MWDLI TopGolf Registration Now Open

The opportunity to network with dry cleaners in your area can help you find fresh solution to old problems and gain further insight for running a successful business.

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MIDWEST DRYCLEANING & LAUNDRY INSTITUTE

Welcome to the newly formed Midwest Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (MWDLI). Formally known as the Midwest Drycleaners and Launders Association (MWDLA), MWDLI has been established to help increase the profitability of your dry cleaning business with research, education, advocacy and support from industry experts focused strictly on you. The MWDLI Strategic Planning Council will help DLI steer, direct and promote member activities. MWDLI’s primary objective will be to focus on Education and Training in your area to help members keep abreast of the latest industry information from stain removal to regulatory issues to everything else in between.

WORKING HARD FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS!

Networking

Network with pears to find fresh solutions to old problems and gain further insight for running a successful cleaner.

Educational Opportunities

We believe that excellence comes from relentless improvement. We evaluate each part of our curriculum every time it is taught.

Local Advocacy

MWDLI together with the Advisory counsel will be working hard to provide you the most current and up to date information.

Advisory Counsel

President

John Mertes
Ziker Cleaners

1240 South Syrkit St

Mishawaka, IN 46544

574-287-2887

jmertes@zikercleaners.com

Vice President

Perry T. Carrico

Rainbow Cleaners

504 South 4th Street

Danville, KY 40422
859-236-4274
pale01@gmail.com

Jeff Schwegmann

Sunshine Cleaners

4854 Mary Ingles Highway

Silver Grove, KY 40176

800-232-0792

jeff@sunshinecleaners.com

Ray Kroner
Kroner Dry Cleaners
3820 N Bend Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45211
513-661-1400
info@kronerdrycleaners.com

Tim Day

Classic Cleaners

8071 Knue Road

Indianapolis, IN 46250

317-845-0361

timd@classiccleaners.net

Mike Fothergill

Holiday Cleaners

3301 Barbour Lane

Louisville, KY 40241

502-425-6183

mikefothergill8@aol.com

Jim Gault

Gaults Plaza Cleaners &
Laundromat

855 Coshocton Ave Ste 19

Mt. Vernon, OH 43050

740-393-2831

gaultcleaners@gmail.com

Rick Armstrong

3609 Waterford St

Richmond, IN 43734

765-977-3228

rwagolfer@gmail.com

James Belt

Fabric Care Center

5760 W Morris Street

Indianapolis, IN 46241

317-224-3212

james@fabriccarecenter.com

Allied Trades Liaisons

Dru Shields

EnviroForensics

825 N Capital Ave

Indianapolis, IN 46204

888-866-7911

dshields@enviroforensics.com

Jeff Dunn

Machinex

7654 Production Drive

Cincinnati, OH 45237

513-771-4020

jeff.dunn@machinexonline.com

Jeff Jordan

Fabritec International

8145 Holton Drive Ste 110

Florence, KY 41042

800-543-0460

jeffjordan@fabritec.com

Scott Nelson
Wilcox Environmental
Engineering Inc
1552 Main Street Ste 100
Speedway, IN 46224
317-472-0999
snelson@wilcoxenv.com

Executive Director

Jon Meijer
14700 Sweitzer Lane
Laurel MD 20707

800-638-2627

MidwestDLI@gmail.com

The Association Built To Help Dry Cleaners Connect

Belonging to a trade or professional organization like Midwest Drycleaning & Laundry Institute is as important to a business as developing services for its customers. Whether you're trying to decide on getting into the dry cleaning business or you're already an owner, we are here to be your guide.

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Executive Director Report
By: Jon Meijer

Ask Me Again Tomorrow

Yesterday, we couldn’t find customers and today we can’t find employees willing to work. Tomorrow, who knows what the day will bring. Covid has certainly changed the way we think going forward. In my last column I had reported that many of our members are doing with less, actually working in all facets of the plant. And because of Covid, members have had to look at their business from the inside out rather than the outside looking in. Well, that was then and this is now or is it? I mean, are we moving forward, beyond Covid, going backwards or just stuck somewhere in the middle? When can we finally say, we are almost done with the Covid pandemic and really move forward? Here is my answer, “ask me again tomorrow”. I really don’t have a clue and I don’t believe anyone else has the Covid Crystal ball to make a prediction either. Six months into the pandemic, I predicted it would take another 18 months before things more or less get back to the “new normal”. We all know now that the old normal is mostly gone. Unfortunately, we are not quite there yet, but things are beginning to change. Members are seeing an increase in customer traffic and the resulting sales, especially as customers are learning to live with the pandemic. Finding employees is proving difficult as wage inflation continues to soar, making it harder and harder to compete with other types of businesses. And yet, all-in-all members are seeing an overall improvement in their business. However, if you asked me to predict the future, I’d say, “ask me again tomorrow”.

In the meantime, Mid-West Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (MWDLI) is moving forward. For the first time in nearly two years, MWDLI will be hosting a social event on Friday, October 22nd at Top Golf in Indianapolis. This will be the first of hopefully many events going forward. For more information please contact Jon Meijer at 800-638-2627.

What is Top Golf, you ask? For those of us that play golf, you will likely know, but for those of you who don’t, here is the quick and dirty. Topgolf is a game that anyone can play (and win). Score points by hitting micro-chipped golf balls at giant dartboard-like targets on an outfield. The closer you get your ball to the center or ‘bullseye’ and the further the distance, the more points earned. The fun and games don’t stop there; you can even indulge in delicious food and drinks brought to you while you play.