Content about Laundry Institute

LAUREL, Md. — A five-day Introduction to Drycleaning course, sponsored by the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute’s (DLI) School of Drycleaning Technology, will make a stop in Chicago April 30 through May 4.

Known as DLI On the Road, the course offers the opportunity to locals to train without expensive airfares, hotel accommodations, or time away from family to learn the basics of the drycleaning business.

The class, co-sponsored by the Illinois Professional Drycleaners & Launderers, will be held in the northwest Chicago suburbs. Sessions at Haiges Machinery in Huntley, Ill., and at Vogue Cleaners in Crystal Lake, Ill., are planned. Registration closes April 6.

The drycleaning course provides a solid foundation for the profession and is ideal for newcomers to the industry, DLI says. Some of the basics covered include sorting loads for dry cleaning; cleaning garments, including silk and satin; operating a drycleaning machine; removing stains, including coffee, ink and grease; pressing pants, coats and skirts; and using tensioning equipment to improve finishing quality.

PUERTO RICO — The Five-Star Brainstorming conference, co-sponsored by the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute and the National Cleaners Association, was pronounced a success by organizers and attendees.

About 50 dry cleaning professionals gathered at a Puerto Rican resort in mid-January to discuss customer trends and produce ideas to improve their businesses. The unique gathering, the first time the two groups have co-hosted a conference, featured a number of speakers, including Brian Carter, co-author of Facebook Marketing.

“He showed attendees that you really can make money with Facebook,” says Brian Johnson, DLI director of education and analysis.

Identifying different levels of familiarity with online marketing among audience members, Carter tailored his talk to involve all attendees. He provided basic steps that everyone, even those with only 15 minutes per month to spend on the project, could take, including creating a Facebook page and running a simple Facebook ad to promote their business in their area.

LAUREL, Md. & NEW YORK — The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) and the National Cleaners Association (NCA) are preparing for their first-ever combined “Five-Star Brainstorming” conference in Puerto Rico in two weeks.

The Jan. 12-15 conference at the Gran Melia Resort will bring together members of both associations and offer an excellent opportunity to network and make new friends in the industry, the associations say.

Each day of the conference will feature morning seminars, leaving the rest of the day free for exploration, relaxation and conversation in a tropical paradise setting.

Some of the sessions on the agenda include:

Deadline to register to take Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) Certification examinations during Feb. 3-17, 2012, testing period. Call DLI Education Department at 800-638-2627 for more information.

The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) and the National Cleaners Association (NCA) are planning a co-operative winter management seminar Jan. 12-15, 2012, at the Gran Melia hotel resort in Puerto Rico. “DLI Five-Stars & NCA Brainstorming 2012” will provide an opportunity for members of both associations to unite in the sprit of unity, learning, and progress.

A healthy balance of work and play is built into the conference schedule. Seminars will run half-days only Friday though Sunday to allow guests to enjoy the hospitable climate and tropical atmosphere of a very scenic and relaxing atmosphere.

Call Mary Scalco, DLI, 800-638-2627, ext. 1102, or Nora Nealis, NCA, 800-888-1622, for more information.

LAUREL, Md. – The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute’s (DLI) first-ever On the Road course recently brought the basics of drycleaning to Minneapolis, Minn.

Brian Johnson, DLI director of education and analysis, taught seven students the ins and outs of drycleaning, finishing, stain removal and more. E. Weinberg Supply and Best Cleaners provided the instruction environment, and students were able to learn processes and skills with DLI’s customary hands-on approach.

“DLI is planning to do more of these courses in other areas,” says Johnson, “and we’re working with our state affiliates to determine the specifics.”

Some students expressed an interest in learning advanced drycleaning in their home areas as well, he says. “We’re looking into how we can adapt the Advanced Drycleaning Course to the On the Road format.”

The next DLI On the Road course is slated for Nov. 14-18 in West Palm Beach, Fla. New England and Texas are being targeted for potential stops.

LAUREL, Md. — The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) expanded its Seal of Approval program to include the Masterminds Group. The creation of the group is an effort to unite Seal of Approval cleaners in a management group-style forum where they can share success stories and foster excellence among participating cleaners.

LAUREL, Md. — The Drycleaning and Laundry Institute’s (DLI) Encyclopedia of Drycleaning Edition 8 is expanded to include the most recent two years of up-to-date reference resources, the trade association says.

This year, the Encyclopedia will also be available through DLI’s new website. An annual subscription to online access will ensure that members have the most up-to-date information at their fingertips.

LAS VEGAS — Cleaner’s Supply will offer an expanded Consultants Corner at Booth #3635 during this year’s Clean Show in Las Vegas, June 6-9. The popular Q&A sessions invite showgoers to meet some of the industry’s most respected authorities and get advice on management and operational issues.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Members of the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists (AWGS) met early last month to elect officers, participate in interactive seminars and award the first annual Jack Barth Memorial Award of Excellence.

Initiated by Linda Stokes-Barth in remembrance of her late husband and his achievements, the award recognizes an AWGS member for outstanding contributions to the organization and advancement of wedding-gown care.

LAUREL, Md. — What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas, says the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI), when what happens is learning. And the association’s recent Five-Star Management Conference, held in Las Vegas last month, was a “mind-expanding” success.

Operator Dan Miller returned from the conference with a headful of ideas. “There were so many things, it’s difficult to list them all,” he says. “We definitely will be focusing on online marketing and using Facebook more effectively.”

In response to popular demand, the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) has again picked Las Vegas as the host city for its annual Five-Star Management Conference, set for Feb. 23-25 at the Wynn Resort.

The event kicks off with a welcome reception on the evening of Feb. 23. Conference activities begin at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24, with opening remarks from DLI CEO Bill Fisher.