Allan Cripe Elected as District 6 Director for DLI

The Southwest Drycleaners Association (SDA) is proud to announce that Allan Cripe, owner of Valet Cleaners in Temple, TX will succeed Danny Bahlman to represent SDA states in District 6 on the board of the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute International (DLI).

Cripe is a third-generation drycleaner who began working in the family business at the age of 14 and has owned Valet Cleaners for the past 15 years. A respected leader within the industry, he is a past president of the SDA and continues to serve on the SDA Board. He is well prepared for his role on the DLI Board, having previously served as a non-voting District Committee Member.  Cripe proudly follows in the footsteps of his father, Jim, and grandfather, Elwood, who also served on the DLI Board. In addition, he serves on the TCEQ Drycleaners Advisory Board, the TDLR Boiler Regulation Board, and the NIE Advisory Board.

“You can always find Allan supporting fellow drycleaners, promoting membership in SDA/DLI, and working to strengthen the industry. He is always willing to lend a helping hand, is an exceptional listener, and has a unique ability to bring people together, even when opinions differ. We look forward to him sharing his expertise, leadership, and positive vision for the future of our industry as a member of the DLI Board,” remarks SDA President Fran Stone-Beale.

When asked about his new appointment, Cripe replied, “It has been my honor to work with our outgoing district 6 director Danny Bahlman on the DLI Board while I was serving as the  DCM for District 6.  He has served our association with integrity, humbleness and vigor.  It simply will not be possible for me to replace his contributions!  I can only hope to maintain the standards of excellence he has always brought to the room.  I thank you all for your confidence in me and humbly look forward to serving our association in this role going forward.”