Farewell from Kathy Butters, President 2001

The year has just come to an end and a new year has begun. I would like to take this time to recap some of what the ODCA Board was doing in 2001.
The first task we under took was legislative work. As you know we had a legislative review of the "drycleaner law". There were some very good changes and some not so great. ODCA listened to you over the past two years and THANKS to the legislative committees' hard work we were able to address some of your concerns and get them written into the "drycleaner law". A lot of volunteer hours were spent trying to protect the interests of the Oregon Dry Cleaners. But please remember this is an on going process and there are those out there that are working against OUR protection we receive from the "drycleaners law".
For the next session DEQ will be writing rules concerning waste water treatment. There have been rumors that maybe Drycleaners will not be allowed to treat their own waste water and will have to pay to have it hauled off. The monthly cost of this could be substantial and on top of the cost we have already invested in equipment to treat waste water. This subject is being dealt with at the DEQ Advisory Committee meetings. ODCA is allowed two members to serve on this committee but everyone is invited to attend and give input. Please check the website for current information about these meetings. If you are unable to attend but want to give your input, call or e-mail one of your ODCA board members.
Please see the legislative article within this newsletter for more information on the legislative work.
One of the most exciting thing this year was the launch of the ODCA website. The web address is www.oregondrycleaners.org . Thanks to Leslie Kettenhofen who put in long hours as the ODCA webmaster we have a great site. All ODCA members get a mini website which ODCA provides as part of their membership. Leslie will design the mini website as part of the package if needed. If you have not visited the ODCA website you need too. This is where you will get up-to- date ODCA information, links to other related sites, (such as a copy of the "drycleaner law") and access to your board members thru direct e-mail just to name a few things that you will find. There are many more and Leslie is always open to suggestions about how the website might serve you better. Another item being developed on the site is a consumer page. Customers who might be searching the web for information on dry cleaning, spot removal, etc. they would be directed to the consumer page. Once there they will be able to access "The most commonly asked Questions" or type in one of their own questions to be responded to thru their e-mail It also will have a pictorial educating the consumer about dry cleaning. Once the consumer is on the site it is just a few clicks to find a participating member in their area. The ODCA membership dues cover all this and much more.
Education was again provided for by ODCA to its members. Any ODCA member could send 2 people at no charge to the provided seminars where non-members paid a fee ranging from $99.00 to $129.00. Thanks to Brian Olson, chair of the Education Committee and committee members we had great seminars in multiple locations within the state and at convention. We are responding to the educational needs that members want!
There are many more items I could list in this article but I would like to use the remaining space to say THANK YOU to the ODCA Board Members who have served with me in 2001. President-Elect Brian Olson, Secretary Claire Anchick, Treasurer and Vice-President Tammy Thompson, Past-President Gary Campbell, Sergeant-at-Arms Michael O'Connor, District Directors Steve Young, Karen Shinabery, Dan Bittick, & Ron Bowker. The time and effort these members gave to ODCA was greatly appreciated by me and the members.
Please take the time to read the rest of the articles in this newsletter. You will be introduced to the 2002 ODCA Board. If you missed the convention you will get the recap, (no comparison to being there) pictures, who the Tom Mosher recipient is, and lots more.
And last I encourage you to get involved. I have received several calls since the release of the new fee structure - Drycleaners asking why? You wouldn't have to ask if you were active in the ODCA! Let your voice be heard while it counts not after it is too late.

As Past -President of ODCA I would like to hear from you. My e-mail address kbutters@oregondrycleaners.org and my phone number is 503-399-9560.

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Hello from Brian Olson
by Brian OlsonC.E.D., President 2002

It's finally here. 2002. I have stepped up to the challenges before me and it will be interesting for all to see just how well I am able to undertake this challenge.

The questions I keep asking myself are, why am I doing this? Will I be an effective leader? Will I excel in my new position or will I just be mediocre? Will history record me as one of the great ODCA Presidents or will I disappear into obscurity? Only time will tell if I pass the test and time moves much to quickly these days so I had better get to work.

You would think a non-legislative year would be an easy one. Filled with leisure hours to spend entirely on education and entertainment for the dry cleaners of Oregon. I am afraid that isn't the case. The issues currently being addressed by your board are numerous and complicated.

The DEQ Advisory Committee meets every month now, plodding through the tedious process of rule making in light of the changes to the Dry Cleaners Law this past year. Most of what is being worked on currently is "defining" the housekeeping done to the original bill, but I think it is important here to address the financial aspect of the changes.

As you know by now, your annual fee for year 2002 and the means by which it is determined changed significantly from last year. Imagine

if you will, over 300 cleaners, represented by three different organizations, and each having their own idea of how these funds should be collected and you have a recipe for disaster. However, our Legislative Committee met the challenge and helped format the best compromise in regards to fairness to all cleaners regardless of size or volume. And remember, the solvent tax was significantly reduced as a result of these changes.

Those of you who attended our convention in Florence this past October had an early heads-up to the changes in these fees, but I would also like to remind everyone, they will ultimately go up. We as an industry promised the Legislature that we would provide DEQ with one million dollars annually to fund their clean-up efforts. If the new fee structure does not provide that amount, you can expect a 25% increase to the fees in a few short years.

Speaking of convention, two Dry Cleaners received honors for their outstanding service to the industry. The Tom Mosher Award was presented to Ron Bowker of The Cleanery in Eugene. Ron runs a first rate operation at The Cleanery, a modern jewel among Oregon's cleaning plants. Add to this, his service on the Board of Directors of this organization and his work within his community, not to mention, bringing up the issue of non-profits entering the industry and it is no wonder he was recognized. Congratulations Ron!

Leslie Kettenhofen, our Webmaster was also recognized for her outstanding work on the ODCA Web Site. Leslie and Bob Kettenhofen own Bob's Dry Cleaners in Florence, far removed from the rest of the dry cleaning community, but that hasn't stopped either of them from getting involved and Leslie is the perfect example of how each of us can bring our own individual talents to the organization in a big way. My hats off to you Leslie and a hearty Thank You!

The web site has a lot to offer its members and consumers as well. It is ever changing and if you happened to check it out during the holidays you would have been met by a festive holiday spirit. New, is the addition of the lists of Past Presidents and all the Tom Mosher Award winners. Only by remembering our past can we move into the future.

And with that thought in mind, the Merle Saunder's Memorial Scholarship Fund has certainly evolved over the last few years. From providing educational opportunities to a few individuals each year to offering free to all members, full day seminars and training workshops around the state. Continuing Education was my main reason for getting involved with ODCA and as Chair of the Education Committee these past two years, I can't express enough, just how wonderful it is to see a room full of good dry cleaners become even better dry cleaners.

Alas, but I can no longer Chair the Education Committee and serve effectively as your President. So while I will remain on that committee I will now pass the reigns of Chair to Leslie Kettenhofen who has graciously stepped up to serve. Don't expect things to lighten up any. March 16 is the date to remember for the first of three IN PLANT pressing classes around the state. But be warned, class size is very limited, so some restrictions on number of attendees will be in effect. Should the demand be there, we will of course do everything we can to repeat the class. Watch your mail and register early!

Before I end with what will be my regular plea for membership…..why aren't you a member?…. I want to say Thank You to the Allied Trades. Your support over the years has been above and beyond. When we need, you are there. When we have a problem, you are there. When we look for answers, we look to you, and you are there. You have helped put the Joy back in our conventions and seminars. We are only half an industry without you, and so on behalf of the membership, I say again, Thank You!

And now a few words about being a member of the ODCA. Or, should I say, not being a member. Perhaps you think it costs too much. Perhaps you don't have the time. Perhaps you don't think there is any direct benefit to you or you think the organization doesn't speak to your interests.

Have I hit a nerve? Good! I mention all these reasons for not being a member because I have used all those reasons.

First of all, $12.50 a month is not too much. It is incredibly cheap considering all the organization is doing. Time? What time? You don't actually have to do anything but write a check and mail it in. (Your 2002 renewal is included in this newsletter) As far as getting involved, you decide how much or how little you want to do. Benefits? Yes, many of them, chief among them are protecting your interests in the Legislature and with the regulators, not to mention the educational and networking opportunities. And if the organization doesn't speak to your interests, then good grief, tell us what your interests are!

I am well aware of what a great organization ODCA used to be. I am even more aware of what a great organization it is now! As an all volunteer organization, we are working hard for you, the members. Send in your renewal or join today while your thinking about it.

Got issues? Questions? I am in my plant every morning at 6:30 and I would love to hear from you. Contact me at the number listed in this newsletter or use e-mail, you will get an answer.

Brian Olson owns 45th Ave Cleaners in Portland, he is President of ODCA and chairs the Education Committee. You can contact him at 503.244.9707 or E-mail him at BOloson@oregondrycleaners.org.

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A review of the 2001 Dry Cleaners Law ….by Kathey Butters

A few of the questions that were addressed during
this legislative process were;

1. A $30.00 per gallon perc tax.

2. Dry Cleaners who had switched to an alternative solvent
but had used perc in the past and dry cleaners
that had never used perc.

3. How do we raise the million dollars we as an industry
agreed too? (We have not met that obligation).

The Oregon Dry Cleaners Association, Korean American Dry Cleaners Association and the Oregon Dry Cleaners Alliance had all agreed that the basis of the“drycleaner law” is good (the protection of dry cleaners from costly cleanups). Where we differed was the
equitable way to fund the law. There was a group of dry cleaners whom wanted it
funded completely with a “gross revenue tax”. The ODCA saw huge problems with this, problems that were already surfacing with the gross revenue section of the
new fee structure. I personally did not want to be involved with the first industry to introduce a sales tax on consumers in a state where the public has voiced
time and again they do not want a sales tax. Also I did not want the “dry cleaner fund” used by the State Department of Revenue as a mechanism to collect this type
of tax, that is an expense we don't need to add. Other problems, included- What is gross revenue of Dry Cleaning Services? Do you have to claim what you wetclean? What about the items that some cleaners sell like lint rollers? What happens if you under estimate?
What about if you over estimate? Are you going to have to pay more or will you get a refund? We are told by the Department of Revenue that if and when you are audited you will have to show how you determined what your “dry cleaning services” gross revenue was. Those of you with advanced computers systems and can separate items by categories will have an advantage. I do not see this as protecting the “little guy” as other groups
always proclaims to represent.

ODCA approached the subject differently. We had heard from cleaners throughout the state, mostly asking about the perc tax and question 2 above. Size of the plant is not a factor. Everyone has equal access to the fund regardless of size. DEQ has not found size to be an issue when looking at cleanups. The perc tax was somewhat an “off setter” for size. The larger cleaners most often used more perc, therefore paid more taxes
into the fund. But the problem with the tax on perc was; you have a product that runs approximately $11.00 per gallon and it has a $30.00 (approx.) tax on it - not very
equitable. ODCA was in support of reducing the perc tax but not eliminating it. We as an industry are cleaning ourselves up and have done a great job. ODCA supported DEQs’ position that if you eliminated the tax all together, possible recontamination could be a factor. Cleaners might not keep their equipment in top shape, maybe a leak would develop and because of the cost of repairs it would not be a priority to pursue. Also we
saw that those cleaners who had switched to an alternative solvent but still had access to the fund for a perc cleanup as inequitable. This was addressed in the new fee structure under the risk base portion. That section is the result of the ODCA hard at work!
Still to answer the first 2 questions you have to keep in mind the 3rd question. The million-dollar question! Folks we have to fund the bill like it or not! (And you should like it, if you don't talk to those cleaners who have had a cleanup done). And a million dollars is still
a million dollars. So do not look for a reduction in fees instead help us address the issue of raising this money equitably and in a way that is collectable. Currently we are involved in writing rules to waste minimization at the DEQ Advisory Committee meetings.
These rules will affect every dry cleaner in the state of Oregon. I also want to point out that this committee does not just consist of dry cleaners and the other members are not as excited about the protection we have as an industry through the “dry cleaner law.” We need to protect what we have and the only way to accomplish that is to let our voices be heard. I have said many times before if you cannot make the meetings at least
contact an ODCA Board Member and voice your opinions.

My contact numbers are as follows:

phone# 503-399-9560, fax# 503-540-0906, e-mail
KButters@oregondrycleaners.org. You can find meeting
information and other board members on the
website.

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ODCA CONTINUES EDUCATION PROGRAM IN 2002

Mark your Calendar! March 16 is the first of the three educational opportunities in the form of a Finishing

Class. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to send your best people for a full day of training and learning. This

seminar will be held in a plant and includes hands-on training on a full range of fabrics and equipment. Space

is limited at the training session so plan to register early. As a member of ODCA you can send up to two members

of your staff at no additional cost to you, and yes, lunch is provided!

This class will be repeated again in Eugene and Medford to give every dry cleaner in the state the chance

to attend. Watch this space and your mail for your registration packet. You will be "Wowed" again at 2002’s convention.

Your education committee is already at work lining up some powerful speakers. Watch your newsletters for

details and plan to be amazed.

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IFI Corner

This is a reminder to all IFI members that each IFI Director can annually award one full scholarship to

IFI’s 3 week Resident Training Program (value $1250). Your IFI Director will be happy to provide more detailed

information - including a schedule of class offerings - to anyone who’s interested. Simply e-mail, phone or fax me as follows:

Gary L. Campbell

IFI District 7 Director

e-mail: campbells@proaxis.com

Fax: (541) 752-7939

Bus. Phone: (541) 752-3794

Home Phone: (541) 745-5233

IFI is also hosting a members only Management Seminar in Las Vegas February 20-22.

"This seminar is designed for the plant that plans on being around in the future. The seminar will cover

what’s happening now and what we believe will happen in the future, based on previous cycles in the industry."

IFI CEO Bill Fisher said.

For registration information, contact IFI at 800-638- 2627 or www.ifi.org in the members-only section.

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Random thoughts…from Claire Anchick, Secretary

Wow we had a great convention! Those of you who were unable to make it really missed a great time. ODCA sponsored a Best Ball 9 hole golf tournament on Friday. I was unable to attend but I understand fun was had by all! I want to say a big THANK YOU to our Allied Trade members who came through with some great give aways. Westport Supply’s’ Alex Johnson along with a Streets representative provided us with many great gift certificates. Earl Eckstrom, Fabricare Equipment, Inc. brought us the latest in plastic shoulder savers, which were a big hit. Cleaners Supply again provided us with a variety of supplies to give away.

I believe everyone won something. ODCA also provided posters to members for the "Coats

for Kids" program and with the many flags flying around our state another poster for member cleaners who clean them for free.

Our guest speakers were outstanding and very informative.I learned a lot and really enjoyed their presentations. Mr. Patel with Prestige Computer Systems gave us a demo of his software program and stayed around to demo it one on one in the other room. We also had a company Christensen Enterprises show us their automobile garment hangers to get our feed back on the design from the dry cleaners present.

Dinner was WOW! Filet Mignon or Salmon Pesto…. which to choose and with a dessert called "Death by Chocolate" who could resist! The setting elegant, candles and glitter, the attendees dressed to the nines, wine was flowing.

After the presentation of awards, introductions of new and old officers and of course the announcement of the 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd prize winners the band started playing and we continued visiting and danced the night away. (Marlys and Dennis Peterson really know how to "cut a rug") I got tired just watching.

Finally we got to meet Tammy Campbel-Thompsons’ new husband along with Michael O’Connors’ new wife and baby son.

I got calls later from attendees to say how much they really enjoyed themselves and how much they had learned. " It was a kinder gentler ODCA" one person said, another just said keep up the good work and they are looking forward to what next year brings.

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Educational Seminars at Convention

By Brian Olson, Education Committee Chair

The ODCA Education Committee has devoted itself to bringing opportunities for learning to our members and our convention in Florence this year was no exception.

First up to teach us and fresh from his "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" panel at Clean 01, was Sid Tuchman of Tuchman Training Systems. If you ever wondered how PurpleTie.com thought it was going to succeed, this was the place to find out. Sid spent month after month on the Board of Directors of this company watching as they made mistake after mistake, not bothering to listen to his advice. What was the bottom line? You can sink millions. into marketing your business, but without a clear plan for producing your product, you are doomed to failure. Sid continued by sharing his vast knowledge on a host of subjects all related to operating our businesses more profitably. If you missed him speak at our convention, I highly recommend you make plans to hear him in the future. Sid has an infectious passion for the industry and you should not miss him.

Eric Wilson, President of HR Integrated Solutions was our next speaker. HR meaning Human Resources, Eric’s presentation was entitled, " Hello to Good-bye, Attracting, Managing, and Retaining Your Employees." Eric filled his presentation with humor and inter-OK active games which helped to get some very serious lessons across to his listeners. One of which was how we manage to let some really good candidates get away simply by judging first appearances. Along with his presentation, Eric included a humorous"costume" change and a wealth of information the form of handouts and web resources. Some of these handouts included information on Preparing Employee Handbooks, Behavioral Interviewing, to Posting Requirements. Also included was a list of Web Sites with all the information we could possibly use.

DEQ also participated again this year. Dick Dezeeuw from the Dry Cleaners program gave us an update on what we can expect the fee structures to be like the first of the year and Wendy Anderson, filling in for Jill Inahara from the Clean Air division gave an update on her department. Wendy also treated us to a very humorous loop of TV ads from the United Kingdom, all off them about saving energy.

On behalf of the Oregon Dry Cleaners Association and its Education Committee, I would like to personally thank each of the people mentioned above and to Chris Allsbrooks and Loraine Muir, both of IFI, who spoke earlier this year. Each has taken time from their busy lives to help make our lives a little easier and we are forever indebted to them.

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THE TOM MOSHER DRY CLEANER OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Drycleaner of the Year is awarded annually to the drycleaner in the state who fulfills the criteria of excellence within the industry, involvement in the state association and community participation.

Mr. Ron Bowker is this years recipient.

Mr. Bowker meets all the above criteria. The newly constructed "The Cleanery" at 4770 Village Plaza Loop in a model, state of the art facility. It was constructed to address better customer service, more efficient use of operational equipment, and a more pleasant environment for their employees, and a plant that is environmentally friendly. It is the first building in the state of Oregon to be constructed solely for the use in this industry. Mr. Bowker has been the District 3 representative for the past few years and in 2002 has stepped up to the position of Sergeant-at Arms on the ODCA Board. He has participated in his community’s annual Coats for Kids Program, having been recognized in the year 2000 campaign for exceeding all other drycleaners in total volume. In his acceptance speech he thank the association and his partnership with Earl Eckstrom in Eugene’s "The Cleanery" drycleaners.

For a list of past recipients of the Tom Mosher Dry Cleaner of the Year Award

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We Had a Bonfire by Leslie Kettenhofen

Leslie Kettenhofen reporting in on the bonfire for the convention or how my husband became keeper of the flames! It all started when Kathey said she wanted to have a casual presidents reception. I of course mentioned "the weather in Florence is wonderful in the fall and a perfect time to have a bonfire!" Well the whole week before the convention I’m kicking myself as it’s blowing 40 mph and raining sideways, how could I have possibly said that to Kathey? Bob, my husband, however keeps the faith and goes about acquiring the permit from the State Parks Department to drive a vehicle on the beach (it is going to be 4wd they ask) Borrowing a friends 4wd truck, getting the County to clear the 15 ft dune (that’s formed over the summer) in front of the only access to the beach and loading up the wood in a 15 mph wind. Friday, 6 p.m. and we’re all sitting in the presidents’ suite when Bob says it’s time to set up the bonfire. He picked a place that was a reasonable walking distance from the room and he and Kathey’s mom go down to set it up. The fire is lit and the Wind stops, a light fog rolled in and it’s a balmy 60°. Ahhh... Yes this is the Oregon Coast I know in the fall... The reception/party now starts moving towards the beach and before ya know it, we have a crowd of 20 people standing around with sweaters or light jackets enjoying the heck out of the bonfire. Lots of laughs, lots of discussion, "don’t take the path there is a lake in front of it, take the stairs" we yelled (Mr. Lloyd an I were still drying out our shoes), helping a 4 year old passerby roast her first marshmallow, drink runs back to the room, dry cleaners and allied trades people spotting the fire as they arrive at Driftwood Shores and coming out to join us.

Total cost of Bonfire: One Dinner for Borrowed Truck.

Standing around a bonfire sharing the trials and tribulations of "The Business": Priceless

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