National Clothesline

Whether you are seeking help to achieve compliance with government regulations or you simply would like to utilize the latest marketing technologies to boost your business, the North Carolina Association of Launderers and Cleaners upcoming convention is a good place to start.

The association will be hosting its 104th annual event at the Sheraton Atlantic Beach in North Carolina during Memorial Day Weekend, May 28-30.

Headlining the event will be several guest speakers who will provide attendees with plenty of useful information and helpful hints designed to make their plants run more effectively and successfully.

Frank Kollman, partner at the law firm of Kollman & Saucier, PA, and monthly columnist for National Clothesline, will offer advice to cleaners on how to prepare for present and future OSHA regulations that will affect small businesses and the drycleaning industry. Under the current Administration, the Department of Labor is expected to step up its OSHA inspections, so cleaners would be wise to be as well-informed as possible.

Also speaking during the weekend will be John Zimmerman, CEO of eRocketFuel.com, a Chicago based social media marketing agency. He is a native North Carolinian and a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He’ll be spending the whole weekend at the convention.

During his program, he will provide insight on how to effectively use social networking sites, such as web sites, blogs, Facebook and Twitter, in order to gain more customers, and ultimately, more profit.

Also slated to make an appearance are a pair of popular faces hailing from the Drycleaning Laundry Institute. DLI President Dave Silliman, owner of Uptowne Cleaners in Scottsdale, AZ, will share some of his personal experiences.

DLI CEO Bill Fisher will also be on hand to present “How to Get the Most Out of Your Membership in DLI,” Having your DLI membership is one thing, but are you really maximizing your return on the dues by utilizing all of DLI products and services?

In addition to the educational programs, many allied trades will display tabletop exhibits. NCALC will also host numerous social outings that will give cleaners a chance to unwind and network with their peers.

On Friday night, the association will present “Mardi Gras in May” with a cajun style seafood feast. The silent auction will also begin.

On the following night, there will be a Hawaiian luau featuring Caribbean ribs and steel drummer music by Dave Overby.

The President’s Reception will be held on Sunday evening, along with NCALC’s annual banquet dinner where Silliman will oversee the installation of the new officers and directors.

This year’s headquarters hotel, the Sheraton Atlantic Beach, will offer a special discounted rate for convention-goers. The cost is only $169 per night, a savings of more than $100 from the typical Memorial Day Weekend cost.

The oceanfront accommodations are located near golf courses and an abundance of historic and cultural venues.

For reservations, contact the hotel at (800) 214-0258 and mention your affiliation with NCALC prior to April 28.

To register or find additional information on the convention, visit the association’s web site at www.ncalc.org or contact them at (336) 389-9011.