Oregon Dry Cleaners Association

This is ODCA 2005 – we are looking forward not back!

We have a unique opportunity for the next 2 years. The dry cleaning bill which we have spent so much of our time and effort on for several years is not up for review. Both DEQ & ODCA agree that it is time to let the bill work. It seems like every 2 years there has been a major change in the bill requiring dry cleaners to change the way they do record keeping. I know that the bill is not ideal for everyone but I would think that knowing you are not facing changes for the next 2 years and hopefully longer would make you happy.

So what does ODCA have planned? Well the first thing planned was a brain storming session on Jan. 15, 2005 (Please see article). The board will be working on implementing the ideas from this session. We will also be keeping in touch with DEQ about the reporting figures, cleanup activities, etc. Keeping you informed about everything will be a priority.

I am looking forward as I know Claire Anchick (President in 2006) to making the most out of this opportunity. Our Mission statement; This is ODCA 2005 and we are looking forward. We will meet the objectives in our by-laws to elevate our members and the industry. Please contact me with your ideas or concerns, kbutters@oregondrycleaners.org or 503-871-5144.

Storm was the operative word for the session on Sat. Jan 15th, it will probably be the only day of the year we will have freezing rain. We had the members who came Friday night (because of the distance) in town but those from Portland and surrounding areas, planning on coming early on Sat., could not get here. Despite the weather we held the meeting and a lot of great ideas were shared.

Several ideas came out of the brain-storming session. As we began an in-depth look into those ideas we used the objectives (listed in the by-laws) as our reference points. From there we did some prioritizing. There were several good ideas that did not make the prioritized list, but will be looked at as the year goes on. Some ideas need membership approval; they will be refined in time for the annual convention.

For now let’s talk about the priority items.

Technical help using the website – the forms that DEQ require, Fire Marshall, etc.

Education – several ideas came out of the brain-storming session.
We are working on a MSDS (material safety data sheets) class. Although we all agreed this class could be boring, when completed everyone would have a MSDS book and know how to keep it current meeting a mandated requirement.

Promote the positive in dry-cleaning – through the consumer pages on our website, in individual businesses, and education of the general public. This will be a long term project. (Leslie reported the consumer pages receive the majority of hits on our website)

More opportunities for members to get together socially – hosted by ODCA, allows a time for fellowship and business discussions.

Participation = Success, we invite you to get involved and make the most of this unique time.
This is ODCA 2005 – we are looking forward not back.

DEQ is doing plant inspections - watch for the next newsletter with more information.

For Sale:
Never used TIF5050A Automatic Multi-Refrigerant Leak Detector
Features include; Detects all Halogenated refrigerants, No calibration required, Super sensitive,
Rapid warm-up period, Constant power indication, 12" flexible wand for hard to reach places, Spare sensing tip, Rugged carrying case.

Price $50.00
Contact Kathey Butters - kbutters@oregondrycleaners.org or 503-871-5144