ABC cleaners look for advantages
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The award ceremony was preceded by a two-day meeting on “Strategic and Tactical Opportunities for Market Leaders in Today’s Environment.”
ABC is developing strategies to help affiliates take advantage of the current
economic situation. The good news during this crisis is that we are ridding
ourselves of old style business models and are moving rapidly into the next
generation of ideas, communication, creativity, and the means to get there,
attendees learned.
Separate discussions on acquisitions and market share were led by Ed D’Elicio while Chris White introduced ABC’s new online shopping cart and Mark Shapiro, formerly an E-myth coach, presented
a treatise on Psychographic modeling. There were additional presentations from
the meeting sponsors, EZ Products International and ABC’s Platinum Level Sponsor, SPOT Business Systems.
A highlight the conference was a presentation by Alf Nucifora, executive
director of the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco on “Getting Inside the Mind of the Luxury Buyer.”
Meeting the certification requirements to become an affiliate is an
accomplishment in itself, but three affiliates were recognized for exceptional
work in 2008:
The Cleanery of Albuquerque, NM, was recognized for outstanding client services;
Cameo Cleaners/Jeeves of New York was recognized for exceptional garment
quality; and NuYale Cleaners of Louisville, KY, was named Affiliate of the
Year.
“The various presentations were incredibly informative. I took 14 pages of notes,” said David Kistner of Green Apple Cleaners of New York City and New Jersey.
Added Sonny Shah of Four Seasons Cleaners in Ventura, CA, “Even though you couldn’t fit another item on the agenda, we wanted more! Ed D’Elicio and Chris White both have a tremendous amount of knowledge and I believe
that they are true partners with us in pursuit of excellence.”
Jim Rossman of Anderson Cleaners in Minneapolis/St. Paul, who became an
affiliate last year remarked, “The knowledge base of the affiliates exhibited at these meetings has helped me
improve my quality not to mention the on-site inspections and the secret
shopping program.”
ABC seeks to locate and recognize the best drycleaning establishments in major
metropolitan areas throughout the United States. Selection is contingent upon
adherence to strict criteria and the independent certification is valid for one
year; cleaners are re-tested annually for compliance.
For information about certification, visit the ABC website, www.americasbestcleaners.com or call (415) 721-2290.
