National Clothesline

During a recent annual Pollution Prevention Conference and Trade Show, Nu Yale Cleaners was publicly lauded with a 2009 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.

The award was presented to plant owner Gary Maloney from Indiana Department of Environmental Management Assistant Commissioner Rick Bossingham.

In 2008, Nu Yale switched from perchloroethylene to Solvair. After installing its first machine utilizing the new technology, the company was able to dramatically reduce hazardous waste by over 2,000 pounds per year and waste water by 3,465 pounds per year.

“All of us at Nu Yale are excited and extremely honored to receive the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award,” Maloney noted. “Our innovative cleaning technology is the first in Indiana and only the ninth in the world to be able to offer this truly green technology. Nu Yale remains committed to exploring the cutting edge of technology and being the leader in the drycleaning industry.”

Assistant Commissioner Bossingham offered vocal congratulations to plant, which has five locations in Indiana and eight more in the state of Kentucky.

“When voluntary business actions result in improved operational practices, there will be a winning outcome every time,” he said. “Gary Maloney and Nu Yale Cleaners are to be commended for their innovation and their achievement for engaging in environmentally friendly business operations.”

The Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence program first began in 1994 as a means to recognize Indiana’s leaders who have identified and implemented innovate environmental practices into their programs and facilities.

More than 100 cleaners in the Minnesota Cleaners Association will be donating time and resources to assist Sharing and Caring Hands in Minneapolis with an annual blanket drive.

Over the past six years, MCA members have helped collect over 3,000 blankets and related items such as comforters, bedspreads and throws in order to help keep local residents in need a little warmer during the winter.

The blanket drive will be running through the end of November. For more information, visit www.minnesotadrycleaners.org.

The Montessori School of Lake Forest (MSLF) recently appointed Tom Zengeler to its board of directors.

Zengeler is president of Zengeler Cleaners, Illinois oldest and largest cleaners. The company was started in 1857 by the Zengeler family and it has owned and operated it for five generations.

“The school provides an exceptional educational setting that plays a critical role in the early education of our youth,” noted Zengeler.

Renée Baldwin, president of the board, was happy with the new addition.

“The board of directors is excited about the qualities Tom Zengeler will bring to the Montessori School of Lake Forest’s board of directors,” she said. “The success of Zengeler Cleaners under Tom’s leadership speaks for itself. We were delighted when he agreed to join our board and know he will bring invaluable contributions to the school.”