Despite the current economic upheaval and a real lack of solid washing days of late, the 19th Annual Northeast Regional Carwash Convention (NRCC), October 27-29 at The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in
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Dick Zodikoff (center), was honored with the Northeast Regional Carwash Convention's 2008 Most Distinguished Person award by former Car Wash Operators of New Jersey Presidents Jeff Gheysens (left) and Doug Rieck.
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Atlantic City, NJ, exceeded attendance numbers and put big smiles on the faces of exhibitors, according to show facilitator Julie Stanton. "We knew that our numbers would be down slightly just due to the state of the industry right now, but our committee worked tirelessly to get the word out and plan first-rate education to create the value that brings people back to our show every year," said Stanton. "The NRCC is known for its quality and packed show floor and we were able to deliver again. I felt that our vendors and attendees were re-energized by our show. Our vendors did a lot of business from what they told me and were extremely happy with this year's show."
With just shy of 1500 attendees at this year's NRCC, show chairperson Dick Zodikoff couldn't have been happier. "With these tough times I think that was a wonderful number," he said. "It just shows how dedicated the carwash industry is to learning and seeing how we can go forward in this difficult environment. The standing-room only crowds at the seminars proved this as well."
New vendors on the show floor and new innovation also helped give attendees what they wanted, he said. "We are an industry that is always looking to improve and this was also evidenced by the new and innovative equipment on the show floor. Before leaving the show the vendors once again signed up for next year ensuring that the exhibit space will again be sold out," he said.
An element that keeps the NRCC fresh is it's ever-changing venue. This year's new feature - the facility's $400 million boutique-lifestyle hotel, The Water Club - did not disappoint. The joint venture between Boyd Gaming and MGM Mirage boasts 800 guestrooms and suites; Immersion, a two-story spa located on the 32nd floor; 18,000 square feet of meeting space; three residences modeled after chic, urban lofts; five heated indoor and outdoor pools and six retail shops. The Water Club is adjacent to the Borgata and completes the Borgata's $600 million master plan development bringing the total investment into the resort destination to $1.7 billion. A Return to Specchio
If you attended this year's opening night Welcoming Reception you were treated to an intimate and inviting venue at Luke Palladino's restaurant Specchio, just upstairs from Ombra. The restaurant is perfect for an intimate setting in which to catch up with friends and acquaintances. The food is spectacular too!
This year's education was held at the state-of-the-art meeting rooms in The Water Club. In addition to the traditional Early Bird and breakfast there was a break-out session on Customer Loyalty Programs and a panel discussion, "The Changing Face of Carwashing: A Frank Discussion with Industry Leaders" which proved to be insightful and enlightening. This program spoke of the challenges and opportunities facing today's operator with some of the brightest leaders in carwashing. After the Tuesday seminars the group gathered at The Mixx to enjoy a lunch buffet and honor the 2009 NRCC Most Distinguished Person. Jeff Gheysens, former Car Wash Operators of New Jersey (CWONJ) President and International Carwash Association (ICA) board member, and former CWONJ President Doug Rieck honored recipient Dick Zodikoff of Tameric Carwash Equipment with a heartfelt tribute. Zodikoff, who is a founding NRCC board member, a long-time CWONJ board member and former president, is retiring in December. Zodikoff was presented with a three sided glass award mounted on a block of wood and a golf gps (he is an avid golfer and founder of the CWONJ's annual golf event). "Dick has been a vital part of the CWONJ for more than 30 years," said Gheysens, "and the NRCC since its beginning. His professionalism and innovative approach to the industry will never be forgotten."
Suzanne Stansbury, NRCC board member, echoed Gheysen's comments. "Dick has been a mentor and friend for 20 years. I turn to him for guidance and wisdom and I will sorely miss him. Luckily, he already gave me his "retirement" business card so he is only a phone call away," she said.
All Hands on Deck
Also new to the lineup this year was a Wednesday hands-on tech session/workshop, "Bill Changers, Pumps and Auto Tellers." Attendees were able to meet with reps from Rowe, Hamilton, American, ICS, DRB, UniTech, CAT Pumps, General and Hydrocell to better understand their systems and find out, "hands on," what new innovations exist.
The show floor was also packed with innovation, said Stanton. "We had several new exhibitors this year who brought a fresh element to the show, as well as some great new products from our long-time exhibitors," Stanton said. "We also had a vendor, D & S, sponsor $20 gas cards on the last day of the show to build attendance numbers." Show hours ran on Tuesday, October 28 from 2:30-7:00pm and Wednesday, October 29 from 9:30am-2:30pm. The 2009 NRCC is slated for October 19-21 again at the Borgata. For more information contact the NRCC office at 800/868-8590 or visit www.nrccshow.com.
A Special Thanks to All Show Sponsors!
Turtle Wax, Official Show Sponsor
Professional Carwashing & Detailing, Official Media
SponsorBelanger, Inc., Welcoming Reception
D & S Car Wash Systems, Gas Card Sponsor
Econocraft Worldwide, Lanyard Sponsor
Micrologic Associates, Show Bag Sponsor
Creative Agency Group, Luncheon Sponsor
Simoniz USA, Popcorn Sponsor
X-Stream Touchless Carwash Equipment, Beverage Cart Sponsor
Ultimatech Car Wash Equipment, Snack Station Sponsor
National Ticket, Event Ticket Sponsor
Unitec Electronics, Pen Sponsor
Ardex Labs, Bottled Water Sponsor
Sonny's Enterprises, Breakfast Sponsor
General Pump, Breakfast Sponsor
Mang Insurance, Seminar Sponsor
Ryko Mfg., Seminar Sponsor
Safetveyr, Seminar Sponsor
