Be careful what you wish for! It looks like we found all that snow we’ve been missing in the past few winters. As I type this column I can hear the wind re-arranging the snow I just plowed back … onto driveway. This is a good time to remember that winter conditions force us to be extra vigilant regarding slip/fall and cold protection issues. Keep a log of your sanding/salting events. The log will remind us to make sure we are keeping our wash sites as safe as possible and may prove valuable if we do have a slip/fall incident. A log can demonstrate that we have made an effort to maintain a safe site in case we have a claim of negligence. Remember this for the winter of 2014!
I’d also suggest that you keep your antifreeze systems set to kick in a little before freezing point. Wind can freeze your gun tips sooner than you think. I always regret having to fix broken piping in subfreezing weather because I was a bit stingy with my weep water or antifreeze soaps.
I’m optimistic that the heavy snowfall this winter will translate into a healthy bug season this spring. Since the economic recovery is taking its sweet time arriving, perhaps nature can throw a little bug-spattered prosperity our way!
I couldn’t afford to update my equipment in the last few years of this recession. But this winter season may give us the monetary opportunity to spruce up our washes. Remember our carwash vendors who have supported our association throughout the years. They have ideas and products to help you make your site(s) more attractive and productive for customers and potential customers. I remember getting comments from some customers about how much cleaner their cars were because of the new equipment I had recently installed. The “new equipment” at that time was blinking neon function lights in the tunnel. Perception counts for a lot in the customer’s eye.
The CCA is presenting an Express Detailing Seminar on March 19 at the Simoniz Garage at 283 Park Road in West Hartford. Signup at www.wewashctcars.com and join us to improve your express detailing services or add a new profit center to your business.
Many of us have been tight on funds to pay even the most essential bills so your Connecticut Carwash Association membership renewal may have languished on the desk. Remember the successful efforts the CCA made to keep the sales tax off carwashing services. How much would that have cost you if that tax went through? Please support the only organization that is specifically looking out for the carwash industry in Connecticut, and renew your membership to The Connecticut Carwash Association. I thank the carwash operators and venders who have faithfully supported our efforts in the past and continue to do so.
Keep up to date on what’s happening in your association by visiting our website at www.wewashctcars.com.
Noah Levine
CCA President
