National Clothesline

Drycleaners have joined forces with other business groups and government entities to support state legislation that would get the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s permitting process rolling again.

A successful lawsuit by the Natural Resources Defense Council against the air agency has had the effect of putting a moratorium on air permits in the district for projects by public agencies and businesses.

For example, the moratorium could prevent a drycleaner from obtaining permits to install new equipment to comply with deadlines for the phasing out of perc.

The California Cleaners Association is officially backing the legislation (SB 696) introduced earlier this year by Sen. Roderick Wright, a Los Angeles Democrat, and has encouraged cleaners to send letters of support to representatives in the state assembly. The Korean Drycleaners-Laundry Association also backs the effort.

CCA said the lawsuit has blocked implementation of nearly 1,100 permits for drycleaners, schools, fire stations, police stations, water quality plants, pollution control projects, hospitals, electricity generation and other projects. More than 2,000 existing permits are potentially subject to being canceled, CCA added.

The South Coast district covers all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. SCAQMD itself is among many governmental supporters of the legislation, which has received committee approval and awaits full Senate action.

Yes on SB 696, a coalition of local governments, school districts, water districts, business organizations, labor unions and others, stepped up pressure for passage of the legislation last month with a letter to all California lawmakers.

“It is unconscionable that businesses cannot get permits to install technology that is essential for them to keep their doors open, energy efficient and environment friendly,” said the letter signed bu Richard Slawson, executive secretary of the Los Angeles/Orange County Build and Construction Trades Council (AFL-CIO) and Bill Lamarr, executive director of the California Small Business Alliance.

“It is true that without SB 696. the harmful moratorium on air permits would continue to wreak havoc. The moratorium will not only cripple plans to improve the safety of our communities, the health of our environment and the quality of our lives, but will also result in the closure of more businesses and the loss of thousands of jobs,” the letter continued.

Branding will be the topic at a Southern California Cleaners Association dinner meeting on Sept. 16.

Peter Monaghan, owner of SELLability Sales & Marketing Training, will discuss how a business can set itself apart in a down economy. Monaghan has created thousands of marketing programs for small business owners over the past 18 years.

The meeting, which is co-sponsored by the California Cleaners Association, will be held at Steven’s Steakhouse, 5332 Stevens Place in Commerce, CA. The evening will begin with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. followed by the dinner and program.

The cost is $45 for members of the association and $90 for all others. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Contact the SCCA office, (877) 445-2322, for more information.








						Business, government groups unite behind Cal. legislation Drycleaners have joined forces with other business groups and government entities to support state legislation that would get the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s permitting process rolling again. A successful lawsuit by the Natural Resources Defense Council against the air agency has had the effect of putting a moratorium on air permits in the district for projects by public agencies and businesses. For example, the moratorium could prevent a drycleaner from obtaining permits to install new equipment to comply with deadlines for the phasing out of perc. The California Cleaners Association is officially backing the legislation (SB 696) introduced earlier this year by Sen. Roderick Wright, a Los Angeles Democrat, and has encouraged cleaners to send letters of support to representatives in the state assembly. The Korean Drycleaners-Laundry Association also backs the effort. CCA said the lawsuit has blocked implementation of nearly 1,100 permits for drycleaners, schools, fire stations, police stations, water quality plants, pollution control projects, hospitals, electricity generation and other projects. More than 2,000 existing permits are potentially subject to being canceled, CCA added. The South Coast district covers all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. SCAQMD itself is among many governmental supporters of the legislation, which has received committee approval and awaits full Senate action. Yes on SB 696, a coalition of local governments, school districts, water districts, business organizations, labor unions and others, stepped up pressure for passage of the legislation last month with a letter to all California lawmakers. “It is unconscionable that businesses cannot get permits to install technology that is essential for them to keep their doors open, energy efficient and environment friendly,” said the letter signed bu Richard Slawson, executive secretary of the Los Angeles/Orange County Build and Construction Trades Council (AFL-CIO) and Bill Lamarr, executive director of the California Small Business Alliance. “It is true that without SB 696. the harmful moratorium on air permits would continue to wreak havoc. The moratorium will not only cripple plans to improve the safety of our communities, the health of our environment and the quality of our lives, but will also result in the closure of more businesses and the loss of thousands of jobs,” the letter continued. SoCal group dinner topic is branding Branding will be the topic at a Southern California Cleaners Association dinner meeting on Sept. 16. Peter Monaghan, owner of SELLability Sales & Marketing Training, will discuss how a business can set itself apart in a down economy. Monaghan has created thousands of marketing programs for small business owners over the past 18 years. The meeting, which is co-sponsored by the California Cleaners Association, will be held at Steven’s Steakhouse, 5332 Stevens Place in Commerce, CA. The evening will begin with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. followed by the dinner and program. The cost is $45 for members of the association and $90 for all others. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Contact the SCCA office, (877) 445-2322, for more information.