Mutual in Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. — The Round Table of Laundry & Dry Cleaners gathered here in late Sept. for their annual “fly-in” event critiquing this time Max I. Walker Dry Cleaners and Launderers and learning more about its uniform rental services, the cleaners reports.

Each year the Round Table gathers in one of the member’s cities to visit their operations and to plan for the group’s annual meeting.

“What an honor it was to have this group of top flight dry cleaners from around the United States in Omaha to critique and give helpful advice on improving our operation,” says Rob Walker, president of Max I. Walker, host of the fly-in.

This year’s fly-in attendees included more than a dozen cleaners from all around the U.S.

“What a pleasure it was to have all these families and friends in our community,” Walker says.

The agenda included tours of five different Max I. Walker plants and uniform rental services facilities, a lecture from Ernie Gross on the state of economics and planning for the Round Table’s annual meeting.

The Round Table’s 79th annual meeting will take place in March, 2018 in the Dominican Republic, indicates the cleaners. The meeting serves as a time to discuss industry trends, advancements, and to exchange ideas.

The Round Table (originally called a Sales Managers’ Pow-Wow) was founded in 1940 in Allentown, Pa., by industry leaders Herb Koch, Lee Workman and Barrett Finn, the cleaners notes.

“They moved the conference to New York City for the next 5 years and it became known as the Laundry Management Group. In 1950, the name was officially changed to The Round Table Conference and has remained so ever since.”

Big group of Round Table participants pose for a photo outside of Max I. Walker Dry Cleaners in Omaha, Neb. Cleaners that participated in this yearly peer review event, included: Cleaner World, Admiral Cleaners, Anton’s Cleaners, Avon Cleaners, Classic Cleaners, Classic Cleaners, Dependable Cleaners, Model Cleaners, Pilgrim Cleaners, Porter’s Fine Dry Cleaners, Pratt Abbott, Puritan, Tripp’s Fine Cleaners, Red Hanger Cleaners and Zengeler Cleaners. (Photos: Max I Walker)

Another group of drycleaning operators hold still for a photo opp in front of the Max I. Walker delivery vehicle. This dry cleaner played host for the Round Table group during it’s most recent “fly-in” event.

Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].