Dachau, Germany—Competing against some of the best professional groomers from around the world, Groom Team USA triumphed in the World Grooming Team Championships, which took place in Dachau, Germany in September 2009.

John Nash, Founder of Nash Academy of New Jersey, Co-Director of Nash Academy Lexington KY, and Co-Director of International Judges Association, has passed away at the age of 58 after a gallant three-year battle against bladder cancer.“Few people in grooming have influenced our industry in such a dramatic fashion,”  stated Shirlee Kalstone. ”He was always an innovator, way ahead of his time.”Establishing Nash Academy in 1979, John was also a respected international grooming judge, educator and speaker.

SIMPSONVILLE, S.C.—All graduates of the National Cat Groomers Institute of America (NCGIA) training who obtain their CFMG certification will be able to participate in the organization’s “Dirty Hair Project,” which pays $113 per pound of dirty cat hair collected for use in making allergy shots for humans.The NCGIA course teaches valuable skills for handling the feistiest of cats, while turning out exceptional, show-worthy grooms that will impress clients and keep them coming back for more.

LEXINGTON, Ky.—Until now, the Nash System has been utilized solely by the Nash Academy. And while Nash will continue to hold all rights to its educational material, copyrights and trademarks, it is now planning to offer its system to new and existing schools that seek to prepare the best pet care professionals.“Our online courses are unique to the industry because they are instructor driven,” says Vivian Nash.

GRANGER, Ind.—Wag’n Tails Mobile Conversions, Inc.

By signing up for a free subscription to Grooming Business magazine at major industry trade shows, groomers are entered to win an iPod. Grooming Business would like to congratulate Melissa Trahan of Pet Grooming By Melissa, located in Michigan, and Judith Swanson of Spoil ‘Em Rotten, located in Pennsylvania, for winning iPods. Trahan won the drawing at the All American Grooming Show in August 2009, and  Swanson won at GroomExpo in September 2009.

PHOENIX, Ariz.—On October 11, 2009, Ryan’s Pet Supplies hosted its first open house at the company’s main warehouse in Phoenix, Ariz. Among the attendees were groomers, trainers, retailers and pet professionals from Arizona and Southern California, as well as from many other parts of the country.  Many of Ryan’s prominent vendors also participated, such as Midwest Homes for Pets, Metro Dryers and Andis. At the event, participants enjoyed the opportunity to view all of the products first hand and to talk directly with product manufacturers.