Newsletter




Presidents Corner
As we enter a new year, we continue to deal with the economic challenges that have faced all of us in one form or another. From the volatile real estate market to national unemployment over 10%, these indeed are uncertain times for all of us. In every down market, we look for opportunities to grow and improve our Company and this time around is no different. One opportunity we found was great hiring opportunities and we have enhanced our Team. Another is improving our infrastructure by upgrading our phone system, computers, etc. These investments will ensure we are prepared for our continued growth as the markets rebound. I want to personally thank all of our outstanding employees and clients for your continued support. Mister Kleen celebrates our 34th year in business this year and without you, we would not have been afforded the level of success we have accomplished together. We appreciate you and will make every effort to never take you for granted. All the best in 2K10!

Ernest Clark, Jr., CBSE
President


In October, Mister Kleen held an Open House and Wine Tasting event for our clients, friends and various industry individuals. A fall theme was presented with fall colors and pumpkins. A tour of the Mister Kleen main headquarters was given and lots of good food was eaten and excellent wine was sampled. Howard Cohen from Daycon, our long time vendor partner was our guest sommelier and led us in discussions on the various types of wines that were sampled. Tammy Shapiro, Director of Business Development coordinated the very successful event and it was a special evening for all. (More photos on page 2)

 
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In case you have missed us, we’ve been busy lately. Some of our most recent activities that have kept us busy with the various organizations involved with facilities management are as follows: In June, we were a corporate sponsor and sponsored a hole at the annual IFMA Golf Tournament located at Potomac Ridge Golf Course in Waldorf, Maryland. We also attended the AOBA Green Conference in late September at the Capitol Hilton in Washington DC as a vendor and provided information to visitors about our own “Green Kleening” Program. We also exhibited at the Classic Concierge Vendor Trade Show in October again providing visitors with information about Mister Kleen and the “Green Kleening” program.

Look for us at the next trade show or call us at 703-719- 6900 for more information.

Tammy Shapiro, Director of Business Development, mans the booth at the AOBA Green Conference.



It’s that time of year again. The holiday season just passed, the hustle and bustle is over and it’s time to get back to business. We are here to remind you about what seems to be a low priority on the list, yet very important, carpet cleaning whether in your home or your place of business. Having your carpets on a routine maintenance schedule can increase the life tremendously, not to mention the improved appearance. If you suffer from allergies, having your carpets cleaned helps reduce trapped dust particles.

The best times of the year to have your carpets cleaned are spring and fall. You want to have them cleaned after the winter snow; the sand and salt can really take a toll on carpet fibers if not removed timely. While routine vacuuming helps, it will not remove all of the debris. The fall cleaning is used to remove the dirt, debris and pollen after all of the summer fun and right before the holidays. If you are interested in a free estimate, please call Christy Clark, Director of Special Services at 703-719-6900 X 26 and ask for the Special Services Division.


 









In keeping with the true meaning of giving, the Mister Kleen team adopted a family this holiday season. In these hard times, our team recognized how fortunate we are to be employed and wanted to share with a family not as fortunate. Mister Kleen partnered with Housing and Community Services of Northern Virginia located in Springfield to adopt a family and bring the spirit of the holidays into their home.



Mister Kleen’s family consisted of a single mother with two sons ages 12 and 7. This mother, like many others in Fairfax County has been hit hard by the current economic times and has been out of work for the past two years and was in need of help providing a holiday for her children. The Mister Kleen Administrative and Management team pooled together their resources with very generous donations and were able to purchase everyday necessities that many of us take for granted. With the funds collected, we were able to purchase clothes for all three family members, household goods, toys and non-perishable foods to help make their Holiday a little brighter.

Once the items were purchased the team effort continued with a fun “wrapping session”. This project made us all more appreciative of our jobs and the everyday things we take for granted. By giving back to those less fortunate, the Mister Kleen team received so much more.


 


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Wi-Fi Security – Here are some guidelines to help keep you Wi-Fi Security Issues Free while connecting at the airports: 1) Check the network name – avoid networks that sound too tempting like Free Wi-Fi, you can check the airport website to read up on their wi-fi service – links to airport website are available from this website http://www.airportwifiguide.com/; 2) Keep your laptop wireless off when you are not connecting to the Internet.
3) If one is available always connect to a secured virtual private network. Use only your secured web email and don’t use mail software like Outlook that automatically transmits your login information. 4) Always check the URL line making sure it is “https://” (secured encrypted page) when you transfer private information like your credit card numbers or when logging into your online bank account.

Following the Wi-Fi Security Guidelines presented above will help keep your online surfing at the airport safer and more secure.


















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Everywhere we turn, we are hearing about how tough things are in our economy. While many of these challenges are beyond our control, there is one thing we can do and that is to keep ourselves in good physical and mental condition. This comes in many forms from exercise programs to continuing education. I personally enjoy staying busy with my soccer, which keeps me (and Mom and Dad!) busy three nights per week and weekends. Recently, I wanted to challenge myself with something new and added basketball to my weekly events. It’s been a lot of fun! Mom and Dad were concerned about adding the additional sport and they allowed it, so long as I maintained good grades. I assured them I would and I’m proud to share that I received an A in every class on my most recent report card. Sports and school are very important to me and I enjoy keeping myself busy with them. It keeps me balanced…what’s your passion and what keeps you balanced and focused?



Lexi Clark






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