National Clothesline

“The Shore Road to Success” is the theme of the Drycleaning and Laundry Expo 2006 set for Atlantic City, NJ on Sept. 16-17.

The show and its seminars will focus on ways to increase profits in all aspects of the clothing care industry. Energy savings and environmental progress through technology and good practices are among the things that will be emphasized.

The show is sponsored by the Pennsylvania and Delaware Cleaners Association (PDCA). Headquarters hotel will be the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel, located across the street from the Atlantic City Convention Center. Rooms can be reserved directly from the PDCA web site, www.pdclean.org, or by calling the hotel at (609) 344-3535.

For information about the show, contact PDCA at (800) 822-7352.

Last year, the number of attendees surpassed the 500 mark; this year, however, the Western Pennsylvania Cleaners and Laundry Association hope to generate an even bigger turnout at its annual Pirates Outing.

In fact, in a newsletter sent out to is members, the association noted that it is hoping this year’s tailgate party will have enough attendees to be considered for a new Guinness World Record as the world’s largest drycleaners social event.

Already, the event has proved to be much bigger than any WPCL board members originally anticipated. Part of the reason is due to the exceptionally low price of tickets for a Major League Baseball game.

This year, WPCL members who participate need only pay $7 per ticket to watch the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Philadelphia Phillies at 1:35 p.m. on Sunday, April 30.

Non-members must pay $10 each.

The price includes admission to the game as well as lots of foods, drinks and prizes at the tailgate party prior to the game — which has grown considerably every year. WPCL anticipates a figure much larger than 850 this April.

Tickets must be bought in increments of at least ten; however many cleaners buy in packs of 50, 100 and 150 as the tickets make clever gifts to show your appreciation to valued employees and customers.

Those who purchase at least 50 tickets or more will also get scoreboard recognition for their company. WPCL has advised to order early for a chance to get front row seats.

For more information, call (724) 327-5956.

Virginia drycleaner Gary Glover was awarded the Ukrop’s distinguished Community Service Award at an awards dinner in February. The annual event, a fundraiser for Commonwealth Catholic Charities, was held at the Holiday Inn Select Koger South in Richmond.

Glover, president and chief executive officer of Puritan Cleaners, and his staff were singled out for Puritan’s extensive work in community service programs, including its service to America’s military service personnel. In addition to cleaning American flags year-round for free, Puritan’s web site, www.puritancleaners.com, offers an interesting feature. Site visitors can access “Thank You Patriot” PDF forms and write out a note of appreciation for American troops that will be publicly displayed. Puritan’s even gives customers a complimentary American flag lapel pin for their efforts.

The company has participated in Coats for Kids since 1988, along with 10,000 Meals for Kids in Central Virginia, Great Bears for Kids in Danger, and the Cinderella Project, which collects prom dresses for high school girls who cannot afford them.

“This award is really a tribute to our 220 employees,” said Glover. “They really get behind all of our community programs, and are often the first ones to donate to them. I can’t say enough good things about them.”

Puritan Cleaners has 14 locations scattered throughout the greater Richmond area.