Fall Conference Highlights

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"Great conference-one of the best all around conferences we've ever had!" "Great, great weekend, food, ideas." Great presenters." "Lots of good ideas." "Interesting concepts." "Everything was super!" These were just some of the comments offered by our attendees of the WFI Fall Conference held at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake on September 23-25, 2005. Friday night's festivities featured a Texas BBQ followed by a rousing Texas Hold'Em Poker tournament that saw everyone participating and laughing. Even those who had never played enjoyed themselves with help from fellow players and dealers. After an hour an a half of play, with several stakes increases, the tournament boiled down to only a few shrewd card players to battle it out for the last hand. Dan Martino Sr., Martino's Master Drycleaners held more chips than any other player to claim the championship! Our guest presenter Jan Barlow followed in second (with a little help from master player Charlie Cass), with Craig Hanson of Weinberg Supply & Equipment taking the third place spot. The WFI hospitality room was then opened for all to savor the fun and socialize with others.

"The Big Picture & The Bottom Line" was the focus of our business sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Professional drycleaners and trainers Jan Barlow and Mary Beth Bolen teamed up to give our cleaners some new insight and ideas on how to improve their operations-and add more to the bottom line! They shared their expertise and experiences and received feedback and ideas from the session participants. From human resources, sales, promotion, advertising and marketing, the pair shined a light on the focus areas for successful businesses that too many business owners neglect. Ever hear of the adage of working on your business rather than in your business? Overall, the session enlightened many to the need to plan, implement and constantly assess their business strategy if they are going to win the "Race for Success".

As a number of folks took the afternoon to visit the area attractions and events, including a renovated downtown Elkhart Lake and a horse show nearby, others were resigned to the Quit Qui Oc Golf Course for a two-person best ball tournament, where the race for success continued in everyone's mind as the sound of race cars at the nearby Elkhart Raceway echoed through the hills and valleys of this rolling course. The afternoon's weather was perfect for enjoying a bit of relaxation on the course, at the shops or by lakeside.

Saturday evening's banquet was supported with awards and prizes. Ron Kantor was recognized with a standing ovation from his peers and friends for receiving the IFI Meritorious Service Award at the Clean Show. President Sue Doolin and Mark McDermid, DNR's Cooperative Environmental Assistance Program Bureau Director, presented re-certification certificates to Brian Cass, One-Hour Martinizing, and Dennis Schmitt and Tom and Karen Swink of Lindeman's Cleaning Inc. Prizes for the golf tournament were handed out and door prizes were then distributed throughout the crowd.

Auctioneer Charlie Cass auctioned off a few select items to "jump start" everyone thinking about this coming February's Convention and auction to be held at the American Club in Kohler. We raised $1,405 with the seven items presented. Folks strolled down to the beach along the crystal clear lake for an evening bonfire on the beach and circulated between there and the spacious WFI hospitality room. So many of our members and guests commented on the wealth of ideas and camaraderie shared during the social events offered at WFI functions.