CLA membership

[Kitty]

We are CLA members and will continue to be members, however, I am curious to see what others think of this organization. After finishing my research into the Laundromat industry I have come to certain conclusions regarding the industry and how it is presented.

I am curious to know what the other members think of the organization as a whole and how you felt as a newbie, and how you feel now as a seasoned operator? Who does the membership benefit more? The newbie or the old timer? Or both?

What is it you expect out of the orgainzation?

[pete f]

I expect the CLA to continue to write my insurance. Anything else is gravy for me. Trust me, I have 1 store I can't even get a quote on. It is near a bad neighborhood, called the Gulf of Mexico.

Perks like free dinner/drinks are a nice touch. I know they are active in some issues that do not affect me directly, but will still lend support. Newbie or old timer, everyone should support them.
except thier new BB which echos here. They kept postings from 3 years ago. And Jeff L I think is copying stuff from here and posting there. He is quite more laid back on that one, guess he is aging.......

[CharlieS]

I found the CLA to be very useful in my first year, less in my second. They do write my insurance, which seems reasonable (about $1400 per store).

I definitely enjoy the Journal, as well as Coin-Op, but I don't think you have to be a member to get the Journal.

Yes, CLA is definitely manufacturer friendly. They avoid and refrain from any kind of equipment comparisons, and have heavy manufacturer involvement. However, I have also appreciated much of the information that I have received from manfacturers in their seminars.

The last session in SF had several good seminars. The tax seminar was superb. Hamilton Engineering gave a great seminar on the current state of water recycling for our industry (bottom line, its not feasible yet).

I believe in the one good concept theory. If I can get one good idea to improve my business, its worth being a member that year. I get that from the CLA.

Charlie