[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 70 (Tuesday, June 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING JET CLEANERS AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2006

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to congratulate the Amore Family as they celebrate the 50th anniversary 
of Jet Cleaners--the family owned and operated laundry and dry cleaning 
business which has become a local landmark in my hometown of New Haven, 
Connecticut. In August of 1956 came the opening of an innovative new 
laundry service which offered the families of New Haven 1-hour service. 
Gracing the outside of the new store was a high-tech neon sign and 
behind the counter customers would find Nicholas, Michael and Vincent 
(``Jim'') Amore--Jet Cleaners, aptly named for the fast service 
customers would come to know, was open for business.
  After operating the Chapel Laundry and Dry Cleaners for twenty-seven 
years, Nicholas Amore and his two sons opened Jet Cleaners with the 
vision of bringing fast, efficient service to their customers. Built on 
the corner of State and Trumbull Streets in downtown New Haven, Jet 
Cleaners would quickly become known for their dedication and vision. 
The Amore family were well known for looking to the future, so it was 
no surprise when they ensured they would be able to expand their 
business by leasing the adjacent space and purchasing the property 
across the street from the original plant. In the leased space, the 
Amores established the largest coin laundry in New Haven with 40 
washers and twenty dryers.
  As the business continued to expand, Nicholas, Michael, and Vincent 
looked to build a larger plant in a new location across the street. 
Though founder Nicholas Amore would not see the opening of the new 
store, Jet Cleaners moved to its new home in 1966 where it continues to 
stand today. Family, friends, and customers brought a variety of plants 
to celebrate the opening of the new store which were placed in the 
counter area in front of the two large plateglass windows. Over the 
years, customers have left more and more plants and a large dracaena 
was even rescued from a local pub. Thriving in the steam-filled 
environment, their collection of greenery soon became the trademark of 
Jet Cleaners
  Three generations later, Jet Cleaners is still owned and operated by 
the Amore family. Michael Amore's sons, Mike, Jr. and Douglas took over 
operation in 1998 and continue the family's legacy. Customers of Jet 
Cleaners can experience the small touches each generation has made to 
the store. Today you still find the same dedication to fast, efficient 
customer service, the array of beautiful plants still meet customers as 
they enter the store, and Mike, Jr. and Douglas have continued to 
expand the business branching out into wholesale markets and becoming 
the first area dry cleaner to offer credit and debit card service. They 
have even opened a satellite store in Cheshire. Perhaps the most 
special contribution Mike, Jr. and Douglas have made is that which 
gives back to the community. In 1995, Jet Cleaners joined with WTNH 
Channel 8 to promote a Holiday Coat Drive which became the catalyst for 
future coat drives and a number of community service activities.
  I have always believed that our small businesses are the backbone of 
our economies. Jet Cleaners is a shining example of all that our small 
businesses can contribute--they not only provide a service to their 
customers, but dedicate themselves to making our community a better 
place to live and work. Today, as the Amore family and the New Haven 
community celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jet cleaners, I am proud to 
stand to congratulate them on this very special occasion and extend my 
sincere thanks and appreciation to them for all that they have brought 
to our community.

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