.

Over 150 companies worldwide are expected to participate in the program, but only the best 50 companies will be in vited by an independent international jury to do a presentation for the international esteemed. Awards will be presented in the Retail Textile Cleaning, Retail Textile Cleaning BIG and Industrial Textile Service categories.

At Clean, CINET will present a selec tion of the last edition’s participants, and discuss new global trends in retail textile cleaning as well as a variety of promising, innovative initiatives of PTC companies.

Noon-2 p.m. — Secrets to Chick-fil-A Hir ing & Training for Exceptional Customer Service, Room B311, presented by TRSA.

Chick-fil-A is the highest-ranked U.S. fast-food restaurant in customer service and the fourth most-inspiring company, according to Forbes. Hear an actual fran chise owner explain how they hire and train exceptional employees who are will ing to give their best every day when they come to work.

2-3 p.m. — Human Resources Strategy, Exhibit Floor Classroom (Booth 320).

Times are changing and so are em ployee expectations. Attracting and re taining new talent is exceedingly more challenging in today’s environment. Now is the time to rethink how you connect and engage with current and future em ployees. In this presentation, Seay Man agement Consultants, a human resources specialist firm, will discuss how to address the staffing shortage, which benefits em ployees desire and why, policy changes essential to retaining employees, and more.

5-6 p.m. — Hospitality Reception, Rooms B401-402, presented by CLA. Free reception.

When

Networking

By Dave Davis, Editor

The old saying “It’s lonely at the top” is often true for many owners of drycleaning businesses. There are decisions that only they can make for their company. There are new challenges constantly springing up. The pressures of leadership can, at times, feel overwhelming.

However, the truth is that it doesn’t have to be so lonely.

Through networking, many owners have traded the “go it alone” mindset for one that offers the opportunity to share experiences and viewpoints to lighten the load.

YOU ARE (THANKFULLY) NOT UNIQUE

“By having a network of peers, it gives you the ability to bounce ideas off them,” says Peter Blake, executive vice presi-

(Photo: © michaeldb/Depositphotos)

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chests at

“

are amazing being able to share with and learn about a lot of ideas from other peers in this specialized service as well as spending time with some really terri c people.”

dent of the North East Fabricare Association (NEFA), South Eastern Fabricare Association (SEFA) and Mid-Atlantic Association of Cleaners (MAC). “It provides new ideas and allows you to get different viewpoints and different takes on how things are going, rather than to just rely on your own experiences. There’s truth in misery loves company, but there’s also the truth that good ideas are born out of discussion.”

Blake also moderates a weekly peer-to-peer networking forum, conducted via Zoom, sponsored by the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI). The forum was started in the depths of the pandemic and has continued, even as face-to-face meetings are again

“This group has provided an outlet for some people who didn’t have access to that before,” he says. “Before, people were apt to go it alone, and more apt to just talk to the other people that they know, maybe not in the industry, but in small business, and lean on each other in that way. But I think through all the troubles and tribulations we’ve had, it proved that we need to know more about the ideas people in our industry have as we move forward.”

DLI’s forum has proven successful by providing an answer to a very basic desire among its participants, Blake believes.

“Right from the very beginning of the pandemic, people just needed that community to realize they’re not suffering through this alone,” he says. “They needed to know that others were feeling the same way, and they could see how other people were handling it and shared their ideas.”

DLI CEO Mary Scalco says she’s amazed by the participation at each meeting: “They always ask questions of each other, and they get some great information.”

The discussions range through all aspects of operating a drycleaning business, from getting advice on what hours to set during a holiday weekend to dealing with the

“No matter where they’re from, they’re all having the same problems — it really is beneficial,” she says. “You’re going to learn so much, and you never know where you’re going to get your next good idea or figure out how to deal with a problem you are having. Nobody should think that they are so unique that someone out there isn’t having

American Drycleaner, July 2022

the exact same problem.”

The DLI forum, Scalco believes, was the right opportunity at the right time for its participants.

“What’s true about any crisis is that you realize the thing that can help you get through that time is knowing you have somebody to lean on,” she says. “We noticed early in the pandemic that people just felt relieved that they weren’t the only ones experiencing some of these things. They weren’t the only ones who had a huge loss of business. They weren’t the only ones having trouble retaining employees. During the pandemic, they were able to say, ‘OK, if you can get through this, so can I.’ And then they shared their plans. That’s why I think it’s so important for people to network.”

NETWORKING LEGACIES

While DLI’s forum is a recent entry to the field, drycleaning industry networking isn’t a new idea. The Tuchman Advisory Group (T.A.G.), for instance, started to bring its members together long before the word “Zoom” took on added meaning.

“My father was Sid Tuchman, president of Tuchman Cleaners, a chain of 35 drycleaning stores, uniform rental and suede and leather cleaning in Indianapolis,” says Ellen Tuchman Rothmann, president of T.A.G. “He personally found that it was lonely being an entrepreneur. There was no board of directors to talk to, and there were issues he was unable to share with even his most senior staff members. It was just him.”

After some contemplation, Tuchman hit upon an idea.

“In his retirement, he started the Tuchman Advisory Group in the early 1990s,” Rothmann says. “Our group, as he envisioned it, acts as a board of advisers to bounce ideas off each other in a safe environment.”

T.A.G. keeps its membership small, ranging from 14 to 18 members, and does all it can to ensure those members feel free to share their ideas.

“The beauty of our group, first of all, is that all the members are non-competing locations — they’re all spread out around the United States,” Rothmann says. “So, anything that anyone shares or talks about can be applied by someone else in another area. We learn from each other. We exchange information.”

Most of the T.A.G. meetings occur in the city of one of its members, where the group visits that associate’s company. “We visit the plant and then proceed to give a thorough and complete critique,” Rothmann says. “It is empowering and challenging to have the owners of other drycleaning companies looking at your operation and making suggestions. We also talk about advertising, promotional ideas, financials, and social media.”

Methods for Management (MfM) is another net-

working group with a substantial legacy. Founded in 1953, the organization will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2023. “That’s a testament to the value of peer-to-peer groups,” says Kermit Engh, managing partner of MfM and owner of Fashion Cleaners in Omaha, Nebraska.

Long before becoming a leader in the organization, Engh recognized the value of belonging to a network-

ing group: “I’ve been a member of MfM now for 25 years. I know I would not be where I am today if I had not joined back in ’96.”

He credits networking as one of the most valuable tools he has in his arsenal.

“It’s why my company today is healthier and more profitable than it has ever been,” Engh says. “We’re growing again. And I have devel-

oped some absolutely great friends, literally around the world. I find that very comforting that I’m not a oneman band out here.”

Like T.A.G., MfM regularly brings its participants together quarterly for face-to-face meetings, with a member playing the role of host and opening his or her operation for review and critique.

Being able to learn from industry professionals — and not having to reinvent the wheel to discover new ways of doing business and meeting challenges — is one of the biggest advantages of belonging to a networking group, Engh believes.

“It’s the support and sharing of ideas,” he says. “It’s having the camaraderie of like-minded people. It’s having a sounding board for ideas, and having numerous extra eyes on an operation, an issue or an opportunity that you wouldn’t get if you tried to go it alone. You’re certainly not going to go down the street and ask your competitor for help. This provides a safe environment to really open up and discuss those areas where you need help.”

“No one feels alone,” Rothmann says of her group. “If someone has an immediate problem or issue, there is always a T.A.G. member just a phone call away. We have an email distribution group, and our members use it all the time. You can ask a question and get back numerous responses on any topic.”

FACE-TO-FACE VS. VIRTUAL NETWORKING

Both T.A.G. and MfM were built around getting their groups together in a common place

offering opportunities to

and critique member operations — and both organizations had to adjust when the pandemic limited travel and gathering opportunities.

“Virtual networking became the only option we had,” Engh says. “At

American Drycleaner, July 2022

Celebrating

the beginning of COVID, we were all absolutely in crisis mode. So, it at least gave us the opportunity to see each other (and) talk.”

Engh says his organization made the best of the situation, but virtual gatherings just weren’t the same.

“It really only gave a portion of the value of a peer-to-peer, inperson networking opportunity,” he says. “You can’t do a plant tour and critique online.”

Engh attempted to emulate this activity during the pandemic by walking around a plant with a camera during a Zoom meeting, but the attempt was less than successful.

“You can’t see what the plant is really about,” he explains. “You can’t get a feel for the employees, the cul ture or the quality of their product. You just can’t do that virtually.”

While she certainly still believes in the value of getting together in person, Rothmann says a virtual “something” was better than a pandemic-fueled “nothing.”

“We have always had in-person, face-to-face meetings until COVID hit,” she says. “All of a sudden, we had to go virtual on Zoom. While they are not as good as face-to-face meetings, they definitely alleviated that feeling of ‘I am alone.’ Every week, everyone could get on that call and talk about what was going on and what they were doing. We discussed what was working and what was not working.”

Now that travel is possible again, Rothmann’s group is adopting a hybrid solution: “While we are back to in-person meetings, we continue our monthly Zoom and plan to continue that tradition until the group feels it is unnecessary.”

Engh believes his group is relieved face-to-face gatherings are again possible.

“The recent meetings we’ve had have just been full of energy, with the pent-up need to actually see,

visit and shake hands,” he says. “It’s the personal side of things that we’ve missed. The attendance at our quarterly Bureau meetings has been fantastic, and the energy has been great. People are just really glad to get back together again.”

Still, Scalco says there are advantages to taking the hard-fought lessons from the pandemic to heart, and virtual meetings are most likely

here to stay.

“I think you might see a lot of people go back to fewer in-person meetings and more hybrid virtual/inperson meeting schedules,” she says. “Virtual meetings can reach a much larger audience, where people don’t have to travel and figure out staffing. There’s a big difference in time and expense between closing your

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Leaving a Smaller Ecological Footprint

Best Cleaners focuses its operations to make a ‘green’ difference

By Dave Davis, Editor

Dry cleaning’s ecological impact has been debated for decades, and Best Cleaners is determined to do what it can to present a positive image there. The upstate New York-based company has focused on making green choices and leaving as small an ecological footprint as possible in its day-to-day operations.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Catherine McCann and her husband, Tim, purchased Best Cleaners in March 2005, and have expanded the company over the past 17 years through acquisitions and organic growth. While the company closed some of its stores during the COVID-19 pandemic, Best Cleaners now has five drop stores and two plants, along with a dynamic route system and a restoration business.

Early on in their ownership, the McCanns wanted to make sure that their environmental impact was as slight as possible. As time went on, they found that, while still a challenge at times, it became easier to fulfill that desire.

“Ecological concerns are in every decision we make,” Catherine McCann says. “We want to make sure that we’re meeting those clients who are eco-conscious where they want to be, so we’re doing everything that we can to meet their decision-making criteria.”

Fortunately, those decisions have become easier since

the McCanns first bought Best Cleaners. “There are far more options available today than there were 17 years ago,” she says.

In addition to using eco-friendly solvents in their drycleaning process, the McCanns also wanted to cut their water and energy usage. After investigating different cleaning technology that would help them accomplish these goals, they purchased a Miele PW818 45-lb. washer and PT8507 steam-heated dryer.

The Miele equipment has met the McCanns’ criteria of making both economic and ecological sense, and two more sets of the cleaning equipment have been installed at their company. The Miele washer is used most often for silks, wools, garments with contrasting colors — navy blue and yellows, black and white — and garments with faux leather, says Melody Conklin, Best’s director of operations, and they achieve particularly good results washing contrasting colors.

And while Best Cleaners employed wet cleaning prior to the switch, adding the Miele washer “allowed us to do it better,” McCann says, adding that the equipment’s variety of programs make it easy for her employees to use.

The Miele machines allowed them to choose the option of using a water-based system rather drycleaning solvents for more garments. Rush orders and smaller loads are also

(Photo: Ginger Fox Photography)

cleaned more efficiently in the Miele equipment, Conk lin says, as opposed to dry cleaning: “Between the two cycles, it has saved us quite a bit of time and energy.”

SMALL STEPS CAN LEAD TO BIG PROGRESS

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a difference when added up, such as paper use.

“We don’t give our clients receipts at the front end or the back end,” McCann says. “We don’t use flag tags or staples. It’s really important in the office — we don’t print things and hand them out anymore. We share things through Google Documents. We’ve changed our hiring practice so that we don’t have 20 pages that the employee has to sign in the beginning — it’s all online now. We use everything in the system we can to get rid of paper.”

Other green changes have lessened Best’s footprint while still improving the company’s processes.

“We’ve changed the lighting in all our stores, offices and plants to LED lighting,” McCann says. “This has also improved the lighting factor for the spotters, inspectors and pressers, so they have more than enough illuminations.”

“We also use evaporators and other tools so that we have zero waste on our cleaning systems,” says Conklin, “especially for the drycleaning machines.”

“Nothing hits the bin around here,” McCann says. “We

recycle everything to different venues. So if it’s scrap metal or lumber, we’re going to make something new out of it. If it’s donated garments, we’re going to clean them and get them to a place that will reuse them and won’t resell them.”

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS

The drycleaning industry usually hasn’t been seen in its best light when it comes to the environment. “For the past 20 years, the biggest question is, ‘Do you use perc?’” Conklin says.

Perchloroethylene was officially characterized as a “likely human carcinogen” by the EPA in 2012, and has long been classed as an environmental hazard. Many dry cleaners have been using more earth- and health-friendly alternatives for years, but the stigma is difficult to shake.

“It takes a long time to change that perception,” says Conklin, “but it is changing.”

“When the media talks about dry cleaners and garment care professionals, it’s usually about how they’re ‘polluting the Earth with perc,’” McCann says. “Best Cleaners has never used perc — not for one day. When dry cleaners get in the news, though, it’s usually because they’ve had a problem, not because they’re good stewards of the Earth like we are.”

Live Accelerator meeting examined action vs. reaction with real-world examples

SEATTLE — America’s Best Cleaners (ABC) recently hosted its first Live Accelerator meeting in 2022 to provide a forum for its members to interact, compare notes and share ideas.

Held in Seattle in May, the event’s theme was “Diversification?” ABC’s stated goal for the event was to share ideas and experiences about how to continue to move away from simply reacting to events.

“The question wasn’t if you should diversify,” ABC Executive Director Chris White says, “but to what degree diversification best fits the owner’s goals, the market needs and the ability to build successful new businesses or service offerings that will provide sustainability in the mid and long term.”

To make the most of this in-person opportunity, the organization offered affiliates a real-life example of a

ABC Conference Explores the Power of Diversification Hot-Topic

business that has thrived from adding additional business channels. Attendees toured Helena’s Cleaner’s new stateof-the-art facility designed by ABC’s Chris White and Ed D’Elicio. The company welcomed its fellow affiliates and provided a glimpse of the new space designed to maximize the business services they offer.

During the meeting, ABC affiliates Mary Mills of Sir Galloway Cleaners, Robert Strong of Country Club Cleaners, and Dianne Lee of The Press DC also offered their insights on diversification. They also shared how they were able to expand their business plans to offer different services and achieve success during the pandemic.

“It’s easy to talk in hypotheticals, but the power comes from learning directly from your peers to understand their analysis, development and implementation and execution of their ideas,” White says.

Pleasantly Surprising Customers

American Drycleaner,

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Taking advantage of the ability to gather in person again, members of the Tuchman Advisory Group (T.A.G.) recently toured a member’s drycleaning plant, exchanging ideas and networking with their peers.

T.A.G. members met at Judi’s Cleaners in Sacramento, California, on May 4-6 and toured the company’s main plant. Ben and Mary Combs, owners of Judi’s Cleaners, hosted the event.

“It was wonderful to get all these talented operators to see and comment on our operations,” says the company’s president, Ben Combs.

This examination of the facility and its processes is one of the major benefits of these visits, says Ellen Tuchman Rothmann, president of T.A.G. She believes that having people from different perspectives examine the

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host’s business can be an invaluable tool when it comes to improving service and streamlining efficiencies.

“They walk through the business, making comments and suggesting where things could be changed,” she says. “It’s looking at every part of every department with a fresh pair of eyes.”

Sales Manager David Lee and Head of Product Josh Nye of SMRT Systems were also guest speakers.

Rothmann believes that sharing information, seeing how other businesses operate and interacting with colleagues is what T.A.G. is all about.

door for an hour and having to drive or fly somewhere.”

PUTTING YOUR BEST NETWORKING FOOT

Whether in-person or virtually, Scalco believes that, to get the most out of networking opportunities, you’ve got to go all-in when it comes to

“You have to be willing to give, not just take,” she says. “You can’t go on there and just ask questions and then sit back.”

Also, to receive the full power of networking, you have to be ready for the truth — even if it might be difficult to hear.

“You need a bit of a thick skin,” Scalco says, “because if you ask a question, you’d have to be prepared for the answer — and it might not be the answer you want. You must be able to say, ‘OK, I appreciate your honest feedback, and I want to know your honest feedback because that’s the only way it’s going to help me.’”

In the spirit of full participation, Blake believes that members shouldn’t be afraid to show their mistakes to their group. Rather than being embarrassed, those are the moments that might provide some of the most valuable ways to help fellow cleaners.

“You’ve got to be able to offer your opinions and experiences,” he says. “And sometimes it’s not the good experiences — sometimes it’s being willing to share the pain you’ve endured with something that you tried that didn’t work. ‘I put in this piece of equipment, and I had nothing but troubles with it,’ or, ‘If you’re going to go down this road, make sure you take a look at this and see how this works.’ You’re sharing your bad experience so people don’t have to relive the mistakes that you made.”

SNAPSHOTS FROM A NETWORKING FORUM

During a recent meeting of DLI’s peer-to-peer forum, several cleaners offered their opinions about the networking opportunity and what it has meant to them.

“After COVID, when these peer Zoom-to-Zoom meetings began, this was the highest level of networking we’ve ever done,” says Maria Kamperides, owner of Boston-based Columbus Cleaners. “From our perspective, for our size, we had never had this oppor-

tunity to meet so many people from all over the country and Canada. I feel the wealth of information that we’ve gained is priceless for us.”

“I don’t think I could have survived a pandemic without these Tuesday calls,” says Ellie Tarnutzer, owner of Lake Mills Cleaners & Dyers in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. “They’ve been a real godsend.”

“Not only have these calls helped us all survive the pandemic,” Kamperides says, “but they have raised the level of our operations. I think we’re all looking to improve — to change and adapt to the new ideas we’ve picked up over the past two-plus years.”

“Networking allows us to learn more and more about all the problems that are going on throughout the industry, and share the information with each other and get solutions,” says Sidney Chelsky, executive director of the Canadian Fabricare Association. “So, we’re all benefiting from it as a result. There are some tremendous new ideas that I’ve picked up that I’m able to share with our members for their benefit and for them to improve their businesses.”

“I think local networking is so powerful because it gives you a chance to expose yourself to practices and people outside of the industry,” says Norman Way, vice president of Puritan Cleaners in Richmond, Virginia. “It’s amazing when you realize people are dealing with similar problems in a different area, and you hear solutions from a different standpoint. Joe Cocker said it best: ‘I get by with a little help from my friends.’ So, the more friends we have, the more we can get help. It also gives us the opportunity to give back and help others.”

“This was such a blessing to me,” says Rusty Smith, president and CEO of Forenta, a manufacturer of drycleaning finishing equipment based in Morristown, Tennessee. “How often can I get an incredible cross-section across North America of what’s going on in the actual drycleaning store? Before this type of networking, I would have to make phone call after phone call, email after email, and visit after visit to get information that I get here every week. I’ve learned so much about the industry that would have taken hours, weeks, months, years to accumulate.”

Many of the dry cleaners who didn’t survive the past couple of years were those who were determined to go it alone, says Bob Singer, co-owner of the Southern California-based Flair Cleaners.

“They just stood out there like an island and thought they had all the answers,” he says. “People who know how to network, and are willing to network, generally are survivors, and they’ll continue to grow. The industry wound up getting better as a result of the pandemic, and those of us who network will continue to get better and better.”

If you attend one industry event in 2022, The Clean Show should be it! Discover new products, exciting technology, and ground-breaking research in commercial laundering, dry-cleaning, and the textile service industry as exhibitors from around the world showcase their latest innovations. Registration is open! Start making your plans to attend.

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add cost of 5 words. Display classified rates are available on request. All major credit cards are accepted.

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2022 RATES: One- to five-time rate: $2.20 per word, boldface $2.30 per word. Minimum charge: $25.00 per ad. Call or write for our three- and 11-time rates. If box number is used, add cost of 5 words. Display classified rates are available on request. All major credit cards are accepted.

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Judging Values, Fielding Complaints and Fixing Prices

10 YEARS

AGO. Value Judgements

What trait did dry cleaners value most employees? According to the American Drycleaner Wire survey, roughly 42% of managers said “dependability” is a trait they found most helpful in an employee, followed by “being a team player” and “having a positive attitude,” each selected by 20.8% of respondents. Other valued traits were “trustworthiness” at 8.3% and “likeability” and “taking direction,” both receiving 4.2% of the vote. As for undesirable traits? “Not working well with others” got 23.8% of the vote, with “being unreliable” coming in at a close second with 19%.

25 YEARS AGO. Sending a Letter — A bipartisan group of six co-sponsors of the Small Business Remediation Act, also known as the Barton Bill, wrote the U.S. Secretary of Labor on behalf of several constituents concerned about OSHA’s pending review of the permissible exposure level for perc in the workplace. “Although our constituents agree that exposure to any chemical should be minimized, they are aware of no evidence of health problems among workers in dry cleaning plants since the 100 ppm PEL was set in 1998, nor of any need for lowering the current PEL below 100 ppm,” the group wrote in its letter.

50 YEARS AGO. Fielding Complaints

— More than 236,000 complaints

were received in 1971 by the Better Business Bureau of Chicago, the consumer protection organization reported. Automobiles led the list, and while dry cleaning and laundry complaints were far down the list, that was nothing to be proud of, according to the Chicago Drycleaners Association. In a statement, the organization said that, “it matters not whether the customer is right or wrong. It matters how you treat the customer with the complaint.”

75 YEARS AGO. Fielding Complaints

— Mac Q. Williamson, the attorney

general of Oklahoma, called for a test case to clear up difficulties with price-fixing of cleaning services.

The attorney general declared that Oklahoma law authorized the state supreme court to decide whether cleaners can set minimum prices.

The state board could approve price agreements by counties when petitioned by 75% of the cleaners in the area. In its form at the time, the attorney general pointed out that the law allowed no recourse on price arranging to the public.

— Compiled by Dave Davis, Editor

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