WFI Past President Arlene Tutkowski, National One Hour Cleaners, (left) hands the gavel over to newly elected President Sue Doolin, Packard Way Cleaners during the Fall Conference and Golf Outing in Tomah.

Wisconsin Fabricare Institute's Fall Conference found Cranberry Country and Tomah's autumn weather perfect for tours, golf and informational business sessions September 17th-19th. WFI planned a weekend of family fun, as well as some educational opportunities. Members arriving Friday evening were treated to a scavenger hunt and an early Halloween party. The young and the young at heart dressed in their Halloween costumes. The kids trick or treated from table-to-table, filling their goodie bags. Costume Contest winners were as follows: Women - 1st Place Arlene Tutkowski, National One Hour Cleaners & 2nd Place Sandy Mielke, Quick Cleaners. Men - 1st Place Jeff Fitzgerald, Herb Fitzgerald Co. & 2nd Place Tim Jolliffe, Classic Cleaners. See below for plenty of pictures!

Saturday morning conference attendees were treated to a presentation by renowned industry expert, writer and speaker Norm Oehlke, presenting "Your Image". Oehlke discussed how image means everything and shared some of his experiences while visiting drycleaners and other businesses, in particular how store appearance and presentation reflected customer care and the possibility of repeat business.

Band Box Cleaners graciously hosted a tour of their entire operation Saturday morning. Small groups were given guided tours of their linen plant, industrial laundry and drycleaning plant. Band Box tour guides explained each aspect of the operation, along with the state-of-the art hot water recovery system.

Saturday afternoon conference goers had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful fall weather out on the links at Hiawatha Golf Course, or on a tour of the Amish Countryside.

Golf prizes were awarded to the following three teams:

Flight A - Brian Cass & John Krantz
Flight B - Art & Nancy Imig
Flight C - Carrie Martinez & Ron Kantor
See below for more pictures!

Over 20 people boarded the bus for the Amish Country Tour. Highlights of the Amish Tour included a stop for lunch at the Burnstad's European Café, a stop at a cheese factory for some cheese and fresh ice cream, a stop at a farm where an Amish family sells freshly baked goodies, and interesting information from Kathy Kuderer (owner of a local shop that sells unique, handmade Amish treasures) on Amish religion, customs and lifestyle.
See below for more pictures!

Saturday evening's country western reception saw buckaroos and cowpokes ridin' the range in real western attire. The local Band Box Blues Grass Band provided great musical entertainment throughout the evening. WFI's allied trades graciously sponsored the evening's hospitality.

The WFI "Come Cruise With Us" auction was also kicked off Saturday evening. Four sneak-peek items were auctioned off. WFI wishes to thank Ron & JoAnne Kantor (Leather-Rich), Charles Cass (One Hour Martinizing), Gary Gunderson (Gunderson Cleaners, Inc.) and The Radisson in Green Bay for donating the early auction items. The four remaining $500 cruise gift certificates will highlight the annual convention in February 2005.

Sunday's business sessions featured Attorney Daniel Finerty, who will also be presenting Part Two of the WFI's three-part Management Seminar Series. Robin Schmidt from the WDNR presented an overview of experiences, education and new technologies that continue to develop in remediation of contaminated sites. Following her presentation, Robin joined Jeff Seollner, the WDNF financial analyst for the DERF program, and WFI Attorney Don Gallo to discuss "Drycleaner Experiences with Cleanups".

WFI sends out a special thank you to everyone who made the 2004 Fall Conference and Golf Outing a success - from the hospitality and golf prize sponsors, to the business session door prize sponsors and Band Box Cleaners for opening their facility to us.

Amish Tour	Band Box	Band Box	Band Box
Jerry Keene and his Band Box team served as excellent guides during WFI's tour. (L to R) President Jerry Keene, General Manager John Tessmann, Production Manager Tyson Koput, Sales & Service Manger Rich Keene and Plant Manager Robert Keene.	Deputy Ron Kantor (left) served as auctioneer and was assisted by Sheriff Charlie Cass during Saturday evening's sneak-peek auction.	The Band Box Blue Grass Band provided entertainment during Saturday evening's country western reception!	Cranberry Country
Cranberry Country	Cranberry Country	Cranberry Country	The winning costumes for the ladies are included in the picture above. Sandy Mielke (left) received 2nd place and Arlene Tutkowski (far right) - whom many didn't recognize - received 1st place.
The winning costumes for the men are included in this group. Jeff Fitzgerald (4th from the left) went home with 1st place honors and Tim Jolliffe (far right) received 2nd place.	Halloween pictures	Halloween more pictures!	Even more Halloween
Even More Halloween	Hiawatha, the ball went that way...or was it the other????	Hiawatha	Winners of Flight A were Brian Cass (far right) and John Krantz (back row). Also pictured are (L to R) Russ Kantor and Tim Jolliffe.
Winners of Flight B were Art and Nancy Imig (from left) pictured with Tyson and Julie Koput.	Winners of Flight C were Ron Kantor and Carrie Martinez (far right) pictured with (from left) John Tessmann and Jeff Seidensticker.	First Place Scavenger Hunt Team:(L to R) Ann Jolliffe, Charlie Cass, Jim Fitzgerald, Jr. and Tim Jolliffe.	Second Place Scavenger Hunt Team: (L to R) Rick Nettum, Patti and Dennis Schmitt and Russ Kantor.
Third Place Scavenger Hunt Team: (L to R) Nancy Frinzi, Bob Wamsley, Michelle, Hannah (in costume) and Don Chapman.