LAUREL, Md. — The Award of Excellence (AOE) voluntary certification program has a new website to promote member businesses to consumers, according to the Clothing Care Council (CCC). Consumers can now visit www.gooddrycleaners.com and search by ZIP code to locate a quality drycleaner in their areas.
Launched by the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) in 2005, the AOE is designed as an objective measurement of drycleaner competency and service. Featuring strict compliance and accreditation requirements, the program is reviewed and overseen by the CCC. The council’s 11 members include representatives from trade and consumer associations, apparel manufacturers, and consumer advocates such as syndicated columnist Heloise.
Less than 1% of drycleaning operators in the United States have achieved AOE status, the CCC says, along with a handful of operators from Australia, Canada and other parts of the world. Businesses earn AOE accreditation after demonstrating stain-removal proficiency, a commitment to ongoing professional education and outstanding customer service. The award must be earned annually.
“Professional drycleaners who undergo training and who work hard to refine their craft and serve the public have long needed a form of validation that consumers can recognize and rely upon,” says DLI CEO Bill Fisher. “The Award of Excellence is a tool for assuring the public that skillful cleaning [and] excellent customer service are not lost arts today.”
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