National Clothesline

Anton’s Cleaners was honored by Enterprise Bank with the 2010 Celebration of Excellence Award for its community service efforts.

The award honors a business organization that has “harnessed the power of their assets, resources and visibility to make a significant positive impact on their community.”

Overall, 30 nominees were judged by a committee of leaders from businesses, politics, health care, non-profit and higher education.

When Charles Anton, president of Anton’s was presented with the award, it was noted that “The 2010 Celebration of Excellence judging committee was unanimously impressed with the numerous contributions and the vital role Anton’s has played in making the difference in the communities they serve. It was clear that for Anton’s, social consciousness and business acumen go hand-in-hand. They truly are an inspiration and role model for others.”

Anton’s has cleaned and distributed over 600,000 free coats to those in need through its Coats for Kids program. In 2005, they launched Belle of the Ball and have since outfitted over 1,500 prom gowns for high school girls free of charge.

Whether you prefer to head to the National Cleaners Association’s drycleaning school in New York, or attend virtually using your computer in your plant, there are numerous educational opportunities still left for drycleaners throughout the rest of the year.

Cost-effective and convenient, the webinars will incorporate a variety of expert speakers covering a wide range of topics.

Some of the upcoming offerings include: “Social Media” by Norman Way on July 21; “Problem Garments” by Alan Spielvogel on Aug. 18; “E-Mail Marketing” with Nora Nealis and Katie Morelli on Sept. 15; “Tips on Offering Tailoring and Alterations” by Victoria Aviles on Oct. 20; “Growing Your Route” on Nov. 17; and “Blogging 101” on Dec. 15.

The cost for each webinar is $69 for telephone and Web-based participation.

Cleaners who prefer an in-person, hands-on approach will also have plenty of options from NCA in the coming months.

Starting on Aug. 2, the association will host a five-day, 40-hour “Radical Drycleaning/Stain Removal” class that will meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The cost is $750 for members and $995 for non-members.

Also in the same month will be a one-day, eight hour course on “Nuts and Bolts of Routing — Practical Principles” on Sunday, Aug. 22.

The class will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuition costs $250 per member and $350 per non-member.

Also starting on Aug. 22 will be a two-day offering in Korean of NCA’s D.E.C. Certification course for New York cleaners who need to obtain or update their perc drycleaning status. Class will meet from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The cost for those who attend is $795 for members and $1,295 for non-members.

Starting on Sept. 10, NCA will present an offering of its three-day course on “Basic Pressing and Finishing” that meets from 8:30 to 5 p.m. on three consecutive days. Tuition is $455 for members and $595 for other cleaners.

Also on the horizon will be a few one-day offerings from the association that will typically meet from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and cost $250 for members and $350 for non-members.

Some of the topics and dates that are currently on NCA’s schedule include: “Intensive Bleaching” on Oct. 10, “Wetcleaning” on Nov. 7, “Extreme Stain Removal” on Nov. 14 and “Intensive Inspection and Innovative Packaging” on Dec. 12.

NCA has several other options on its schedule, as well; however, many dates and locations have yet to be determined.

One date that has been set is the association’s next Texcare trade show. The event will take place at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, NJ, October 13-17, 2011.

For more information and an updated look at the association’s itinerary, visit www.nca-i.com and click on the “NCA Calendar” link.

Information may also be obtained by calling NCA, (212) 967-3002.