CLA Drums Up Interest in Excellence in Laundry

OJAI, Calif. — The Coin Laundry Association’s Excellence in Laundry Conference wrapped its opening day here with what was undoubtedly the loudest session on the agenda.

Drummer Kenny Aronoff, who’s played with a who’s who of the music industry and performed on more than 30 Grammy-nominated records, shared Four Keys for a Successful Life and Career in between solo performances. Discipline and persistence were the common themes during his remarks.

Things were more sedate as the event opened Wednesday morning with a presentation by Dr. Alan Beaulieu, president of ITR Economics. He shared his forecast of economic conditions that set up favorable for this industry for the near future in Good Days Ahead. But he warned of a mild recession that he predicts will occur in 2018-19 and be consumer-driven.

Later in the day, Tim Greiner, co-founder and managing director of Pure Strategies Inc., discussed Laundry with Purpose: Our Sustainable Future. He demonstrated ways in which companies have developed sustainability plans for reducing energy usage and more. During the second half of his presentation, Greiner grouped store owners, manufacturers and distributors, and challenged them to come up with sustainability opportunities for the coin laundry industry.

More efficient laundry equipment, expanded recycling efforts and incentive programs designed to encourage conservation were among the suggestions voiced by audience members.

Between speakers, and during meals and breaks, attendees had opportunities to meet representatives from show sponsors and learn about their latest products. Exhibiting companies include American Changer Corp., BCC Payments, Card Concepts, Continental Girbau, CryptoPay, Dexter Laundry, ESD, Eastern Funding, Firestone Financial Corp., Hamilton Engineering, Huebsch, Imonex, Laundrylux, Primus, Setomatic Systems, Speed Queen, R&B Wire Products, Vend-Rite Mfg. and Whirlpool.

The brief conference at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa wraps up later today.

Dr. Alan Beaulieu, president of ITR Economics, opens the Coin Laundry Association’s Excellence in Laundry Conference with Good Days Ahead, a forecast of economic conditions that favor this industry in the immediate future. (Photos: Bruce Beggs)

Store owners gather in groups to discuss sustainability at the direction of consultant Tim Greiner.

Earplugs were available for the day’s loudest session featuring renowned drummer Kenny Aronoff. Between sets, Aronoff described how his work ethic and persistence lifted him to the peak of professional musicianship.

Excellence in Laundry attendees watch Aronoff in action.

Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].