The formal introduction of the new International Carwash Associ-ation (ICA) president, Jimmy Branch, was just one of the many events the kicked off this year’s annual Car Care World Expo, which took place from April 29 – May 1 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.
The show also marked the Associ-ation’s 50th year representing the professional carwashing industry.
The Annual Business Meeting and Opening Breakfast showcased this fact with a relatively brief documentary that featured photos of the carwashes from the days of yore and interviews with the industry leaders of today.
A tale to tell
Anecdotes from industry veterans such as Bob Paisner, president of ScrubaDub Auto Wash Centers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut; Coy Lindblom, president of The Carwasher, Mesa, AZ; Yogesh “Yogi” Mody, owner of Body Beautiful Car Wash, San Diego, and more, showed breakfast attendees just how far carwashing has come, and even provided some good humor to start the morning off right.
Jimmy Branch, ICA’s new president and the second generation Branch in the industry, told his story about his father being one of the carwash professionals to attend the first ever ICA expo.
Awards, awards and more awards
The ICA’s annual Leadership Lunch-eon featured the presentation of:
- Professional Carwashing & Detailing’s 2004 Most Valuable Carwasher to Bob Handt of the Roseville, MN, Mister Car Wash;
- Robert Raneiri of Kare Pro Car Wash, Stuart, FL, received the ICA’s coveted Community Service Award;
- The Industry Leadership Award went to Vic Odermat of Brown Bear Car Wash in Seattle;
- Association Leadership Award was given to Coy Lindblom of The Car-washer, Mesa, AZ;
- Kevin Detrick accepted the ICA’s Leadership Innovation Award on behalf of his company, Innovative Control Systems, Nazareth, PA; and
- Ben Alford of Benny’s Car Wash in Baton Rouge, LA, was inducted into the carwash hall of fame.
The ICA’s Maxi awards, which are presented to those who show leadership and innovation in their advertising campaigns, were presented to:
- Peter Mercatanti of PJ’s Car Wash Park, Spring Lake Heights, NJ, won the 2004 Print Maxi Operator Award;
- Charlie Lieb of PDQ Manufact-uring, Inc., DePere, WI, won the 2004 Print Maxi Manufacturer Award;
- Michael Brown of Car Wash Head-quarters, Houston, TX, won the 2004 Radio Maxi Award; and
- Jack Anthony of 7 Flags Car Wash, Vallejo, CA, was awarded the 2004 TV Maxi Award.
What does the future hold?
In 50 years, the ICA increased its membership exponentially.
The show has become a staple and a must-do for industry members, attracting almost 11,000 attendees this year compared to the 75 who attended 50 years ago and has launched an aggressive Car Love marketing initiative.
Mark Thorsby, executive director of the ICA, was also recognized for the attention he has helped garner for the ICA during his 10 year tenure.
Branch began his term with a letter to the industry featured on ICA’s website where he commented on the many changes in store for the association.
“I see the Association as being in a strong position to further represent both operators and vendors and grow our industry to ensure we are on the right path,” Branch wrote.
Judging by the events at this year’s Expo and the many speeches and commentaries, it looks as though Branch, Thorsby and the rest of the ICA team will accomplish just that.
