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President's Message

HAPPY NEW YEAR FELLOW CLEANERS!!!

For our 2010 New Year resolution, let's go back to what our past president Steve Fry would always say, "Let's kick some drycleaning butt".

Many knowledgeable people in the business world think that the worst is behind us when it comes to the recession and job losses in our state-let's hope they are right. 2010 should bring us a much needed boost in both business and attitude. With fewer cleaners out there now, the ones promoting and providing top quality and service are going to grow.

BE EXCITED, WE HAVE SURVIVED!! Our customer base had changed recently. Many people have switched careers and now find it necessary to use a drycleaner. It is our job as plant owners to convince them to Us (us and stay with us. Get your name out there!! Make sure your CSR's are well trained and dressed appropriately. Have your call office looking flawless. Inspect your inspector's work for a few days to see if their quality standards are the same as what you expect. Remember that your inspector is one of the most important people in the plant. They are responsible for what the customer's see as the final product.

I mentioned "Getting your name out there". Look for ways to do it free. I'll give you a few examples of what we have done recently that resulted in free air time on three major TV stations and several radio stations along with printed stories in local papers. We continue to run a promotion that offers the free cleaning of a suit, tie and shirt for someone that has an upcoming job interview. We clean active military personnel's uniforms at no charge. We just completed our 2nd "Coats for Kids" drive. Our goal this year was 200 coats. With a few banks and churches helping us to "Get our name out there", we have cleaned and donated over 750 garments!!

These are inexpensive promotions to run when you factor in the free public relations you generate. Not to mention the community good will your cleaners will create. One other thing, it will make you and your employees feel good knowing you are helping people that are down on their luck. Pay it Forward.

Mark your calendar now for July 23, 24, and 25. MILD annual convention is going to be held at the Garland Resort located near Gaylord with several golf courses, horseback riding, canoeing and much more. Watch for more information on this soon.

Be sure to look at the page of Allied Trades members that Larry Taffel of E.J. Thomas has assembled in this issue of Clean Talk. These individuals have agreed to advertise for all 6 issues in 2010. This really helps to offset the cost of publishing a quality newsletter. Thank you Larry. Also coming up March 18th in St. Joseph, at Sanitary Cleaners, is a spotting seminar. Joe Simon of R & R Street's will be conducting a 2 hour class. Watch your mail for the flyer on this.

Our next board meeting is going to be May 7th in Grand Rapids. Please feel free to attend. Watch for more information in our next newsletter.

Kevin Smith CGCP
Kevin@curtiscleaners.com