LAUREL, Md. — The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute’s (DLI) Board of Directors recently announced the establishment of the DLI Hall of Fame Award, a recognition aimed at honoring outstanding individuals and businesses within the drycleaning and laundry industry.
This all-new award is set to become the industry's highest honor, the organization says in its announcement, celebrating excellence in leadership, business operations, community involvement, environmental stewardship and a deep-seated passion for the industry. Candidates for the award will include industry pioneers, exceptional business leaders, and community advocates.
"Professional drycleaning and laundry operators from all over the world contribute to the betterment of our industry every day,” says DLI CEO Mary Scalco. “Our goal with the Hall of Fame is to recognize contributions made by any professional in our industry who has made a positive impact and honor them as examples for other members of the industry. All cleaning professionals, regardless of membership, are welcome to nominate industry professionals they see as inspirational for this award."
Inaugural inductees into DLI’s Hall of Fame include past recipients of DLI’s Diamond Achievement Award, a group that includes:
- Barney Deden
- Stan Golomb
- Chris Edwards
- Jeff Miller
- Sid Tuchman
- Don Fawcett
- Walter “Buster” Bell
- Milton Chortkoff
These individuals, DLI says, consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement in their respective fields.
The organization says that nominations for its Hall of Fame Award will be accepted from and for any industry participant, regardless of membership in any organization, beginning April 1 through a form on DLI's website. DLI’s Board of Directors will review applications and a decision will be announced to the industry by September 15.
"At a recent DLI Board meeting, we all thought of people in our industry who helped us grow personally and professionally and how we might honor them,” says Norman Way of Puritan Cleaners and the District 2 director on DLI Board. “We know others feel the same and the DLI Hall of Fame Award seems like the perfect way to commend and recognize these impactful leaders who left a lasting effect on us all."
To be eligible for nomination, candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of experience working in the drycleaning and laundry industry. The selection process will involve a two-stage voting process by DLI's Hall of Fame committee, and the awardees will be publicly announced and celebrated.
Recipients of the Hall of Fame Award will be recognized at state or national events as well as in industry publications, DLI says in its statement, further highlighting their significant contributions to the drycleaning and laundry industry.
For more information about the DLI Hall of Fame Award and to make a nomination, visit DLI's official Hall of Fame page at DLIonline.org/HoF.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].
