That is the question everyone is looking to answer as we move into life after the pandemic. Now, my crystal ball is not crystal clear and as more states ease restrictions the picture will become clearer.

There are two schools of thought — one says business will be like the Roaring Twenties after prohibition and the other says the general public will still be wary after the restrictions are lifted. I choose to believe in the first scenario and there is something to be said for “If you believe it, it is more likely to happen.”

Now I’m not saying just because we wish everything will return to normal or prepandemic it will — but you can prepare and position your company in that regard. Yes, things will be different but one thing I learned this past year is how resilient and kind DLI members are.

Members have taken the opportunity to work on their businesses over the past year; I’m not talking about production, I’m talking about the business. Looking at their marketing, looking at their financials, and looking to where they want to be when the economy fully reopens.

Continue reading “What’s Next? – Moment with Mary” →

The following drycleaning professionals are running for election to the Director post in their Districts.  Each nominee is running unopposed in his district and has an extensive background in the industry. Ballots will be mailed to voting members in each district.

Each of the candidates has served the industry as a District Committee Member in their respective regions, and both are already familiar with DLI’s Board of Directors procedures.

Continue reading “DLI Holding Elections for District 3 and District 4 This Spring” →

Training is a critical aspect of running a tight ship. Because the global travel situation is not exactly ideal, DLI offers hands-on, live instruction in a remote learning format over six, three-hour sessions in May. This means students can get the training they need without traveling to DLI’s School of Drycleaning Technology.

“The pandemic hit our industry hard,” said Brian Johnson, DLI’s Director of Education & Analysis. “In its nearly 100-year history, DLI’s school was only closed one other time during World War II. With this course, we’re offering in-depth, virtual, live training. This will help students understand this complex, but very important, aspect of the business.”

Continue reading “DLI Offers Virtual Stain Removal Course in May” →

By Bruce Grossman, EZtimers Manufacturing

Last issue, I addressed the harmful effects of moisture and water as well as devices used in removing these contaminants from a compressed air system. This time we’ll cover the piping practices and components that route dehumidified air to your machinery and eliminate any residual water, providing your machinery with clean dry air.

Two physical forces are used to remove any remaining water and debris from the compressed air stream. Gravity, we all know what that is; and inertia, which is the tendency of objects to keep moving in a straight line at constant velocity. Follow along using the accompanying illustration.

Continue reading “Compressed Air Piping” →

Kenney Slatten passed away October 15, 2020, in Phoenix, Arizona, after a long battle with cancer. He was a good-humored drycleaning trainer, consultant, columnist, and industry leader whose cowboy lifestyle defined his industry image. His great hats could be easily identified from across a crowded convention floor. 

Slatten, a third-generation drycleaner, started consulting in 1987. He was a certified DLI instructor, served as Executive Director of the Western States Drycleaning & Laundry Association for 15 years, and wrote a column for 32 years in Western Cleaner & Launderer. In addition, he served on DLI’s Board of Directors as an Allied Trades Director, was a member of the Cleaning & Laundry Association Executives (CLAE) group, was a member of the International Drycleaners Congress, and was an instructor for the California Environmental Protection Agency.

Continue reading “Kenney Slatten Passes Away” →

Remembering an Industry Champion

By Harry A. Kimmel III, APR PRSA

Alvin Reiner of the Mayflower Laundry and Drycleaning Company in Hartford, Connecticut, passed away in October of 2020. A very active member of the drycleaning community, he served as president of the Institute from 1983-1984, and Board member from 1978-1983. He also served as executive director of the North East Fabricare Association (NEFA), and the Hartford County Laundry Association.

Always quick with a joke, Reiner wrote the headline for his own memorial. One day while reading a obituary in the local paper, he told his daughter, Gail Reiner, obituaries were too expensive because, “They charge by the word.” He said his should read, “Al Reiner Dead, Cadillac for Sale.” With fullest respect, we couldn’t resist using this as a headline.

Continue reading “Al Reiner Died, Cadillac for Sale” →

Continue reading “The Clean Show Remains Dedicated to Industry Wellness, Postpones Clean 2021 to Summer 2022” →