Hall of Fame Award

Nominate Your Industry Hero Here

DLI’s Board of Directors established the DLI Hall of Fame Award to recognize and honor outstanding individuals within the drycleaning and laundry industry. This all-new award is set to become the industry’s highest honor, celebrating excellence in leadership, business operations, community involvement, environmental stewardship, and a deep-seated passion for the industry.

DLI’s Hall of Fame Award acknowledges and pays tribute to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the betterment of the drycleaning and laundry industry. Candidates for the award include industry pioneers, exceptional business leaders, and community advocates. DLI intends to shine a spotlight on individuals who have left an indelible mark on the industry.

Inaugural inductees into DLI’s Hall of Fame include past recipients of DLI’s Diamond Achievement Award, a distinguished group that includes:

• Barney Deden
• Stan Golomb
• Chris Edwards
• Jeffrey Miller
• Sid Tuchman
• Donald Fawcett
• Walter “Buster” Bell
• Milton Chortkoff

These individuals consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement in their respective fields.

DLI’s Board of Directors invites you to nominate an industry professional for this award. Please be prepared to share how the candidate has demonstrated excellence in at least one of the following categories:

• Industry Contributions: How has your nominee elevated the industry?
• Leadership: How has your nominee lead through tough times?
• Integrity & Ethics: How has your nominee served as an example for others?
• Community Involvement: How has your nominee given back to the industry in meaningful ways?
• Environmental Stewardship: How has your nominee demonstrated a commitment to sustainability?
• Passion for the Industry: How has your nominee shown dedication and genuine concern for the industry?

Nominators will be asked to explain multiple details about their nominee, including:

• Nominee’s Significant Contributions to the Industry
  Please describe the nominee’s significant contributions to the industry. What impact have these contributions had on the industry? This may encompass contributions to research and development, innovation, marketing, or advocacy such as developing new products or services with a profound industry impact, expanding the industry’s market share and or enhancing the industry’s reputation.
• Nominee’s Leadership & Vision
  Please describe the nominee’s leadership and visionary role in the industry. How has the nominee guided the industry through periods of change? In what ways has the nominee reshaped the industry’s trajectory? Contributions may include leading the industry through transformative periods, charting a novel course for the industry’s direction and/or inspiring others to achieve remarkable goals.
• Nominee’s Integrity & Ethics
  Please discuss the nominee’s reputation for integrity and ethical conduct. How have they maintained professionalism in their actions? Has the nominee exemplified and upheld a steadfast commitment to ethical conduct, demonstrated unwavering integrity within and outside the industry, and served as a positive example for others? Positive environmental influences may include: green cleaning solutions, waste minimization, energy efficient equipment and technology, water conservation, carbon footprint reduction, eco-friendly packaging and community education.
• Nominee’s Community Involvement
  Please detail the nominee’s community engagement. In what ways have they made substantial contributions to the community? They may have contributed to community welfare by serving on boards or committees, volunteering time for the betterment of others and/or made significant contributions to the community.
• Nominee’s Environmental Stewardship
  Please describe the nominee’s significant environmental initiatives or contributions. How has the nominee positively impacted the environment? Positive environmental influences may include: green cleaning solutions, waste minimization, energy efficient equipment and technology, water conservation, carbon footprint reduction, eco- friendly packaging, and community education.
• Lasting Impact of Nominee’s Achievements
  Please describe the nominee’s achievements that have left a lasting impact on the industry. What impact have these achievements had on consumers’ lives?
• Nominee’s Passion for the Industry
  How has the nominee demonstrated genuine enthusiasm for the drycleaning and laundry industry, coupled with a dedication to its ongoing growth and success?
• Additional Information About Nominee
  Please provide any further information you believe would aid in evaluating the nominee for the Hall of Fame Award.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DLI’s Hall of Fame Award?

DLI’s Hall of Fame Award is established by the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) to recognize and honor outstanding individuals in the drycleaning and laundry industry for their excellence in leadership, business operations, community involvement, environmental stewardship, and passion for the industry.

Is DLI membership required to make a nomination?

No. DLI’s Hall of Fame recognizes excellence in the industry regardless of membership in any association or group.

Is DLI membership required to be nominated or receive an award?

No. DLI’s Hall of Fame recognizes excellence in the industry regardless of membership in any association or group.

When will nominations for the DLI Hall of Fame Award open?

Nominations for the DLI Hall of Fame Award will open on April 1, 2024.

April 1 is April Fool’s Day. Is this some kind of elaborate prank?

No. We take recognizing industry greatness very seriously. April 1 is the beginning of DLI’s fiscal year and the beginning of the second financial quarter. This date was chosen to build in expenses for the award and allow time for promotion.

When will nominations for the DLI Hall of Fame Award close?

Nominations for the DLI Hall of Fame Award will close on May 15, 2024.

How can I nominate someone for the DLI Hall of Fame Award?

Nominations open on April 1, 2024. You can nominate an industry professional by providing details on their contributions to the industry, leadership, integrity, community involvement, environmental stewardship, and passion for the industry. Use the form at DLIonline.org/HoF to nominate a candidate.

What criteria are considered for the DLI Hall of Fame Award?

Nominees are evaluated based on their industry contributions, leadership, integrity and ethics, community involvement, environmental stewardship, passion for the industry, and the lasting impact of their achievements.

Who decides the recipients for the award?

Anyone may nominate a potential award recipient. DLI’s Board of Directors make the decision about which nominees will become award recipients.

When will recipients be announced?

DLI will make an official announcement by October.

Who are the inaugural inductees into DLI’s Hall of Fame?

The inaugural inductees include past recipients of DLI’s Diamond Achievement Award: Barney Deden, Stan Golomb, Chris Edwards, Jeffrey Miller, Sid Tuchman, Donald Fawcett, Walter “Buster” Bell, and Milton Chortkoff.

Why is DLI launching this program?

Launching the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute’s Hall of Fame can provide numerous benefits, including:

• Recognition of Excellence: It honors individuals who made significant contributions to the industry and encourages others to strive for excellence.
• Industry Standards: The program sets benchmarks for achievement and innovation, promoting higher standards within the industry.
• Networking Opportunities: The award ceremonies and associated events provide a platform for professionals to connect, share ideas, and build relationships.
• Industry Engagement: It engages industry professionals by showcasing the accomplishments of their peers, fostering a sense of pride and community.
• Innovation and Progress: By recognizing forward-thinking individuals, the program encourages innovation and progress within the industry.
• Historical Documentation: The program archives the achievements and contributions of industry leaders, preserving the history of the field.
• Professional Development: The award process can inspire professionals to pursue continuing education and personal growth.
• Public Relations: The positive stories generated by the awards can improve the industry’s image and attract media attention.
• Legacy Building: The program creates a legacy of excellence, inspiring future generations to contribute to the industry’s growth and success.

Overall, an award program like the DLI Hall of Fame can have a profound impact on both the organization and the industry as a whole, fostering a culture of excellence and achievement.