18th NRCC Boasts Near-Record Attendance!
ÊÊÊÊ The 18th Annual Northeast Regional Carwash Convention (NRCC), October 15-17 at The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ, came in just 15 shy of the event's record attendance of 1735 in 2003, said Julie Stanton, show facilitator. "I couldn't have been happier with this year's show," she said. "The quality of our seminars and show floor, coupled with near-record breaking attendance made it one of our best shows!"
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The annual event featured an array of valuable seminars, a world-class keynote speaker and an opening night event that was extremely impressive," said Dan Petrelle, this year's chairperson and President of the Connecticut Carwash Association, the 2007 host association.
ÊÊÊÊ JoAnna Brandi of JoAnna Brandi & Company, keynoted the show in her dynamic and entertaining fashion. Her keynote, "Dealing With The Tough Times," fit well with this year's theme, "The Comeback." In light of unpredictable weather patterns that can adversely affect your business, it's important to have a set of business and life skills that factor in adversity, according to Brandi. Her keynote taught attendees how to:
à Plan for the tough times
à Build more resilience
à Avoid "thinking traps"
à Keep yourself and your team optimistic and
à Beat the stress that comes with tough times.
ÊÊÊÊ She also did a breakout session titled, "How to Face the Competitive Realities of Today's Operating Climate Head On." The material she presented can be implemented in your daily life and work at the wash to motivate your staff.
ÊÊÊÊ Petrelle presented Bill Gorra, of Simoniz USA, with the 2007 Most Distinguished Person award and Sonny's with the 2007 Best Exhibitor Display after the keynote address. International Carwash Association President, Frank Lash, also spoke to the group.
ÊÊÊÊ Another great seminar this year, "How to Make Money in Challenging Times," attracted many attendees on the last day of the show. This panel discussion included the expertise of East Coast operators who have come out of the last two years in the black and optimistic for the future.ÊÊ
ÊÊÊÊ An "Energy Summit" also spotlighted a variety of ways operators can save on their utility costs. And, of course, there were two Early Birds to provide attendees with a venue to ask questions of a panel of industry experts (in an informal setting) on everything from marketing to maintenance.
ÊÊÊÊ Another exciting element to this year's show was the opening night event at Luke Palladino's restaurant Specchio. The event lent itself to an intimate venue to catch up with friends and acquaintances.
ÊÊÊÊ Show hours ran on October 16 from 2:30 - 7:00pm and from 10:30am - 2:30pm on October 17.
ÊÊÊÊ Key show sponsors included:
Official Show Sponsor, Turtle Wax
Official Media Sponsor, Professional Carwashing & Detailing
Welcoming Reception, ICS
Show Bags, Micrologic
Lanyards, ZEP Mfg.
Keynote/ICA Address/Awards Presentation, Ecolab Vehicle Care
Luncheon, Creative Agency Group
Refreshment Bar, D & S Carwash Systems
Popcorn Stand, Simoniz USA
Event Tickets, National Ticket
Snack Station, Mang; Belanger, Inc.
Pens, Unitec Electronics
Mints, Armor All Professional
Bottled Water, Ardex
Breakfast Sponsor, Oasis Carwash Systems; Sonny's
Seminar Sponsors, Ryko Manufacturing; ICS Istobal
The 2008 NRCC is slated for October 27-29, at the Borgata. For more information call 800-868-8590 or visit www.nrccshow.com.
CWONJ Raises Money for Children's
Specialized Hospital at Annual Outing
The Car Wash Operators of New Jersey (CWONJ) raised $4,200 for the Children's Specialized Hospital at its 6th Annual Golf Outing, June 26, at the Olde York Country Club in Columbus. It is the second year the group has raised funds for the largest comprehensive, pediatric rehabilitation hospital in the United States. The association also donated teddy bears to the hospital. "It is a great feeling to be able to make a difference and help children," said CWONJ President Doug Karvelas. "Even with the rainy weather we had a lot of golfers come out to support the cause and have a great day with their fellow operators."
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The CWONJ enjoyed its 6the Annual Golf Outing in June with a
putting contest at the picturesque Olde York Country Club in Columbus.
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Despite the rainy weather, 82 golfers played 18 holes at the "Top 10 Rated" course. The event even saw a hole-in-one by Econocraft's Ann Marry Ausser. Frank Little took home accolades for winning the putting contest, and the team of Stan Banko, Craig Shawinski, Thad Santos and Wade Woodbury took second place for the day. Once again, Team Feund, reined superior and won the outing with a 57. The foursome included Scott Freund, Chris and Barry Hart and Pete Defazio. Other winners included Bill Smith for the Circle of Gold hole, Chris Hand for Closest to the Pin on hole #5, and Longest Drive on hole #14 went to Allison Crystal and Jon Lewiciki. "Everyone certainly had a great time, and raved about this fabulous course," said outing Chairperson Dick Zodikoff. "Olde York Country Club is certainly one of the top courses in the state."
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The foursome led by CWONJ board member Scott Freund came up
winners again this year by playing the best round of golf.
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The group also enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and a dinner buffet thanks to many sponsors including: ZEP Mfg./Buffet Dinner & Dessert; ICS/Buffet Dinner & Dessert; Creative Insurance/Golf Carts; Ecolab Vehicle Care Division/Goodie Bags; Simoniz USA/Lunch; Econocraft Mfg/Beverage Cart, Cocktails/Hors D'oeuvres; Dimaria/Closest To The Pin (#11); Rosey's Tank Cleaning (#5); Kirkian Industries (#2); Causeway Ford (#8) and Hole-In-One Car; Stoner/Longest Drive men and ladies; Panaram International/Golf Towels; Olde Granddad/Lunch Beverages and Creative Insurance for the Putting Green Contest.
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Econocraft's Ann Marry Ausser got a hole in one!
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For additional information on the Children's Specialized Hospital visit their web site at www.forchildrens.org.
The association's next meeting is slated for December 5.
