PC&D is preparing the 2015 Top 50 list
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Professional Carwashing & Detailing is preparing the 2015 Top 50 list, which consists of the largest conveyor carwash chains in the U.S.
To be featured in this year’s list, contact Editorial Director Rich DiPaolo at [email protected] and include:
- The name of the carwash chain
- Website address
- Number of locations and the location of the carwash headquarters, or where the first location was opened.
The list is based on the number of conveyor locations, and the deadline for submissions is July 31. Any location opening before October 1 can be included in the total.
Schools ban carwash fundraisers
HANFORD, Calif. — Due to worsening drought conditions, the Hanford Joint Union High School District has prohibited carwash fundraising, according to the Hanford Sentinel.
This type of fundraising has been popular for school clubs, teams and other organizations. “We’re trying to be mindful of the drought,” notes Hanford West Principal Darin Parson. “In light of the situation the state’s in, it just didn’t make sense for us. We want to conserve as much water as possible.”
Organizations have come up with other options to raise money. In one fundraiser students collected about $5,000 by standing at a busy intersection. It was almost what they made at carwashes before the ban.
Other schools have stopped the events as well. The coach for the Lemoore High School varsity girls’ basketball team says the washes weren’t profitable anyway. In lieu of the carwash fundraiser, the team instead held a chicken dinner that raised about $1,000.
Police-run wash employs ex-felons
CINCINNATI — Howdy Car Wash is owned by two police officers whose employees have all done time in jail, according to Local12.com.
Owners Charles Utley and Michael Donald started the wash three years ago with a mission to hire workers who often have trouble finding jobs after they serve their time because of crimes.
Officer Utley says, “As officers we hear it all the time. We hear the stories, how they can’t get jobs, how they can’t get a second chance to turn they lives around. So we thought this was a perfect fit.”
Howdy employees start making the minimum wage of $8.10 per hour. Workers can increase their pay to $10 an hour if they stay out of trouble and stay reliable.
Submit nominations for PC&D’s 25th Most Valuable Carwasher
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — For more than 20 years, we have asked our readers to submit nominations for the Most Valuable Carwash (MVC) award, which recognizes the top carwash employees across the U.S.
Nominees can be on-site workers, service technicians or managers from any car care industry segment.
Nominations must include the nominee’s full name, place of work, his/her specific job responsibility and the reason for the nomination. To submit a nomination for the award, email Editorial Director Rich DiPaolo at [email protected] by July 20.
The winner will be announced and featured in an upcoming issue of Professional Carwashing & Detailing magazine, as well as on our website.
Hall of fame inducts technology pioneers
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Anne Seki and Ann Dozier were inducted into the Conexxus Technology Hall of Fame at the recent Conexxus Annual Conference, according to Nacsonline.com.
The hall of fame “honors individuals who have distinguished themselves by improving the profitability of the industry through advancement of technology and technology standards.” The two women were involved with the industry throughout the past 20 years.
Seki was honored posthumously. Ron Hilmes of Chevron accepted the award on her behalf. Seki created Connexus’ Data Security committee.
“Ann was the one [who] set us up to make data security an integral part of what we do. When she started talking about it years ago, no one thought it was a big deal,” says Valero’s Phil Schwartz. “But look at it now. Our industry is ahead of the curve and it’s because of Ann.”
Ann Dozier worked with Coca-Cola for much of her Conexxus involvement. She was an early proponent of standards and supply chain excellence.
“When I started with Conexxus, I thought about what I could get done, then I thought about how I could influence others, then about how I could teach others, and now I think about the legacy I can leave,” shared Dozier when she accepted the award.
QuickChek among Best Places to Work in New York
WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — QuickCheck Corp. has been ranked as one of the Best Places to Work in New York State for the third year in a row, according to CSnews.com.
The Best Places to Work survey is answered by company employees. The awards “are designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in New York, whose practices benefit the state’s businesses, economy and workforce,” states the article.
The company was ranked seventh on the list, moving up from its 16th spot in 2014 and 13th in 2013. It has also been recognized as a top workplace in New Jersey for five years in a row by NJBIZ magazine.
“We firmly believe in being a great place to work, a great place to shop and a great place to invest,” says QuickChek CEO Dean Durling. “With over 3,500 team members in 140 stores, we look to create a positive experience and fun environment where core values are nurtured, hard work is rewarded and leadership is cultivated.”
QuickChek workers earn benefits including medical, dental, vision and life insurance, 401(k) plans, fitness reimbursement and pet insurance. Each store employs 25 to 50 people. The company has not had a layoff due to economic reasons in its 47-year history.
Wash to voluntarily close on ‘Water Conservation Wednesdays’
SAN FRANCISCO — In an effort to remain eco-friendly, Divisadero Touchless Car Wash closed down on Wednesdays in May to conserve water, according to Hoodline.com.
The wash has used a reclaim system since 1987. In 2014 the business installed a new system that reduces water usage per car by 90 percent. It has also used solar panels since 2001.
“Primarily, the decision was made because we’re environmentally conscious,” says Robert Bentley, the wash’s manager since 1999. “We’re doing our part to conserve water. We hope that other carwashes will follow suit.”
Divisadero uses 16 gallons of water per car, states Bentley, which stands in contrast to the 160 gallons of water used per car when washed in the driveway. The Water Conservation Wednesdays effort saved 7,500 gallons of water every week.
Employees’ pay was not affected by the initiative. Schedules were adjusted so full-time workers maintained a five-day work week.
Event raises nearly $3,000 for local humane society
RICHMOND, Va. — RIO Car Wash donated $2,849.50 raised during its May 23 fundraiser to the Richmond SPCA, according to a press release.
Two RIO sites, located in Richmond and Midlothian, participated in the event.
“We were thrilled to be able to support such a great organization, and we’re proud and thankful for those in the community that came out to support the event by getting their car washed,” says Jeff Small, owner of RIO Car Wash. “RIO Car Wash is committed to helping organizations that serve the needs of our community whenever possible.”
7-Eleven plans 500 stores for Philippines
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC), which licenses 7-Eleven stores in the country, will open 500 new locations in 2015 as part of its expansion plan, according to Nacsonline.com.
“The long-term agenda is to have a total of at least 400 more stores throughout the Philippines by year’s end,” shares PSC business development division manager Francis Medina. “We aim to do so by securing and investing in our market strongholds, and by constantly looking for viable partners and tapping new opportunities to secure ideal c-store locations.”
The plan allows the company to enter new cities in the nation with modern locations. It will also create job and franchise opportunities for local residents.
Self-serve bay converted into pet wash stations
NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — Wag N Wheel Wash opened last summer as a 24-hour self-serve, and it recently converted one of its bays into two pet wash stations, according to Uticaod.com.
The wash is one of the few in the area to offer a pet wash service. Co-owner Richard Tomaino says the additional profit center has seen regular business since it opened.
The enclosed pet bays have ramps leading to the tub. A wand dispenses water and a variety of chemicals such as shampoo and flea and tick treatments.
Detailer wins small business award
ARLINGTON, Va. — Capitol Shine won the 2015 Retail Small Business of the Year Award at the Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s 29th Annual Arlington Best Business Awards, according to Patch.com.
The May 19 event recognized “businesses that have made significant contributions to the Arlington community.”
Award recipients are nominated by the chamber of commerce, and a committee of previous winners chooses them. The winning business must be a full-time business that has experienced significant growth, it must be well-known for quality and service, it must demonstrate concern for the community and more.
“Capitol Shine has proven that it meets the tough criteria for winning this coveted award,” shares Arlington Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kate Roche. “The chamber is pleased to present this award to them, and our community is fortunate to have such a quality organization operating in Arlington.”
Mid-Atlantic businesses wash to save the bay
SEVERNA PARK, Md. — The Mid-Atlantic Carwash Association (MCA) hosted a fundraiser to benefit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation on June 6, according to a press release.
Carwashes in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed joined in the third annual Save the Bay event. Participating washes donated a portion of their proceeds from the day to the foundation, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
The effort raised $10,000 in 2014 and $7,000 in 2013. The money goes to bay restoration and public education.
“Wash to Save the Bay is a great way to make your customers aware that your wash is proactive about protecting the environment,” notes the release.
C-store chain launches smartphone app
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Cenex Zip Trip now offers customers an app to support its loyalty, point-of-sale and location services, according to CSPnet.com.
The app uses the Verge Retail Connect platform. It features games, coupons and promotions including a birthday club, feedback, store mapping, gas prices and more.
The app also includes social integration so customers can share deals on social media to promote brands.
“Cenex Zip Trip is committed to providing the very best possible experience for our customers; we knew Verge could work closely with us to deliver on that commitment,” says Jon Fleck, merchandising manager of Cenex Zip Trip.
