PWNA or not to PWNA

[Walt Graner]

I don't like to type, so I'll just make it short and sweet.
What is the ratio of members to suppliers in the PWNA?
Does the PWNA have a active lobbyist, and if they do what is the agenda?


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Walt Graner
"Off The Wall" Graffiti

 

[Clean County]

Walt sorry I can't answer your questions I'm sure someone will be able to but I have a thought about your title "PWNA or not to PWNA". I am a past member of the PWNA(Last year) and I think I found a major benny of rejoining the PWNA later this year. Now this is a self serving Idea which is not really the greatest reason to join but alot of people in the past(Myself included) complained about what does the PWNA do to justify there $250 registration fee to be a member. Well here's one: if anyone plans on going on the cruise in 2002 if your a member I believe you will get a discount if I'm not mistaken and since this is basically a business trip alot of it can be written off. So in essence you are pretty much getting your membership fee back one way or another and you are supporting our industry.
If we can get enough people together here to go on that cruise maybe we can get a guy like Ron or Mike Hughes etc. introduced to the big boys there and hopefully get these two or anyone else here for that matter on there board. The PWNA should now doubt in my mind promote Dans bb along with the things that they do promote because this board is a major I mean a major boost to our Industry and having someone here put on there board this can be done along with some other positive idea's that we may have. If anyone would like to comment about this of course feel free to do so but don't forget to answer Walt's question if anyone can.-John-


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[Mike Hughes]

John,

I'm looking forward to the cruise. Thanks, but I already know almost all of the "big boys" at the PWNA by name. Have met them all. Talked at length with some.

What I need to get onto the board of directors is nominating votes from more of the general membership. The people that get the most nominating votes get put on the ballot for the election. I didn't make it onto the ballot this year.......maybe next year.

Mike

 

[Mike Hughes]

Walt,

Sorry.....forgot to answer your question.

You should really ask that to the PWNA........any answer you get on here will probably be from someone that doesn't know the whole story..........get it from the horse's mouth, if you can.

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Mike Hughes
Everclear
Souderton, PA

 

[Dan Flynn]

That's the point Mike, I think if we new the whole story things maybe different. My membership just ended and I am trying to convince myself to rejoin. Shed some light on the PWNA if you have some. That is the main point when I discuss the PWNA which is rare.

I try to voice my opinion fairly based on my own experiences.

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Dan Flynn
Timberland Power Wash
www.powerwash.net
Houston, Texas.

 

[Dan S]

ooooooo i get it now 250.00 dollars for what a cruise?
what if you hate doing that? then you spent your money for nothing........oooo they give you a magizine to read........big deal.....then what ?

what the heck is the big deal about pwna?
what do they offer?
just another member name to say i belong to an group of fellow p/wer''''s............

so what?????? i will still get as many job's as the rest of you ........

and as far as vender's going to this to promote there product.....that's good but do they really need pwna to have a show?

will they go under b/c they dont/wont join?
i think not........

i will take my $250.00 and give some to this board
and the rest i will buy a roll of copenhagen.........

of coarse like always people will difer on my comment's but this is my stand on the "PWNA".......



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Washing a truck can be challenging.Every truck in a fleet may require different treatment.Adapt the washing process to the challenges that you are dealing with.

 

[Detroit MI CKEC]

I am an active PWNA member who remains active because I believe in the benefits of the promotion of professional standards in our industry.

For those of you who choose to respond I ask the following;

Are you a PWNA member ?
When did you join ?
Why did you join ?
Why did/didn't you renew ?
What are your expectations of the association ?
Are you willing to serve on a committee or as a volunteer to make your expectations a reality ?

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Shawn Corbett - Certified Kitchen Exhaust Cleaner
Pro-Ducts Kitchen Exhaust System Cleaning
Detroit, MI
313-297-6657

 

[David Saulque]

Shawn

You have some good points and I am not sure what is wrong with the program and issues. I think a lot of problem issues comes from expectation of the member and at the level what was sold.

All of us work all week and have family along with all other issues, when we take in a movie on Saturday we are not expected to sell the Pop Corn at the show. We pay and for all the reasons we do not wish to be involved.

We as a group have not been organized into working regional factions so that ground level grass root response would be born. They need to give us a reason-they need a home run. I am not sure what that is.

David

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[Dan S]

ooooooo so being an active member makes you more professional>???? and gives us a higher standard?????

so if we are not a member that means we are not professional....or have high standards???????

and what benefits......insurance?discount buying?job refferal's?............$250.00.......geewizzzzzz.....

i got some land in zimbawbay for sale>> $1.00 an acre
i have 250 acre's left who want's to send me $$$$$
and the benefit's are great all the h2o you want ....
and you may take advantage of the many magizine's i have thru-out this island.......any-taker's.......
call me @ 1-800-no-waycowboy............


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Washing a truck can be challenging.Every truck in a fleet may require different treatment.Adapt the washing process to the challenges that you are dealing with.

 

[Cali]

They had a lobbyist for FREE, but didn't appreciate the work that was done at no cost to them. They took what they wanted, and threw the baby out with the bathwater, when they thought they were done with them. So, now they do not have a lobbyist, and seem to think they are doing just fine without them.


Are you a PWNA member ? Yes
When did you join ? 1996
Why did you join ? Great idea,
Why did/didn't you renew ? Because they offer nothing I can use or need anymore.
What are your expectations of the association ? Re-read my post under What do you expect for 250.00?
Are you willing to serve on a committee or as a volunteer to make your expectations a reality ? I have.
I have been an ACTIVE vounteer for the last 5 years. I have been regional director, speaker, given seminars, and tried to make substantial changes within the association.

Kendra

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[This message has been edited by Cali (edited March 09, 2001).]

 

[Dave Olson]

Hello Shawn,

I have tried to take the position of “If you cannot say anything good don’t say anything at all!†If anyone feels that I am speaking out of line, then feel free to have this post deleted.

I think PWNA needs a different firm to take over the operation of the association. The past and current folks are missing to many basic functions of running an Association or Company for that manner! I have asked Charlene of Cleaner Times several times over the years. Maybe it is time to ask again. Maybe someone else has other ideas!

I agree we (Contract Cleaners) need an association that will continue to raise the bar of professionalism for our industry. Until we can get involvement by some of the major players (Contractors) I don’t believe it will happen! You need deep pockets to be able to spend the time, especially at the beginning, to get the momentum going.

I believe the reason that so many suppliers and distributors are/have been involved is that they have deeper pockets and in most cases do receive sales for their firms, from the general membership of the association.

Are you a PWNA member? Currently, Yes.

When did you join? First time in ‘92 or ‘93. Was on the Executive Board (Treasurer). Resigned in ’96. Was frustrated with management firm, and other matters.

Why did you join? Stay informed of issues involving this industry. Completed and passed Certification testing for Kitchen Exhaust Systems.

Why did/didn't you renew? Rejoined in ’98. Thought enough things had improved since I left in ’96. I think I may have been wrong!

What are your expectations of the association? Unless someone steps up to the plate, like Robert did in ’92, I think it is going to die a slow death!

Are you willing to serve on a committee or as a volunteer to make your expectations a reality? I did serve. Guess I was not enough of a politician! Got to the point that I was spending too much time away from my business and family.

I really wish that I had some positive things to say about PWNA. I have heard/seen many more negatives in the last 8-10 months than positives!

Dave Olson


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Tidy Powerwash Service, Inc. P.O. Box 781, Catlin, Illinois 61817 Phone 217-427-5557, Fax 217-427-2632 We are a commercial cleaning contractor serving East-Central Illinois and West Central Indiana since 1984. http://www.tps-inc.com/preswash.htm

 

[Detroit MI CKEC]

Dave O,

I am most familiar with Kitchen Exhaust Cleaners within PWNA. I have seen several major players representative of my discipline active with the association that I will not name in an attempt to avoid personal attacks and critiscism. The most experienced and prominent of those sits on the advisory board for NFPA, each of them contributes to promote the industry and raise the standard in some way.

I would agreee that it does ultimately cost money to raise the bar of professionalism in any industry, namely in the form of time given. As you know board members, committee members, and volunteers are not compensated for their time and often contribute at the expense of time taken from their families and time committed to their own businesses.

I am (6) years in a pressure cleaning business and I am very satisified with my success, I have paid dearly to get to the point that I am at. Consider PWNA as the association approaches its 10th anniversary and the successes that the association has realized, there is much to recognize and be proud of. Realistically there are improvements that can be made.

Through PWNA we have access to the largest single association representative of our industry. Each of us that chooses to remain active can promote our professionalism by association and raise industry standards through ACTION and INVOLVEMENT.

If a poll were drafted for distribution to former and current members what questions would need to be asked to illicit responses necessary to effect change ?

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Shawn Corbett - Certified Kitchen Exhaust Cleaner
Pro-Ducts Kitchen Exhaust System Cleaning
Detroit, MI
313-297-6657

 

[Laurie Grathen]

Interesting topic. We also joined in 1998 and let our membership lapse after two years because we didn't feel PWNA offered anything we could really use. Like Dave Olson, I am convinced we, as an industry, need a professional organization, but perhaps new management.

I have been kicking around the idea of offering to take over management of the association. I have excellent experience in the area from my past life, and in my current life, my husband and I own a pressure washing company. I think we can do an excellent job of offering professional pressure washers things of value if we stay focused on the pressure washing business rather than the association management business.

I welcome comments, both on the board, or privately to my e-mail address at grathen@advertisnet.com.

Laurie Grathen
All American PowerClean
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

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[Walt Graner]

I think the PWNA is a good idea, however it offers nothing for me, yet.

Just thought I should fill out the info also.

Are you a PWNA member ? No
When did you join ? NA
Why did you join ?NA
Why did/didn't you renew ? Don't see any real benefit
What are your expectations of the association ? A voice for the power washers on a city, state and national level
Are you willing to serve on a committee or as a volunteer to make your expectations a reality ? Sure, I believe in putting my money where my mouth is, especially for a good cause


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Walt Graner
"Off The Wall" Graffiti