Wanderings

by Bob McBride

When Friends Count
           
2011 has been one bad year for natural disasters. Cyclones, hurricanes and floods have been constantly in the news.
             Deaths and long-term injuries to both people and business’ have occurred. Many tragic stories have been recorded.
            Being the resilient people that comprise the U.S.A., we have managed to get through most of the worst of it and many are in the process of rebuilding for the future.
            For many, this process is going to be in the long term. You cannot regain lost goods, equipment and records easily. It takes time and a lot of hard work.
            Twenty years ago, the dry-cleaning plant that my family owned burned. It was a devastating fire, destroying a major part of the plant. Fortunately we were adequately insured with an excellent broker, who was involved in helping initiate the repairs that where necessary and helping to settle customer claims.
            We also found help from unexpected area. A local competitor offered their assistance in regaining production. We gladly accepted and were able to restart operations.
             In short order we realized that their facilities were not adequate to handle the volume of cleaning required and had to search out another facility.        
            A larger cleaner offered his plant and we were soon in complete production on a two-shift basis. It was tough, but we got it done.
            This year, the PDCA area was subjected to some of the worst flooding in memory. A number of member plants were subjected to disastrous losses. Two in particular had virtual total loss due to water damage and structure problems.
            I’m proud to say that just as my own personal experience those many years ago, fellow cleaners immediately offered their services to their brethren. Arrangements were speedily arranged and the rebuilding process was begun.
            Not only offers of help in processing, but equipment was offered that various operators had in storage. As a result these victims of natures wrath will have a chance to survive and once again flourish. Many of these are competitors, who offered the hand of friendship in the time of need.
            It can be said that the noblest spirit of people arises to disasters, to helping, in time of need.
            PDCA offers the same spirit of people helping people. We are there when you need us. If you have a problem, call our office or any board member and we will do our level best to help find a solution. That is our purpose. We have great resources over a broad range of expertise. The many years of experience of our directors and support staff are at your disposal.
            We will pitch in and direct you within the best of our abilities to help. All you have to do is go there. Help is freely given to members of PDCA/DLI.
            The times are hard. Many issues face us now and into the future. This is the time when we must stick together in the spirit of the common good and survival. I’m proud to be counted with such a dedicated group of people.