This will be my last column in the Northeast Carwasher magazine as my term as CCA president ends in June. Your new president, Dan Petrelle of Splash, has many years of experience in the carwash industry as both a vendor and an owner/operator. He will do a fine job for this association. 

There have been many positive changes in the CCA over the past two years. We have continued to fend off a tax on carwashes. I'd like to thank our lobbyist, PJ Cimini, for helping us through the confusion of state government. Although the tax issue is always present, we feel good about our current standing.

Financially, the CCA has never been in better shape. This is due to the success of our state events and the Northeast Regional Carwash Convention in Atlantic City. Please continue to support these events as you will always leave with a new idea or way of doing business.

The CCA website, www.wewashctcars.com, is getting better and better.  We will continue to promote and make the website more functional. Our immediate goal is to have the capability of paying dues and registering and paying for events on site. We hope to have that feature running by late summer. Thanks to Jeff and Eric at Citadelnetworks for their help in revamping our site and making it more user friendly. 

As you know, the CCA board has undergone some changes. We have added a board position and shortened the officer terms to help attract members. If you are interested in joining our board, please contact Suzanne Stansbury at 518/280-4767 or 800/287-6604 for more information. After all, this industry is our livelihood - let's make it better by participating and sharing our ideas and opinions!

Finally, I want to thank our board members for their help and support.   They do a great job and it's a true team effort. Also, thanks to Suzanne Stansbury for her help and guidance over the last two years. She is a huge asset to the CCA and her enthusiasm and knowledge are invaluable. The CCA is fortunate to have her as our Executive Director. 

Tom Mathes
CCA President