Heartland Carwash Association

[Tom Lee]

Received a mailing from the association the other day. I almost fell of my chair when I saw that the annual dues had gone up more than 108%. When I called, I found out that we had been "sold out" to another firm, which I guess shouldn't be mentioned on here.

Pat Crowe, I have been trying to email you and send a personal message pertaining this matter, but I'm not allowed to do so.

I would like to hear your thoughts on this, either on the forum or an email. Thanks

 

[MEP001]

I show both his private message and email links as active.

 

[Kevin James]

OH my God!!! That is absolutely terrible!!!! 108% increase!!! What was it before they raised it to $125.00? The Connecticut car wash association is $250.00 per year.

 

[Patrick H. Crowe]

Tom:

For many years I have claimed that the Heartland show was the best show of all of them. Not the biggest but an attendee almost always got more than he/she paid for.

There was a free supper with drinks. Often the educational seminars gave free gifts worth more than the cost of admission to the entire show. At my most recent talk every person there got a copy of OPRAH for President, Run, OPRAH, Run.

I'm sad to hear of the change. My email address is pcrowe@juno.com.

Patrick H. Crowe

 

[Tom Lee]

Kevin

They were $60 last year. I'm not saying that raising dues is out of line, but it would be nice if we weren't blindsided with this. An explanation would have been in order, in my book anyway.

 

[pitzerwm]

Public/customer perception is what many people don't think about when they make changes. Most people oppose/resist change so explaining/justifying it should be thought about before making the move. "Their perception is their reality" No business can afford any negative thoughts in the customer's head even if you are a "must have".

 

[Mel(NC)]

For those of us that are relatively new to car washes (3+ years) , I would appreciate it if someone could explain how the management of these associations work. I would have guessed that they were not for profit and the members elected the officers. From Tom's post, it doesn't sound like that is the case.

 

[Randy]

Here?s a generic run down of how most associations that I?ve been involved with are run. Most associations have a president, treasurer and board of directors that run the association. The President is elected by the board of directors. The directors are nominated by the membership and voted on by the other board of directors. The president and the board of directors are normally unpaid for their services but are reimbursed for travel, meals etc. when they are on official business. The dues or membership you pay, barely pays for the day to day operations. The day to day operations are normally done by management firm. The management firm works under the direction of the president and the board of directors. The management firm is paid for their services. If there is a convention or trade show that the run by the association the management firm set up and runs the convention/trade show. Setting up and running the convention/trade show is an enormous and expensive undertaking. That is one of the reasons why the convention/trade shows are so expensive to attend. I?ve heard a lot of car wash operators complain about the cost of getting into the car wash conventions. Most of the car wash conventions I?ve been too the admission costs are pretty low compared to some of the other conventions I?ve been too. So there you have class in associations 101.

 

[Mel(NC)]

Thanks for the explanation.

 

[Red Baron]

A for profit company took over the National Roofing Contractors Association many years ago and it has been a change for the good. Before, they held some of their conventions in places few people wanted to go, i.e., Cincinatti, Kansas City (Sorry Patrick , etc. The new outfit has their convention in Vegas for 2 years, then the 3rd year it's in Orlando, New Orleans, San Diego, or some similar place that appeals to more people. Like Vegas or not, attendance numbers are dramatically higher in the Vegas years.

 

[Brad Quay]

Response from HCA President

Hello Everyone -

I apologize for the delay in response. I have posted on a response that is pretty long but I wanted to cover all of the questions and comments and provide some background for others who may not be aware of the happenings at HCA right now.

Bill was kind enough to post it and give me this link to provide you with
http://www.autocareforum.com/heartland-asso.html

Please feel free to contact me directly with questions or comments if you like.

Sincerely,

Brad Quay
President
Heartland Carwash Association

 

[Brad Quay]

Looking for a few Good Men and Women

The Heartland Carwash Association is currently accepting nominations for the board of directors. The new board will be voted on and board members seated in April 2009.

If you or someone you know would be a qualified candidate to represent the association, we would like to talk to you. We are looking for members from Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri.

In 2008, the Heartland Carwash Association invested in and has implemented the Webex technology for board meetings. This technology allows board members to be present for meetings via web conference or conference call.

Please contact the HCA office with name, company name, and contact information.

The association office number is 888-873-9735 or you can email us at info@heartlandcarwash.org

We look forward to hearing from you.

Brad Quay
President
H.C.A.

 

[Patrick H. Crowe]

Dear Brad:
Thank you for bringing us up to date on the HCA. Unlike an earlier poster I have not gotten any information about this years show despite the fact I am a member in 2008.

Thanks also fot the compliments to me about my most recent presentation at the show - - - in the P.S. at the end of the link (attachment) in your posting. Presenting there has always been a special treat and having the Oprahmobile there the last time added a special dimension.

I still think of the show as a super bargin with friendly and appreciative people.

My best wishes for future success.

Patrick H. Crowe