Recap: 70th Annual New England Sanitone Meeting

Winter storm Juno didn’t stop Sanitone Licensees from travelling to Boston for the 70th Annual New England Sanitone Licensee Meeting, January 29-30th. Those who attended got to experience exceptional speakers, delicious food, and beautiful accommodations at the Four Seasons.

Friday morning started with a talk from Eldridge Cannon of Cannon’s Coastal Cleaners in Brunswick, GA titled “An Open Mind Can Open Doors.” Eldridge told his inspiring story of how hard work and re-investing in your business can lead to success. He shared ideas and technology that contributed to the fast growth of his business and reminded us that it’s good to have dreams to aspire towards!

John Jordan, president of Fabritec International, gave the Sanitone update, including the news that cleaners across the country are getting excellent results utilizing Sanitone with heated hydrocarbon and heated GreenEarth®. There will be a Union Heated Hydrocarbon machine, manufactured with specifications for the Sanitone cleaning process, on display at the Clean Show in April. John also noted that Wetcleaning has been an area of high growth for Sanitone with the 3 Product Wetcleaning System. Sanitone will also be rolling out a new website for online ordering, training, and technical support.

“Billy the Coach” Sheehan, Executive Health Strategist, spoke about using physical fitness to improve mental health and inspire professional excellence. He revealed the 5 best responses to stress and taught how to “live in the now.” We learned how to spend just a few minutes a day meditating in order to relax and re-focus the mind.

Dave Machesney, DLI Chairman, and Mary Scalco, DLI CEO, gave the DLI update which included information about the new membership structure, updated cleaning performance test reporting, and an exclusive first look at a new app being developed to be an on the job spotting guide.

Longtime Sanitone supporter Paul Ceccarelli was in attendance after recovering from triple bypass surgery. John Jordan presented Paul with an award in appreciation for his enthusiastic support and dedication to Sanitone. Paul has been instrumental in organizing the New England Sanitone Licensee Meeting for many years.

After a traditional Boston lunch of chowder and chicken, we heard from Tom Rogerson, Family Wealth Strategist. He talked about building a plan for families to communicate and work as a team when it comes to preparing for the future and business succession. He spoke about the importance of philanthropy within families and making decisions together that affect the group as a whole. He shared some excellent strategies and exercises for learning to communicate effectively.

Our last speaker was Chad Boucher, president of Wesvic Systems, discussing how to create an efficient pressing department by counting pieces. Chad and his brother developed the PieceCounter, a production management tool that gives real-time performance feedback. Cleaners are seeing a substantial increase in pieces per hour thanks to the system’s color coded feedback and customizable reports.

In between speakers there was time for networking and strategizing with some of the most successful drycleaners in the country. You really won’t be able to find another experience quite like this for the cost. Sanitone appreciates the hard work of the New England Licensees Board of Directors in organizing this 70th Annual Meeting. A special thanks to the President, Arthur Anton, Jr. of Anton’s Cleaners, for putting together another outstanding event with invigorating speakers. Hope to see you next year at the Annual New England Sanitone Licensee Meeting!