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April 2, 2013
Fending Off Hack Attacks (Part 1)

CHICAGO — Banks commonly refuse to indemnify companies for funds stolen from commercial accounts

CHICAGO — Quick. Easy. Efficient. Who doesn’t love online banking? Be aware, though, of the danger: Hackers can access your account, drain your funds and threaten the survival of your business.

The risk is growing. Cyber attacks increased some 24% in the first half of 2012 over the same period the previous year, according to a new report from security firm Symantec. Reason? “Any time the economy goes down, white collar crime goes up,” says Bill McDermott, CEO of Atlanta-based McDermott Financial Solutions. “We’re seeing an increase in corporate account takeovers. It’s a huge problem.”

Banks commonly refuse to indemnify companies for funds stolen from commercial accounts. “A lot of people have the misunderstanding that banks offer to business accounts the protection offered to consumers,” says McDermott. “In fact, banks will not hold business account holders harmless for losses from cyber-fraud.”

September 27, 2011
Spotting Tips: Soy Sauce and Balsamic Vinaigrette

CONCORD, N.C. —  I was interviewed recently for one of those all-too-common consumer reports on drycleaning. The reporter recounted horror stories at the cleaners. Soon, she hit a nerve: “My mom said that cleaners used to get out stains, but today they just make excuses.”

I sincerely hope that she is not referring to your operations. The technical side of garment cleaning carries as much importance to your success as do your promotional efforts. A reputation for poor quality and indifferent service will render each dollar you spend on advertising worthless.

I often hear that two stains—soy sauce and balsamic vinaigrette—are “impossible” to remove. Not true. Armed with knowledge and by giving a little effort, you can remove them and enhance your professional reputation.

February 24, 2010
Who’s Cleaning Up in Illinois?

The old saying, “There’s no sense crying over spilt milk” could apply to Chicago’s recent contamination problems. However, spilt milk can be cleaned up with a towel; solvents are considerably more difficult.

Don’t get me wrong — I’m all for a clean environment. I’m also for a free market. But in the free market of the last century, many businesses took their chances with sloppy housekeeping.

September 21, 2009
DLI’s Fisher Speaks on Voice of America

LAUREL, Md. — Bill Fisher, CEO of the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI), recently appeared on the Voice of America (VOA), the official radio and television broadcasting service of the federal government, to talk about the economic state of the drycleaning industry.

In an interview with reporter Ye Yuan, Fisher explained that the drycleaning industry hit hard times long before the rest of economy went into recession, and that the decline is now approximately 30% to 40%.

December 12, 2008
The ‘New’ New Orleans: Clean Show Attendees Will See Subtle Changes

NEW ORLEANS — I have visited New Orleans on several occasions, but this is the first time that I’ve seen Christmas decorations, or for that matter, Santa Claus marching in a jazz funeral. This is also the first time that I encountered weather here that wasn’t as warm as the Cajun cuisine.