Chicago, IL (August 10, 2005) — Leading Cleaners Internationale is honored to announce that Davis Imperial Cleaners has completed the world’s most demanding and thorough certification program ever conceived in the dry cleaning industry. Davis Imperial Cleaners of Chicago becomes only the second Five Star Certified Couture Cleaner™ in the world.

Leading Cleaners Internationale offers two levels of certification for its Certified Couture Cleaner program. It took Davis Imperial one year to be certified to the top Five-Star level.

The certification process requires Davis Imperial to meet extremely high quality and service standards, including: an independent quality audit of clothing, with inspection of "live" cleaning, pressing, and stain removal; in-depth assessment of customer service — knowledgeable, intuitive, and courteous staff; approval of high-end packaging and presentation; assessment of retail relationships with clothing stores and designers. The Five Star certification was topped off with a critical evaluation of their customer service team and performance by an independent Secret Shopper.

"With 58 specific criteria to meet, it was a major undertaking, but we can be sure we are reaching the level of quality and service our clients deserve," said Wood, co-owner of Davis Imperial Cleaners.

Davis Imperial has been the recipient of numerous awards. Lynda and Rick Wood, hands-on owners of Davis Imperial, acknowledge, "We are always honored when we have an award bestowed upon us by the clothing and fashion community but, reaching the highest level of certification in our industry, the Five Star Certified Couture Cleaner is our proudest professional achievement to date."

Davis’s expertise extends beyond the normal services offered by dry cleaners. Specialties include eveningwear, leather & suede detailing, pillow restoration, museum quality gown cleaning, preservation and garment restoration, fine table and bed linen, and disaster restoration to name a few. Pick up and delivery service is available from Hyde Park north to Lake Forest. Clean by Mail service is also available.

Most importantly, Davis Imperial Cleaners — as a Five Star member of Leading Cleaners Internationale — backs up every garment and household item with LCI’s 100% Safe-Cleaning Guarantee for consumers, retailers and designers.

# # #