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MAC and NEFA ARE JOINING TOGETHER TO HOST AN EDUCATIONAL SUMMIT AT WEDDING GOWN PRESERVATION AND CLEANERS SUPPLY ON JULY 17 & 18, 2025.

The program will include management level workshops, tours of Cleaners Supply and Wedding Gown Preservation, and an optional dinner on Thursday evening July 17th.

Thanks to Wedding Gown Preservation and Cleaners Supply sponsoring the event and supplying the dinner, as well as Breakfast and Lunch on the Friday, the program is FREE to all members.

Dave Coyle, of Maverick Drycleaners, and Jennifer Whitmarsh, of The Route Pros, will be the lead presenters and will be talking to all industry leaders. On the Thursday afternoon, Cleaners Supply will be highlighting the extensive training program they implement for their team members. They will explore training protocols, follow-up and how they oversee the entire sales force.

“This is an incredible opportunity for the industry,” offered Peter Blake, NEFA Executive Vice President, “and we expect it to be extremely popular. We had a similar program about a year ago and the response was amazing. While we have some excellent educational sessions lined up, one of the main draws is the opportunity to tour the two facilities. It is really eye opening to see the procedures they have in place and systems they have implemented. When we toured Wedding Gown Preservation last year they had over 11,000 gowns on premises and attendees were enthralled with the packaging, cleaning process and the overall capabilities.”

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The Program officially begins at 4:00 on Thursday July 17th with a tour of Cleaners Supply. After the tour, Cleaners Supply will share their extensive training program implement for their team members. After the presentation, all attendees are invited to dinner.

On Friday, July 18th the program begins at 8:00 with a complementary breakfast and networking opportunity. Then Jennifer Whitmarsh will host “Defining and Developing a Leader in Today’s World”. Leadership training is often overlooked, but is an essential part of building an effective team. Using her experience as a team leader, business owner, and consultant, Jennifer will explore proven strategies to develop your leadership skills.

After a short break, Dave Coyle of Maverick Drycleaners will present: Delight Your Clients - The Art of Exceeding Expectations. Competition is fierce in the marketplace, and you need to differentiate yourself from the rest of the industry. Developing the Customer Experience Excellence is critical to retaining your customers and opening the door for potential customers. Dave is a well known spokesperson for the industry, a marketing expert, and has built a very successful business of his own. This is a tremendous opportunity to learn from the best.

Following Dave Coyle’s presentation, lunch will be provided and then attendees will tour Wedding Gown Preservation. The program will end by 3:00 PM.

The workshop is geared towards owners, managers, and key personnel. Dave Coyle and Jennifer Whitmarsh are both exceptional speakers and this is a unique opportunity to hear from the best -- and tour two of the most progressive suppliers in the region. Don’t miss out.

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS

For those needing accommodations, we have secured a number of rooms at Traditions Hotel and Spa in Johnson City, NY. Attendees are eligible for a special rate of $159/night.

We expect this program to be very popular, and rooms could sell out. Please call the hotel at (607) 797-2381 or visit them at traditionshotelandspa.com. Mention you are with Wedding Gown Preservation and ask for the preferred rate.

It is no secret we are all doing more with less.  We are working harder than we have worked in recent years, and we seem to always be behind!  I know I am and I am sure you all are feeling the same pressures.

I bet the last thing on your mind is volunteering to another group or Board that will take up even more of your precious free time, but we need people like you to help steer MAC in the right direction.  

When I joined the Board, I had the same reservations you all probably do:  “I am too busy, I don’t have much to offer, I can’t help, I don’t know enough to be of service”, and the list goes on.

Sound like your first thoughts?  I am here to tell you, YOU are exactly what we need, and trust me, if you do volunteer, not only will you be a big help, but you will also benefit greatly from the experience.  I know I did.  Being on the MAC Board played a significant role in building my cleaners and making it successful.  

I have met incredible people from all areas of the MAC Region -- and throughout the country.  We have become friends, colleagues, and mentors to one another.  When I have questions or concerns, I have a whole network of people I feel comfortable reaching out to.  

Through my work with MAC I have first-hand knowledge of all the programs and services DLI and MAC offer.  Many members struggle to understand how to use the services and the ways the programs can benefit their own operations.  Through getting to know the incredible staff at MAC and DLI I have even more tools available to me.
For example, whenever I am looking for a new piece of equipment or making a new investment,  I have been able to explore all the options and have gotten close personal feedback on the pros and cons of each.  Without my Board experience, I am not sure I would have the same level of comfort in reaching out to my peers.

MAC is a strong Association and we are well positioned to help the industry and our members. We want YOU to be a part of that.  We need YOUR input into ways you need help and developing programs you feel would be beneficial. Contact Peter Blake at the MAC Office if you want to learn more.