Contractors / PWNA / IWCA - Page 9 - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

Cody · #81 (**permalink**) 07-15-03

<font color=e87400>Well Larry I was going to hop over there and ask em but it appears that they have no type of forums on their IWCA.org website.

Larry L. · #82 (**permalink**) 07-15-03

Well Cody atleast you tried .

Typo,come on how,its been hanging in the window for you peers and members to read for how long now.

Jon · #83 (**permalink**) 07-15-03

Sheesh Cody all I was tying to do was get everyone cooled down and laffin.

Besides you have just made a friend in Washerman, bloody nice chap to know too!

Doc Reisman · #84 (**permalink**) 07-16-03

Mission Statement:

The Power Washers of North America is the recognized leader in developing and communicating the highest standards in ethical business practices, environmental awareness, and safety through continuing education and active representation of the membership. PWNA educates and trains contractors to raise the level of professionalism and value to their customers.

I see PWNA a little different then many. To me PWNA is similar to college. In college there are many programs available to the individuals (aside from education) who pay their tuition or are alumni. If you are looking for employment (as looking for clients) you may say you are a member of either association. Some potential employers care what school you attended others don’t.

The link within the above analogy is, whether we are talking about the potential employer or the potential client they may not care about who you are affiliated with as much as they may be concerned with the level of education or proof there of.

Again PWNA is not for all and we cannot be everything for everyone.

Yes Cody you are right, we (PWNA) do not have special criteria to be a member other then paying dues. How many other associations have special criteria to join? Why would anyone want to join PWNA if they were not in the PW industry? Do we really want to make it difficult for people to join? Our mission is to educate & develop the highest business standards. We cannot teach high standards if we require them prior to becoming a member.

What is PWNA looking to accomplish? Aside from our mission statement our goal is what ever is in the best interest of our membership and industry.

I am an action oriented type person. Many of us can debate (forever) whether or not PWNA is right for the industry and I have heard many statements over the past and present about how PWNA is the big bad government like association.

I have never heard of any organization that opens its arms to diversity, debate, and change as mush as PWNA has and does. Again for the record, if you want change or improvement in the industry it takes effort. Our doors are open. My phone numbers are posted. Sorry but complaining about how bad something is reminds me of the employees we all want to fire. Get your hands dirty and get involved. If you are not sure who we are go to the PWNA website and call any of the board members. I also post regularly on our bbs. You may find we are not much different then you.

847-625-6300 ext 131 work
847-922-4921 cell
262-639-1812 home

Beth · #85 (**permalink**) 07-16-03

Dan S....

One point of clarification... When I said I was speaking for free, it was not free to those who attended the PWNA Seminars. To be clear, I did not ask for or receive payment for speaking at the PWNA Conventions. I did it as a personal donation to the PWNA.

So, if the argument is that information should be paid for, it was by those who attended.

Hope that is clear now.
Beth

Dan S · #86 (**permalink**) 07-16-03

I know it wasnt FREE for those attending . I didnt say that. I said since you speak for free you can speak for FREE again when We have a meeting . ( which BTW isnt going to happen I was makeing a point and you answered it well)

I know you (pwna ) charges for the "classes" .... WHich you would think since you and probably others are speaking for FREE why not let the members also listen for FREE .... Why can't the money for dues count as also FREE classes ......... ?

If lets say 50% of the speakers speak for FREE where does the money go from the classes? Pay for the room ? you can probably get a conference room for on the high end 300 per day . How much does it cost to attend a class to listen to a FREE speaker?

Doc Reisman · #87 (**permalink**) 07-16-03

Within our own companies, when we go and sell a new account how much goes into the actual cost? Think about all of the hidden costs in a company along with the operational expenditures.
Although we have kind members like Beth who donate their time PWNA still has bills. Please keep in mind that PWNA is a non-for-profit organization. This is why the board of directors receives no monetary compensation unlike corporate boards.

Beth · #88 (**permalink**) 07-16-03

Dan,
You have to remember one thing... the speakers have the same expenses that others do. We paid to attend other classes, and for our room and other items just like everyone else did.

Give me even ONE good reason why it should be mandatory for any speaker to speak for free and to have to on top of that pay their own expenses? Not many people out there will do that, and I'm willing to bet only those who are active in the org will do it for the MOST part.

Most public speakers get paid, and the prices vary considerably. Some get a nominal fee plus expenses, some make 6 digits (like the former president as stated in an earlier post).

Personally, I think it's wonderful that the PWNA is going to work along side of IWCA, as the speaker line up looks great. The speakers that are on the schedule are ones that members from both organizations will benefit from.

Beth

Dan S · #89 (**permalink**) 07-16-03

It's getting clearer guys . Thanks for answering and keeping it professional.

There is nothing wrong with the questions being asked here ...maybe by the WAY they get asked . But nontheless We all have questions ......... It's up to you guys to answer everyone that you know.................... @ the same time keep composer .<<(<is that how you spell it ?)

How much does it cost to attend a FREE speaker class?

and how much does it cost to attend a class when you got to pay the speaker?

I realize there are cost how many members are there in the PWNA ? 300 ....... well if it is $250.00 per person x the 300 thats a whopping $75000.00 per year and I think some people pay more I guess it all depends how much your business makes huh?

Okay on the low $75000.00 How much expenses are there? per year ... I also believe you pay for the cleaner times as well

Now you take that same figure of $75000.00 and then throw in a class in some state with some speakers and then on top of that charge the members a couple hundred to attend ..... holy snikys!!

For non-profit you guys dont do too bad

David Saulque · #90 (**permalink**) 07-16-03

Beth, you volunteered for the speaker position so what's the problem. You should have been paid for your efforts, you should have a problem with PWNA not offering you some assistance. This happen to a friend of mine also.

David