Drycleaning & Laundry Institute Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Award Recipients

The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) is proud to announce the induction of four outstanding industry professionals into its Hall of Fame for 2026. This honor recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the drycleaning and laundry industry through leadership, service, education, innovation, community involvement, and lasting impact.

Bobby Patel has dedicated more than two decades to advancing the garment care industry through leadership, innovation, and service. As President of Kona Cleaners in Orange, California, he grew the company into a respected 14-location operation while embracing continuous improvement and operational excellence. A past President of both the California Cleaners Association and the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute, Patel has generously shared his expertise by helping fellow cleaners leverage technology, marketing, and business intelligence to grow their companies. Deeply committed to his faith, family, and community, Patel is widely respected as a humble leader, trusted mentor, and valued friend throughout the industry.

Carol Memberg, Publisher of National Clothesline, has helped inform and connect the fabricare industry for more than 60 years. Through her leadership of one of the industry’s leading publications, drycleaners, launderers, suppliers, and industry leaders have stayed informed about new ideas, profiles, trends, and opinions affecting the profession. Memberg also served as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania and Delaware Cleaners Association, where she was involved in legislative and environmental matters affecting cleaners. Her work through National Clothesline and industry advocacy helped promote the value of professional garment care to the public, government agencies, and the industry.

James “Jim” Cripe, Owner of Valet Cleaners and Laundry, made a lasting impact through industry leadership, environmental advocacy, and education. Cripe served as president of both the Southwest Drycleaners Association and DLI in the early 2000s. He was a principal participant in passing Texas environmental cleanup legislation for drycleaners, a model other states later used when creating similar programs. Cripe also helped create DLI certification programs, wrote examination questions, and developed and taught maintenance education at the former Texas Research Center for Laundry and Drycleaning. His work helped cleaners protect their businesses, improve technical knowledge, and understand the savings that come with proper maintenance.

Nora P. Nealis, former Executive Director of the National Cleaners Association, was a tireless advocate for drycleaners, especially small operators facing regulatory and financial challenges. Nealis developed the DEC Certification course and test for New York state, a program that has certified thousands of drycleaners in safety and environmental compliance. She also helped secure bond money and grants so small businesses could upgrade equipment and meet new regulations. Through her work with regulatory bodies including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Nealis helped ensure cleaners had a voice in regulatory discussions and practical support for long-term sustainability.

Honoring Excellence

This year's group of Hall of Fame inductees exemplify the leadership, integrity, dedication, and service DLI’s Hall of Fame exists to recognize. DLI's Hall of Fame award honors professionals who have made lasting contributions to the drycleaning and laundry industry and whose work continues to benefit cleaners, suppliers, associations, and communities.

“We continue every year to have great Hall of Fame candidates presented to the Board of Directors and we’re pleased with the selection process,” said Chris Edwards, DLI District Two Board Member and Hall of Fame Committee Member. “All the candidates in this year’s group of inductees are very deserving of DLI’s highest honor. I am proud to have them join all of the existing Hall of Fame honorees. We’re looking forward to honoring this year’s group at the Drycleaning & Expo East in Washington, D.C. this October 17th.”

This year’s group joins previous Hall of Fame recipients including Jim Barry, Dan Eisen, James Peuster, Jane Zellers, Michael Nesbit, Jim Douglas, Dixie Stoddard, Barney Deden, Stan Golomb, Chris Edwards, Jeffrey Miller, Sid Tuchman, Donald Fawcett, Walter “Buster” Bell, and Milton Chortkoff.

DLI’s Board of Directors will present the awards to this year’s Hall of Fame inductees at the Drycleaning & Laundry Expo East in Washington, D.C. on October 17. For more information on DLI’s Hall of Fame, please visit DLIonline.org/HoF.

DLI exists to help member drycleaners succeed.
Learn more at DLIonline.org.

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