National Clothesline

To mark its 100th anniversary at its annual convention on May 26-28, the North Carolina Association of Launderers and Cleaners have prepared a busy weekend of fun and educational programming.

The event, which will be held at the Atlantic Beach Sheraton Hotel, will feature several guest speakers, including National Clothesline columnist Dennis McCrory of The Golomb Group. He will discuss “Branding Through Customer Service.”

IFI CEO Bill Fisher will also be headlining the convention, offering a look at the “State of the Industry,” as will IFI President Gary Dawson of Belleair Bluffs Cleaners in Florida, who will deliver a keynote address on Saturday.

Also on tap, Eric Swope will offer a “DSCA Program Update” and Representative Pryor Gibson will point out “The Importance of Being Politically Active.”

On Sunday, Tony Pendola of NCDENR will present a seminar on “New Perc NESHAP.” Afterward, “Dryclean Dave” Silliman will talk about his own “Branding Success Story.”

Throughout the weekend, NCALC will celebrate its century of history by displaying artifacts, scrapbooks and pictures provided by various industry associations, individuals, cleaners and allied tradespeople.

On Saturday and Sunday mornings, there will be allied trades tabletop exhibits open to attendees. the table-top exhibits will be open from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. both days and also during morning breaks at the educational sessions.

Kicking things off on Friday evening, NCALC will host a seafood fest. Jerry Lieberman of B&G Lieberman in Charlotte, NC, will regale guests with stories of the drycleaning industry’s past. Other longtime cleaners with good memories will also be chiming in.

Additionally, there will be karaoke and dancing after dinner. For “young cleaners” there will be a separate party featuring swimming, pizza, games and movies.

NCALC will host more activities on the following night, including a luau with DJ David Overby. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume and participate in the hula and limbo contests.

On Sunday night, there will be a champagne reception and a banquet where awards will be presented, silent auction winners will be announced and the association’s new officers will be installed. A second “young cleaners party” will provide food and entertainment for children in a nearby room until 11 p.m.

Rooms are available at the Sheraton Atlantic Beach Hotel at special rates ranging from $135 to $229. To register, call the hotel at (800) 214-0258 and mention your affiliation with the NCALC annual convention.

There is another lodging option available at the nearby Island Beach and Racquet Club. For reservations and rates, call (800) 786-7368.

Full registration packages are available for convention-goers at a rate of $349 per attendee, which includes admittance to both days of educational sessions and all of the social functions.

There is a separate package available for those who just want to attend the social functions. The cost is $149 per person.

There is a late fee of $50 for those who register after May 15.

NCALC is also giving cleaners the option of paying for “a la carte event” registration, as well.

For more information, contact NCALC by calling (336) 389-9011.

Mark Watkins of Mark’s Quality Cleaners in Birmingham, AL, was elected president of the South Eastern Fabricare Association at the annual board of directors meeting in Atlanta, GA, April 10.

Jim Hardy of Harrell’s Cleaners in LaGrange, GA, will serve as chairman of the board and Billy Stewart of Continental Cleaners in Columbus, GA, will be the executive vice president.

Serving as vice presidents representing their respective SEFA states will be Leonard Carroll, Rhoad’s Cleaners in Orangeburg, SC; Tim Barr, Aladdin Cleaners & Laundry, Birmingham, AL; and Joe Lancaster, Coral Gables Dry Cleaning Inc., Coral Gables, FL.

Perry Bullard of Brunson Laundry in Brunson, SC, was elected treasurer.

The following directors were also elected: Bill Cook III and Leland Waite, Alabama; Tripp Penninger, South Carolina; Julia Campbell, Stan Martin, Jr., Ron McLamb, Barry Morgan, Pete Rountree, and Warner Wade, Georgia; and Rick Miller, Greg Myers, Jim Parham and M.C. Rogers, Florida.

Elected as associate directors were Luther Creel, Fabritec International; Steve Taylor, Phenix Supply Co.; Ken Holder, Kreussler Inc.; Steve Jennings, Radiant Specialty Services; Jo Cripps, Phenix Supply Co., Bernie Santandera, Morris and Eckels; Wes Brunson, Fabritec International; Rusty Daniels, Tri-State Supply Co.; Darryl Crawford, Maineline Computer; Michael Miller, R. R. Street & Co.; Orville Johnson, FH Bonn; and Steve Pedelty, M&B Hanger.