Summer 2011
If you attended the 2011 Car Care World Expo in Las Vegas you were exposed to an extraordinary wealth of information, resources and experts. Two weeks later CAP hosted their annual dinner and table-top show where Gene Barr, Vice President of the Pennsylvania State Chamber, spoke about the current economic climate in Pennsylvania as well as state legislation, policy and regulation that is and/or could impact how small businesses operate in the Commonwealth. I hope you took advantage of the opportunity to discuss all of the ideas and knowledge you accumulated at these events with your Pennsylvania colleagues at our May 17th dinner and show. These industry events re-energize us as we go back to our businesses and daily routines and it would be a missed opportunity if you didn’t talk “best-practices” with fellow operators and industry experts who are right in your back yard.
I like to use this time to take stock of my business. Since I am already scheduling time out of the office, away from my businesses, I try to take off the blinders of my daily business grind. As I take in all of the information available at these shows I try to receive it with a couple goals in mind: How can this save me time, how can this save me money, how can this increase my bottom line and how can this information help my business grow? Personally I took away a lot from both of these shows. While I was introduced to new technology and business strategies at the National Show that will help my businesses function more efficiently, my local show provided more personal insight of actually operating a small business in the Commonwealth and offered a business map to navigate the local and state policy obstacle courses that exist for small businesses in Pennsylvania. Both were time well spent.
On another note…..
I am excited to announce that the Carwash Association of Pennsylvania has just introduced another new Member Benefit. CAP is Partnering with OnDemand Energy Solutions, ODE, Pennsylvania's largest energy consulting firm, to offer a package of customizable programs that will enable members to decrease their commercial energy bills. Savings can be realized within all Pennsylvania utility territories which include Allegheny Power, Duquesne Light Company, Penelec, Met-Ed, PennPower, PPL, PECO and clients in Ohio with Ohio-Edison as well. I strongly encourage all CAP Members to contact the CAP office today at 717-648-0159 to learn how your business could benefit from this program.
I look forward to seeing many of you at our annual golf outing and membership picnic in September. Mark your calendars now for Thursday, September 22nd.
