National Clothesline

If past attendance trends hold true again this year, then the California Cleaners Association can expect over 3,500 professional cleaners from six countries to attend its Fabricare 2006 convention and trade show this summer.

The event will be held from August 18-20 at the familiar location of the Long Beach Convention Center — 300 East Ocean Boulevard — host site of several successful CCA shows in the past.

This year, attendees can expect free admission to approximately 85,000 square feet of exhibit space — all filled with the latest drycleaning industry products and services on display from over 100 companies.

The exhibit hall will be open from 1 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, August 18; from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 19; and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, August, 20.

One highlight of the weekend will be a “2006 and Beyond Industry Outlook Forum” featuring International Fabricare Institute CEO Bill Fisher and Lynnette Watterson, president of CCA.

The pair will examine notable industry developments of 2006 and look at what the future holds for drycleaners, launderers and the industry as a whole.

Also on tap will be a “Legislative and Regulatory Update” presented by CCA Lobbyist Mike Belote and Mei Fong from the California Air Resources Board.

Belote will focus his discussion on what is currently happening inside the halls of the State Capitol while Fong will look at recent changes to the Air Toxic Control Measure that impacts over 90% of California cleaners.

Howard Kaschyk of The Marketing Shop will deliver a seminar on “Cloning Your Best Customers,” because, after all, nobody wants more “bad” customers. Kaschyk believes that one way to achieve higher profitability is to increase the number of “big tuna” customers that regularly visit your plant.

Finally, IFI Garment Analyst Chris Allsbrooks will provide a lively seminar on “Confessions of a Secret Shopper!” She will reveal to attendees some feedback results from the industry’s first secret shoppers.

“Our industry is constantly evolving and these educational seminars are so valuable to anyone involved in drycleaning today, ” said CCA President Lynnette Watterson. “In this economy and time, having the educational edge is what makes cleaners successful. Lack of education dooms others to fail. It is rewarding to be organizing such a value-packed event for the drycleaning industry. ”

In addition to the seminars, there will be a few social opportunities, as well. CCA will host its President’s Gala dinner and there will be a poolside “Catch the Wave” cocktail party.

Another feature of the show will be the results of CCA’s “Extreme Lobby Makeover” project. Early in the year, the association announced that one lucky California cleaner would receive a free makeover of their “tired and dull” lobby. Dozens of entries were submitted and one winner was chosen.

The project was sponsored by Wyatt-Bennet Equipment, Joven’s Sales and Service, Crystal Cleaning Center, United Fabricare Supply, RJ Papalini and Cleaner ’s Supply.

At the show, the makeover panel will share the “before” pictures and reveal the new call lobby of the winner. They will also give tips on what was done to accomplish the new look.

For more information on CCA’s convention, visit www.calcleaners.com or call (916) 239-4070.