National Clothesline

A busy weekend awaits cleaners who plan on attending the North East Fabricare Association’s Fabricare Image convention and trade show.

It will take place at the Rhode Island Convention Center from April 21-23.

The first scheduled event will be a board of directors and allied trades welcome reception from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday evening.

The educational sessions will begin the following morning when CLA Executive Director Brian Wallace presents “Coin Laundry and Drycleaning: A Perfect Match” from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.

Cleaners looking for new ways to diversify will learn how the coin laundry industry is an excellent way for cleaners to enhance their services and expand their operations.

At 10:15 a.m., Rex Carrigan, a national expert in the marketing and development of routes, will tell attendees how to “Bring Your Service to Your Customers!”

The marketplace for drycleaning may be shrinking, but profits can still go up. Carrigan will illustrate how routes can be an excellent way to add to your business.

Following those two sessions, NEFA will host a silent auction and cocktail reception from 6:30 to 9 p.m. that evening. Some items up for bid include: a fishing charter, sports ticket, a used delivery step van and a Pony Collar and Cuff press (donated by Aldrich Clean Tech) valued at $6,365.

More educational sessions will ensue on Sunday, beginning with “Slashing the High Cost of Energy.” Experts Mike Welty, Bill Schoellkopf and others will explain how drycleaners can cut down on their inflated electricity, gas and oil costs through energy conservation methods and rebates.

Afterward, “Why Worry, It’s Only Money” by Rex Carrigan will illustrate how cleaners can market more effectively in order to increase customer loyalty.

A Deluxe registration package, which includes admittance to all sessions, the welcome reception, the silent auction and the exhibit hall, costs $75 per person.

For more information, contact NEFA by calling (781) 942-7630 or visit www.nefabricare.com.

Last year, Anton’s Cleaners helped clean and collect over 1,600 dresses for the new Belle of the Ball program. Young women were able to shop free for fancy gowns of all colors, shapes and sizes in order to attend their high school proms in high style.

This year, Anton’s will again chip in its services. The eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire-based chain began the drive on February 1. It will conclude April 15. The donated gowns may be of any size; however, they must be free of damage and only three to four years old in order to qualify for the program.

“Belle of the Ball is about creating a magical night for high school junior and senior girls,” said Charles A. Anton of Anton’s Cleaners. “Every girl who wants to go to her prom should have the opportunity to go. We want to help make that possible by providing beautiful, modern dresses to girls who need them.”

Anton’s will hold a “boutique” on Saturday, April 29 at Simmons College where qualifying girls will be assisted by fashion experts in finding their perfect dress.