FORT WORTH, Texas — During their recent annual meeting here, members of the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists (AWGS) toured a drycleaning plant, heard from guest speakers, participated in roundtable discussions and recognized one of their own for his work in the industry.
The plant tour, an annual meeting tradition, took place at the host member plant, Kite’s Cleaners and Pinstripes, owned and managed by Nathan Kite.
During the event, the organization presented the 14th annual Jack Barth Memorial Award of Excellence to Ken Kinzer of Bridgestone Cleaners in Brooklyn, New York.
Kinzer began his garment-care journey more than four decades ago, in 1983. In that time, he has earned respect in the industry and pioneered eco-friendly techniques as well as taken on many leadership roles. A strong industry advocate, Kinzer has served as president of the National Cleaners Association (NCA), led community initiatives such as the Brooklyn Coats for Kids Campaign, and received numerous awards from groups such as the Clothing Care Council.
“Kinzer’s clients describe his work as nothing short of meticulous and masterful,” says AWGS President Kyle Matthews of Janet Davis Cleaners in Berkley, Michigan, “and one reviewer summed it up perfectly with the comment that ‘Ken treats every gown like it’s a priceless heirloom — because to the bride, it is.’”
Initiated by Linda Stokes-Barth in remembrance of her late husband and his achievements in the drycleaning industry, the award recognizes an AWGS member for advancement, promotion and development of industry standards for wedding gown care as well as for outstanding contributions and service to the Association and its members.
AWGS members also heard from speakers that included designer Callie Tein of Luna d’Miel Bridal, Emily Foster of Emily Foster Creative, Tracy Aaron of Wedding and Party Network, Kayla Fogarty of TheKnotWW.com and Michael Tungesvick of Sankosha-USA.
Other speakers were AWGS members Nadine Rana of Style and Grace Cleaners in Toronto, Ontario, and Ben Feingold of Fabricare Center Cleaners in Atlanta, on the topic of TikTok, and Jan Barlow of Jan’s Professional Dry Cleaners in Flint, Michigan, on best hiring and incentive practices.
Additionally, there was a series of roundtable conversations offering everyone in the group the chance to discuss topics ranging from “must” updates for websites to keeping employees happy.
AWGS table hosts included Jan Bohn of Margaret’s Cleaners in San Diego on handling luxury garments, Marissa Gonzales of Five Star Wedding Gown Specialists in San Antonio on starting a wedding alterations department, Melisa Soonius of Kite’s Cleaners and Pinstripes in Dallas/Fort Worth on scheduling gown pickup and delivery, and Margaret Butler of Dublin (Ohio) Cleaners on developing a start-up video.
Matthews presided over the installation of officers, including vice president Rana, secretary-treasurer Rhonda Wernick of Oakwood the Greener Cleaners in Nashville, Tennessee, and immediate past president Kermit Engh of Methods for Management. Malcolm MacGregor of Brown’s Cleaners in Ottawa, Ontario, chairs the Budget and Finance Committee.
Incoming members of the Board of Directors are Feingold and Kerryn Wollington of LDC Luxury Drycleaning in Cardiff, New South Wales, Australia.
Members new to the Association are Nina Lapin and Roman Cheb of Greenacres Cleaners and Alterations in Spokane Valley, Washington; Cameron Bastien of Carousel Cleaners in West Vancouver, British Columbia; Chad McMurtrie of Pristine Dry Cleaners in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand; Matthew Hyde of Hyde’s Quality Drycleaners in Gisborne, Victoria, Australia; and Bill Hudson of Cressbells Dry Cleaners in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.
AWGS is a not-for-profit trade association with members in nine countries.
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