The Official NCALC Newsletter
North Carolina Association of Launderers & Cleaners

April, 2008, Issue

In This Issue

Carolina Clean '08
From the President's Desk
Convention Hotel Deadline April 25
Perc Detector Options
New I-9 Requirments
Is Your Insurance Coverage Adequate?
Member Matters
And Much More!!

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Return to NCALC Homepage 



Reflections on Two Years

As I sit here and write my last President's Desk, I'm thinking man how two years have flown by too quickly. It has been my honor to serve as your President. All of you have made it an enjoyable ride that I will never forget. I want to thank our Board and especially Sto for the dedication that it takes to make NCALC ­ in my unbiased opinion ­ the best association in our industry. I hope that I have served you well. I have to admit it is difficult to find the time it takes between running our business, keeping our church obligations and then throwing in five children on top of all that. If any of you feel like I could have done more, I'm sorry.

I am proud of our Association and the leading example we have set for other association in our industry. As you know, it takes a lot of money to accomplish the legislation goals that we have met and it will continue to take a lot of money to keep us on top of the issues that will constantly be changing and needing to be addressed to protect our business future. With that said, I again urge you to put some serious thoughts into items for our auction. Zelda, Charisse, and Marie are excited about the auction and are looking forward to making it the most successful one yet. So dig deep, put thinking caps on, who do you know; what college or pro team are you associated with; what resorts are you a member of; what local merchant do you spend a lot of money with; what jeweler do you know; what theater do you enjoy; what artist can you call; what famous athlete, writer, actor, etc can you contact; what can you donate from your contacts that will help our association and add excitement to Memorial Weekend? Also, remember all the children that want to get involved and bring items that they are interested in purchasing. Some items that have already been donated include tickets to college games. It would add a lot of extra interest if we could add a signed football, basketball, baseball, helmet, poster etc to go along with the tickets. I know that our association is full of members who have contacts all over our state, so make the calls. We need all the items before Friday to organize and set up the auction. If you can not get to Atlantic Beach early, send your auction items to me and I will carry it all down and help the committee set up the auction so that it will be ready for you. Thank you in advance for doing your part to help your association.

I know that last year I heard from some spouses and children that they had to make you come! I hope nobody has to make you come, because we always have a great time in the sun and fellowship with one another. It is weekends like our convention offers that keep families connected, happy, committed, and motivated to continue working hard together to accomplish and focus on the important issues. I am proud that we offer a convention that is focused on the family.

In closing, I do not want to close this letter out without thanking all our allied trade members. We appreciate all you do in helping to support the NCALC and look forward to being together Memorial Weekend.

I look forward to seeing you at the beach!

Gloria Cowell
NCALC President

Why I'm a Member of NCALC
by Greg Icenhower
Shield Engineering

The answer seems obvious, right? After all, Shield stands to benefit as an Allied Trades member through the services we provide to North Carolina's dry cleaning industry. However, while this is certainly true, there is more to the story.

I received a Valentine's Day card. It was hand addressed to me. It wasn't a card from my family, friends or relatives. It was from Gloria Cowell, NCALC's President. The hand written inscription read, in part: "Dear Greg, Thank you for all your dedication to our association. We appreciate you."

Wow! I can honestly report that this is the first card I have ever received from any trade association that I have ever belonged. What separates the NCALC from all others is the people ­ people who will help and support each other, even though they may be competitors. People who appreciate their professional business friendships and will take the time to say so. I'm certain that Gloria had many more important issues to deal with when she wrote the card, but took the time to do it anyway.

Gloria's card reminded me to be thankful for what I have received from the NCALC, which is much more than job opportunities from its members. It also reminded me to be grateful for growing up in an industry with exceptional craftsmen and women who are dedicated to hard work, quality workmanship and friendships.

I'm appreciative of the job opportunities provided through my association with the NCALC, but am most grateful for being associated with some truly quality individuals. If you're reading this and are not a NCALC member, now would be a good time to consider whether or not you have too many quality business and personal friendships. And yes, the card was a Hallmark©.

CAROLINA CLEAN 08 · Educational Lineup

Once again we have been really fortunate in bringing an outstanding line-up featuring nationally and internationally-known speakers and timely topics to our annual convention. CAROLINA CLEAN 08 provides cleaners and our allied trades partners with an opportunity to update their data banks, recharge their batteries, reconnect and network with the state and industries brightest. The fact that all this takes place in an ocean front hotel at the beach with family fun for all at a very reasonable cost is merely coincidental.

Carol Memberg, Publisher of the NATIONAL CLOTHESLINE, the industries premier trade publication, long time Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Delaware Cleaners Association and immediate past president of IDC, the International Drycleaners Congress, is known and respected worldwide as one of the most thoughtful and insightful industry observers and analyst. She will lead off our Educational Program on Saturday morning with her observations on THE STATE OF THE INDUSTRY.

Carol was born and raised in Philadelphia. She graduated from Temple University, majoring in elementary education, but was always interested in newspapers and writing. She met her husband, Sol, there, working on various university publications. After marriage and graduation, she taught pre-school, but left during pregnancy with their first child. She continued writing and editing during that time, as they began a small publishing business focused on community activities.

She and Sol started Clothesline 49 years ago. The first issues were put together on their dining room table, and the living room floor served as the mailing room. It was a first a local paper, then regional, and gradually grew and expanded into what it is today. It developed as they visited conventions and trade shows throughout the United States. Those trips enabled them to meet people in the industry and really appreciate the work ethic and skills needed for success in drycleaning. It also gave them the opportunity to travel, which was and remains a source of pleasure and learning. Sol passed away in 1996, but left a legacy that is a tribute to his foresight and skills.

In her spare time, Carol still travels as much as possible. She is also an avid reader and enjoys classical music.

Carol has three children: Leslie Schaeffer, who is vice president of her company and is in charge of the day-to-day operations of National Clothesline; Judy, who runs a non-profit housing corporations that provides home ownership and financial counseling for the working poor; and Bill, a biomedical engineer working on systems for electrical stimulation to restore mobility of paralyzed limbs. She has five grandchildren.

Barbara (Bobby) Harvey, DLI President, is well known to many of us since she will be attending her sixth consecutive edition of Carolina Clean, during her tenure as our DLI District Director from 2002-6.

In spite of all her other accolades and accomplishments, DLI President Barbara Harvey will always be recognized in her home town as the "Wench with a Wrench", (See photo on page 1 from a story in her local newsletter in 1973) the first woman to graduate the DLI (IFI/NID) Preventative Maintenance Course in Joliet, Ill.

In addition to being the first woman as president in the 100 year history of the industry's premier trade association, Bobby has served on the DLI/IFI Board for eight years as a District Committee Member, District Director and as Treasurer and President Elect. She received the DLI Meritorious Service Award for Positive Industry Recognition in 2001 and has earned the title of Certified Garment Care Professional as a CED, CPD and CPW. She has also held various positions with the Coin Laundry Association of Maryland including three terms as President, and for many years on the Board and as president of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Cleaners.

Bobby began her career behind the counter in her parent's plant at age 3 "putting struts on hangers". Her move to the back occurred when her dad died and she and her mom made the decision to run the business rather than sell. That's when her mom gave her an airline ticket to Joliet for the preventive maintenance class. Six weeks after finishing the Preventive Maintenance Class she returned to Joliet for the advanced spotting class. Although, she has constantly given back to the industry through her service to the state, regional and national associations, most mornings you will find her behind the counter at Fabricare by Fran (dad was Fran) doing what most of us are doing behind our own counters.

Just in case you hadn't noticed our own Fran Sadler, Director of Training for Mack Davis at Medlin Davis Cleaners, is Bobby's baby sister. And Jay Harvey, the newest member of DLI's education staff is Bobby's son. three excellent products of their family business Fabricare by Fran.

Bobby will pick-up her pipe wrench, oil can and grease gun again to demonstrate that although "you can take the girl out of the plant you can never take the plant maintenance out of the girl".

Henry and Jan Parker are no strangers to many N.C. cleaners, having installed and maintained OSHA Compliance programs in various plants across the state. Non-compliance with OSHA injury reporting, employee & community right-to-know, lock-out­tag-out & blood-borne pathogens, and employee safety regulations can cost you big buck if OSHA Inspectors come to call. Do you know what you need to do to protect yourself?

The Parkers have been private consultants to the drycleaning industry since 1993. Their emphasis has been the statutes 29CFR1910.1 through 1200, which are the Federal regulations that relate to labor, and the various EPA requirements that apply to the laundry and drycleaning industry.

Holding a BS / Marketing degree Mr. Parker spent 30 years in the Petroleum and Petro-chemical industry and he has worked in refineries, gas plants, offshore platforms, pipelines and chemical plants throughout the United States as well as in Europe, Africa and Canada. These experiences have enabled Mr. Parker to gain valuable experience in safety and environmental matters. Mr. Parker is a Certified Environmental Compliance Manager, and a Certified Environmental Specialist as well as being OSHA Qualified as an Instructor.

Mrs. Parker has operated several businesses and has varied office experience dealing with insurance and governmental agencies, her emphases at S&ECC has been personnel issues, workers comp and OSHA paperwork. She is a Certified Environmental Compliance Manager and has received extensive OSHA training.

Through inspection of drycleaning plants and implementation of their programs they have brought many Drycleaners into compliance with the statutes that govern their business. Their expertise is enhanced by belonging to DLI and various state and local associations that are a part of the Laundry & Drycleaning industry. In 2001 they won the Allied Trades Meritorious Service Award and hold commendations from many State Associations.

They bring to the drycleaning industry a valuable service in that they join with the business owner to complete employee training that has been lacking. S&ECC has also been involved with the evaluation of RYNEX, CO2 and other equipment and systems. Their business operates with drycleaners in 23 states.

Services are available through direct contact and via the Internet at HWDP@aol.com. Visit their web site at www.complyhere.com.

Bill Fisher, DLI CEO is spending a lot of time on the hill or hills these days. The phase out of perc and proposed phase out of hydrocarbon solvents in California. Proposed phase outs of perc in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Florida, Chicago and Laurel, Maryland (the home of DLI), and increasing focus by state level regulators on excessive regulations on traditional drycleaning solvents and support of "environmentally friendly alternatives" which are not proven drop in replacements for more traditional solvents are a growing threat to the financial viability of many cleaners.

Bill will bring you up to date on what's going on across the nation. The facts versus the spin. What every drycleaner needs to consider and what every state, regional and the National Association needs to do to protect their businesses and the industry.

Martin Young, owner/operator of Young Cleaners in Concord, industry consultant, DLI certified trainer & American Drycleaner columnist was a principal presenter at the North East Fabricare Association's annual conference in Massachusetts. This topic "Survive or Prosper" addressed the issues involved examining and operating your operation like a business i.e. MANAGING FOR PROFIT.

Andy Tirpok, DLI District 1 Director and Program Chairman for NEFA's Fall Fest '07, said, "As program chairman for NEFA's Fall Fest-'07 I highly recommend Martin Young as a presenter to any and all industry related events.Mr Young's program "Survive or Prosper" became a program that extended well beyond the topic. Martin's hands on knowledge the of day to day running of a plant and his technical skills gave our participants a lot to take home and apply to their operations on Monday. Sign me up for his next show!!!"

So we've decided to give you the opportunity to hear what others are raving about. Shouldn't a prophet be heeded in his own land?

Dr. John Powers, Supervisor of the Special Remediation Section in the Division of Waste Management of the North Carolina Department of Environment & Natural Resources and has primary responsibility for the Dry-cleaning Solvent Cleanup Act (DSCA) Program. Dr. Powers will bring you up to date on the status of DSCA Program cleanup fund balance, number and status of sites in the program, sites that are being cleaned up and sites that have received NO FURTHER ACTION LETTERS.

Eric Swope, Compliance Coordinator for the Dry-cleaning Solvent Cleanup Act (DSCA) Program will bring you up to date on the past years activities and future plans of the DSCA Program staff responsible for ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT.

Tony Pendola, Lead Environmental Engineer for NCDENR's, Small Business Environmental Assistance Program will bring you up to date on the recent corrections and clarifications EPA has issued to the PERC NESHAP, the re-registration requirements required of all PERC drycleaners in May 2008 and the known acceptable halogenated hydrocarbon leak detectors (manufacturers & model) that perc drycleaners are required to utilize to conduct a monthly leak detection inspection.

 


 

 

Carolina Clean Activities
CAROLINA CLEAN '08

Evening Social Functions

FRIDAY
PIRATES OF THE CRYSTAL COAST COSTUME PARTY
& SEAFOOD FEAST
PRIZES FOR BEST PIRATE COSTUMES
SILENT AUCTION & Entertainment

SATURDAY
LUSCIOUS LUAU & LIMBO FIASCO WITH MUSIC BY
THE BOPPER OUR OLD FRIEND DAVID OVERBY. COSTUME, HULA, LIMBO, HULA HOOP COMPETITION FOR YOUNG AND OLD & DANCING TILL DAWN OR 11 PM
SILENT AUCTION ENDS AT 10:00 PM

SUNDAY
8:00 ­ 11:00 PM YOUNG CLEANRS PARTY
PIZZA & CHICKEN FINGERS
GAMES & MOVIES

7:00 ­ 8:00 PM PRESIDENTS RECEPTION. HOST BAR
8:00 ­ 11:00 PM ANNUAL BANQUET. FILET OR BEAUFORD CHICKEN
   INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS & DIRECTORS
LIVE AUCTION-10 HOTTEST ITEMS FROM LIVE AUCTION

CAROLINA CLEAN '08
NCALC'S 102ND ANNUAL CONVENTION
ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE

FRIDAY MAY 23RD

10:00 AM ­ 6:00 PM Silent Auction Set-up
2:00 PM ­ 6:00 PM Registration Desk open
2:00 PM ­ 6:00 PM Table Top Exhibits Set-up
3:00 PM ­ 6:00 PM BOARD/COMMITTEE MEETING
4:00 PM               Hotel Check-in
7:00 PM ­ 11:00 PM Pirates of the Crystal Coast
                          SEAFOOD/FEAST/SILENT AUCTION

SATURDAY MAY 24TH

7:30 AM ­ NOON Registration Desk Open
7:30 AM ­ 8:30 AM TABLE TOP EXHIBITS & Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM INDUSTRY OVERVIEW-Carol Memberg
9:00 AM PLANT MAINTENANCE-Bobbie Harvey
10:00 AM ­ 10:30 AM Break-TABLE TOP EXHIBITS Open
10:30 AM DSCA PROGRAM STATUS-Dr. John Powers
11:00 AM DSCA COMPLANCE PROGRAM-Eric Swope
11:30 AM PERC NESHAP UPDATE-Tony Pendola
Noon ­ 7:00 PM Family Time
7:00 PM ­ 11:00 PM LUAU & SILENT AUCTION

Silent Auction bidding will end at precisely 10:00 PM on Saturday evening. The Auction Committee will then select the items to be placed in the LIVE AUCTION on Sunday night. All other items should be claimed and paid for at the registration desk Sunday morning between 7:30 & 12:30 PM.

SUNDAY MAY 25TH

7:30 AM ­ 12:30 PM Registration Desk Open (Pick-up asnd Pay for Silent Auction Items)
7:30 AM ­ 8:30 AM TABLE TOP EXHIBITS & Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM LEGISLATIVE & REGULATORY THREATS TO SOLVENT CHOICES-Bill Fisher
9:00 AM OSHA Compliance -Henry & Jan Parker
10:00 AM ­ 10:30 AM Break-TABLE TOP EXHIBITS OPEN
10:30 SURVIVE OR PROSPER-Martin Young
NOON NCALC ANNUAL MEETING Election of Officers & Directors
12:30-1:30 Incoming Executive Committee Meeting
12:30 PM ­ 7:00 PM Family Time
7:00 PM ­ 11:00 PM YOUNG CLEANERS PARTY
7:00 PM ­ 8:00 PM PRESIDENT'S RECPTION
8:00 PM ­ 11:00 PM BANQUET & LIVE AUCTION


Atlantic Beach: Other Area Attractions

NC AQUARIUM · ATLANTIC BEACH
The newly renovated, 93,000 square foot Aquarium features North Carolina's aquatic life from the mountain to the sea. Special exhibits include a 32-foot water fall, river otters, a recreation of the local pirate shipwreck "The Queen Anne's Revenge", touch tanks, and a 306,000 gallon tank that features sharks and a replica of a nearby sunken German U-Boat.

FORT MACON STATE PARK · ATLANTIC BEACH
Civil War era fort built between 1826 and 1834 to guard the entrance to Beauford Harbor. Four and half foot thick walls of brick and stone protect 26 gun casements, hot shot furnace, and exhibits. Guided and self-guided tours available.

HISTORIC BEAUFORD
5 miles East of Moorehead City. Preservation efforts have kept Old Beauford much as it was when the town was incorporated in 1722. Take a tour aboard a vintage English double decker bus. Visit restored historic homes, the jail, courthouse, apothecary shop, and a cemetery established in the early 1700's.

Join WATER BUG TOURS and "Cruise the Creek" along the Historic Beauford Waterfront where you are likely to see wild ponies on Shackleford Banks.

Stop by the NORTH CAROLINA MARITIME MUSEUM to see exhibits of Native American dugout canoes, sailing ships, artifacts from Blackbeard's flagship "The Queen Anne's Revenge" and exhibits honoring the brave traditions of the US Lifesaving Service.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the great restaurants along the waterfront and check out the many unique stores in the area.

Time for an Insurance Checkup?

By Darrell W Wilson, CIC
Wilson Insurance Associates

I have found that the Dry Cleaning Industry is well aware of the importance of being properly insured, as it deals with the public on a daily basis and knows first hand the wrath of an unsatisfied customer. An article on insurance for this industry could fill a small encyclopedia with the details so this article will hit the high spots without going too deep in explanations. I start with four areas of exposure, Property, General Liability, Automobile, and Workers Compensation:

Workers Compensation: The state requires an employer to carry workers compensation when there are three or more employees employed during any one quarter of the year. This includes part time employees. The policy has two parts to it, Employers Liability which protects from lawsuits from an interested party of the employee and the employee compensation side which pays 100% of the medical bills, any lost wages, and any loss of limb or diminished use and death.

Even if you do not have three or more employees, I recommend that you carry workers compensation even on one employee as you are still obligated as an employer to the employee if injured on the job for these benefits out of your own pocket.

Automobile: The state requires all vehicles to be insured for the state minimum limits of $30,000.00 per person & $60,000.00 per accident Bodily Injury and $25,000.00 Property Damage. The banks require the physical damage when financed. These liability limits are NOT adequate and I recommend a minimum of a $1,000,000.00 Combined Single Limit Liability along with carrying physical damage on vehicles up to 10 years old and/or higher valued vehicles for longer. You should also be insuring hired and nonowned vehicles even if the business does not own any vehicles. This will take care of the instance when you are too busy and send your employee to the bank to get change in their vehicle and they have an accident. There are many additional enhancements that can be added to the business auto policy to fit your specific exposures.

General Liability: The legal briefs by Julie Hampton in the Carolina Clean Publication are bringing this area of exposure the attention it should receive. You should be covering the premises liability, the products & completed operations of your business. If you rent you should be carrying a tenant legal liability limit to protect you from the building owner's insurance carrier (or owner themselves) going after you for burning their building due to your negligence. Personal Injury Liability (slander /false advertising), Employee Benefits Liability is a fairly new area of concern that can be insured. Pollution liability is written about in almost every Carolina Clean issue and the NC Dry-Cleaning Solvent Act is one avenue. If you look at insuring this exposure be careful that you go over the policy you buy with a fine tooth comp and know how and what it will pay for. A medical payments limit on your policy will help you retain that customer that trips over their own two feet and may prevent it escalading to a lawsuit. Pay attention to the exclusions added to your general liability, you may be able to have some of them removed. (then again not) I recommend a minimum limit of $1,000,000.00. or a limit that will get you to the requirement of an Umbrella Policy where limits can be obtained up to $50,000,000.00 and greater. There are Umbrella policies and Excess liability policies make sure you know what you are purchasing.

Property: This area encompasses a wide range of exposures and I will try to list as many as possible. Of course we will start with the Buildings, Contents including inventory, Equipment, & Computers, Boiler & Machinery, Customers goods in process & storage, Employees personal property, Monies, Identity, Business Income, Signs, & unique properties. This is not an all inclusive list but we cannot list them all.

For the Buildings & Contents Insurance should include "special form" coverage with a minimum of a $1,000.00 deductible (Insurance is not a maintaice contract and you should not treat it as such). Computers can be included with the contents under the "special form" but are better off with a limit on an Electronic Data Form including Software coverage. A Boiler policy is a must for Dry Cleaning Plants and can be attached to Laundromats also. Customers goods can be insured on an unlimited basis based on gross receipts by a few companies, but if you do not have the unlimited basis, I would double your first "guess" to get your limit. (some have used 70% of gross receipts as a start). It should provide new garments replaced on a replacement cost basis and items over a year old (some companies may use 2 or 3 years) It should include theft, mysterious disappearance/inventory shortage, work in progress, storage and in transit. Crime coverage to protect your money in the store and on the way to the bank, along with employee theft of monies and inventory along with bonds for any qualified retirement or pension plans.

Identity theft is a hot item and is available as a add on and some companies are throwing it in as an enhancement. Loss of Business income is often overlooked as coverage but is vital to remaining in business. Most companies that do not carry this coverage do not reopen in the event of a large loss or total loss. Signs & unique properties are best insured under an inland marine floater. Always look at your location and decide if FLOOD coverage is in your best interest and make sure you understand what and how it will pay off.

There are two basic types of policies for the property & general liability which are a Business Owners policy that can be specifically designed to the dry cleaning industry and include many of the coverage you need. The second would be a Package policy were you would design your coverage's "ala cart" (the larger chains can usually use this and save premiums)

This is a quick over view of the major points and addresses some the more important areas but in no way encompasses every thing that may be needed for each individual businesses needs. Please fill free to complete the enclosed information sheet for a review and proposal. Wilson Insurance Associates is a long-time member and supporter of NCALC who has provided insurance coverage to a number of North Carolina drycleaners over the years.

DLI SCHOOL OF DRYCLEANING TECHNOLOGY
2008 SCHEDULE

1 Week Course
Introduction to Drycleaning

April 21-25
July 21-25
Oct 20-24

2 Week Course
Advanced Drycleaning

April 28- May 9
July 28-Aug 8
Oct 27- Nov 7

1 Week Course
Drycleaning & Stain Removal

March 10-14
September 15-19
For information on Tuition and Scholarships
Call Sto Fox @ 336-549-5486

DLI Lands PR Coup for Members

How about some POSITIVE publicity for the industry for a change? Well, DLI has just done that - and it's exclusive to DLI members from Colorado and Oklahoma west, wherever the 1,200 Carl's Jr. restaurants are located.

It's fun, it's lighthearted, and it's a positive image - something that's been in short supply for us. Carl's Jr. chain is re-introducing their Chili Cheese Burgers and Fries, and as the press release headline from noted advertising agency, Weber Shandwick says, "Messy and delicious - a "win-win" for chili lovers and drycleaners everywhere."

Most importantly, DLI and "DLI members" are mentioned extensively throughout the press release - for example, the press release notes that if you get chili stains on that cotton t-shirt or jeans, wash it - "But for that great silk tie or fine linen blouse, get it into the hands of your DLI drycleaner right away for the TLC it's going to need."

The visual and audio reinforcement of DLI cleaners as the ones to trust when you need stains removed is hard to beat. For DLI and its member cleaners, it's a win all the way around.

The next step: A "See us after you indulge!" poster exclusively for DLI members!

Halogenated Leak Detector Options

Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) amended the federal standard for dry cleaners (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart M). The amendment established several new requirements, one of which is that all dry cleaners must conduct monthly inspections for perchloroethylene (PCE) leaks, using a halogenated hydrocarbon detector or PCE gas analyzer.

Dry cleaners may use any brand of halogenated hydrocarbon leak detector for the monthly monitoring provided they can demonstrate it meets the requirements of the rule, "portable device capable of detecting vapor concentrations of PCE of 25 parts per million by volume (ppmv) and indicating a concentration of 25 ppmv or greater by emitting an audible or visual signal that varies as the concentration changes." Facilities are required to repair vapor leaks detected within 24 hours unless parts must be ordered. Dry cleaning machines installed before December 21, 2005 must be in compliance with the new standard as of July 28, 2008. Any machines installed after December 21, 2005 must be in compliance upon startup.

Based on information provided by the California Air Resources Board and leak detector manufacturers, the following units are expected to meet EPA guidelines. This is not an endorsement. Please note that this is not an extensive list. Further research is recommended to find the best leak detector for your dry cleaning facility. The first four detectors below are available for ± $200. The Aeroqual detector is available for ± $800.

Member Matters

Bobby Hargrove, Ideal Cleaners in Clinton has been in the hospital but is reported to be on the mend and anxious to get back to work.

Retired NCALC Executive Director Sunny Houchins took a tumble on Christmas Eve and is still receiving treatment from her chiropractor.

Bill Davis, Robersons Cleaners in Washington lost both his mother and father in the last few months.

Gretchen Vick of Vicks Cleaners in Kinston lost her father in February.

Chris Edwards, ACW Management Corp, High Point, is back at work following surgery to repair a torn ACL & MCL.

Martin Young, Young Cleaners, Concord, concluded a multi-city tour through Alabama & Georgia conducting "Quality Control" classes for the South East Fabricare Association in late February. His first "Spotting Tips" column Appeared in the March issue of the American Drycleaner.

 

HENRY JONES TO SUCCEED SAM TAYLOR AS NCALC LAWYER/LOBBYIST

NCALC's long-time lawyer/lobbyist, Sam Taylor, informed the Association in late January that he had accepted a full time position with the N.C. Bioscience organization he had been working with for some time. It was a difficult decision for Sam to sever his relationship withNCALC but the long term opportunity was one he could not refuse. Sam has served NCALC and all N.C. drycleaners faithfully and well since the mid 1990s as our guardian and guide through the legislative and regulatory maize.

Much of the credit for North Carolina having the "Best Solvent Cleanup Program" in the country goes to Sam for his competence and diligence on our behalf.Our best wishes go with Sam and Nancy as he embarks on this endeavor

Due to the need to retain first class representation, the NCALC Executive Committeeapproved Execution of a "Letter of Agreement" with Henry W. Jones, a partner in the law firm of Jordan Price Wall Gray Jones and Carson as our lawyer/lobbyist. Mr. Jones, a Raleigh native is a graduate of NCSU and the University of Richmond Law School.

He has worked actively in the N.C. Legislature since 1979 and represents a number of other Trade Associations.His first official act on our behalf was to attend the DSCA Stakeholders Meeting March 28,2008.

 

Mary Wells Earns Small Business Award

It is my pleasure to announce that Ms. Mary Wells is the 2008 recipient of the North Carolina Small Business Champion Award. Congratulations, Mary!

Mary, thank you for your many years of membership and service to NFIB/NC. You are an inspiration to all of us who work hard everyday to serve the member s of our organization. I could not add anything further then the sentiments expressed by one of the nominators. Please let me share with each of you.

"I have served with Mary since 1994 and have served with her on the NFIB NC/ SLC since that time. She currently owns and operates three dry cleaning plan ts in Rocky Mount and maintains a close contact with her politicians on all levels of government regarding small business issues.

Her community involvement includes serving on the boards of the Chamber of C ommerce and the Rocky Mount Merchants Association where she served as its pr esident. She also served as president of the North Carolina Dry Cleaners Ass ociation and is still on the Executive Committee. She is a charter investor of Unity Bank which is now Royal Bank of Canada and has served on their board.

Her political accomplishments are numerous but include two terms as president and one as vice president of the Upper Coastal Plain Council of Government s; serving on the state Human Relations Commission; serving on the NCCBI Sma ll Business Committee and serving on two additional statewide committees to which she was appointed by Governor Hunt.

Other political involvement include serving on the Democratic Executive Comm ittee since 1990; appointment by Jim Long to the Risk Based Insurance Commit tee representing small business and serving as a1995 delegate to the White H ouse Conference on Small Business. She has also run for political office in her county.

Throughout my association with her, she has always been extremely aware of political issues and their affect on small business. She has been quick to volunteer and has been a regular participant of any and all functions of NFIB plus she is one of my favorite Democrats. Add her charm and wit to a wonderful grasp of politics and she is an ideal candidate for our Award."

Gregg Thompson
North Carolina State Director
National Federation of Indpendent Business

New I-9 Form Now in Effect for Employers

Download your copy from NFIB.com today; Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification
The New I-9 Employee Eligibility form must be used as of December 26, 2007. NFIB's Legal Foundation has posted guidelines and forms to help you avoid fines of up to $1,100 for non-compliance with new requirements. Please visit NFIB.com often to keep an eye on the latest developments. You can download Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification and start using it right away.

As of March 27, 2008, fines for non-compliance will increase by 25 percent. A first time violation can result in a fine of up to $3,200 and multiple violations can lead to fines of up to $16,000. Please visit NFIB.com often to keep an eye on the latest developments. You can download Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification and start using it right away.

Clothing Care Council Set to Improve AOE Awareness

At a recent Clothing Care Council meeting, media representatives, cleaners, clothing designers and retailers, textile experts and DLI executives discussed what the council can do to make the Award of Excellence (AOE) a standard of excellence recognized by consumers everywhere.

From its beginnings in 2005, the AOE was intended to "give customers, for the first time, a way to tell good plants from bad." At that time, DLI CEO Bill Fisher observed that the industry "waited and waited for a shakeout to start in the industry," and it just hasn't happened.

The goal of the AOE program is to make consumers aware that the answer to that question is whether or not the cleaner has earned an Award of Excellence. Columnist Heloise concurred, stressing the need to educate consumers. The Clothing Care Council can develop a plan to publicize the value of an AOE cleaner. "Vet the cleaners and get the message out," she said. "Translate recommendations into understandable English." Council members agreed to offer their ideas and contributions for creating new strategies for publicizing the program and the enrolled cleaners.

Benefits Available Only to Members of NCALC/DLI

Money Saving
1) UP TO 15% SAVINGS & REFUNDS OF PREVIOUS
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including Unlimited Bailee
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Check Collection & Recovery * 912-638-9979

4) CLAIMS & LOST CUSTOMERS
DLI Garment Analysis Service
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PRICELESS
· ACCESS TO CONSTANT FLOW OF INFORMATION
FROM DLI & NCALC
Plant Operations & Customer Service
Cleaning and Spotting Technology
Government Regulations & Compliance
· OPPORTUNITIES TO NETWORK WITH YOUR PEER'S
ON A STATE AND NATIONAL LEVEL

· Upon request NCALC will pair you with an active or retired member to act as your mentor.

JOIN NOW! NCALC'S NEW MEMBER REWARDS WORTH MORE THAN $2000.00

· A PLANT ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE INSPECTION
by Greg Icenhour, CED of Shield Engineering
· A PLANT MAINTENACE CHECK-UP
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· A SUPPLY INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
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· A FULL REGISTRATION to CAROLINA CLEAN 08
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· "QUALITY SHIRT FINISHING" IN PLANT TRAINING VIDEO OR DVD IN ENGLISH OR SPANISH
from DLI
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· A STANFORD SPOTTING KIT
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· Access to Scholarship for DLI Resident Courses

In order to qualify as a new member you or your cleaners cannot have been a member of NCALC/DLI in the past year and you must pay your annual dues in the correct dues category in full with your membership application.

A MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION IS ON THIS SITE!

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Copyright: NCALC 2008