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Association News New England Carwash Association (NECA) You Make It Happen award given to Dave Ellard On November 12th, the NECA presented its, “You Make It Happen” award to Dave Ellard of Triple Play Car Wash in Attleboro, Massachusetts. This award recognizes exceptional service to NECA and the New England industry, a press release stated. The honoree did not know he was receiving the award, therefore information was secretly gathered from family, colleagues and friends before the presentation. According to the NECA <strong>web</strong>site: Dave grew up in Dorchester and started out at St. Peter’s School, but as can be expected for a really bright Boston area kid, moved on to Boston Latin. When we asked his brother if he was involved in sports, he described his brother as more of an Eagle Scout, Junior Achievement kind of kid. He earned his undergraduate degree at Stonehill College, an MBA at the University of Southern NH, and has never stopped learning. While earning his MBA, he worked in the accounting department of a small company, Boston Insulated Wire and Cable. He moved on to Stop and Shop where he held different accounting, finance and managerial positions. Then, he moved further up the corporate ladder, transitioning from accounting to the C-suite, at Boston Scientific and eventually EMC. According to the NECA: After retiring early from EMC, Dave started looking for his next career, which lucky for us, turned out to be in the car wash industry. He was researching getting into the business when he ran into Terrance Elder. Dave and Terrance knew each other through mutual friends, and Dave knew that Triple Play was already permitted and ready to be built. He asked Terrance if he was looking for a partner, and through a process of meetings, Terrance concluded that Dave would be a strong asset and good partner. They became co-owners and Triple Play Car Wash opened in 2008. Although new to the industry, he learned quickly and was soon noticed by NECA. After just one year as an Operator Director, he was invited to serve as Treasurer and to move up the leadership ranks, eventually serving as President from 2015 through 2016. We all know Dave as a passionate, driven individual who, when he gets involved, gives 100%. He can see the big picture, envision the future and chart a path to get there. This was apparent from the moment he joined the NECA leadership team. During his Presidency, with his vision and business skills, NECA chartered a new strategic course. His facilitation skills enabled us to move forward with the plan more effectively than ever. In everything he has done, he has provided the focus and leadership necessary to get things done. Even as a past president, he is always present and willing to assist. Dave’s enthusiasm for the industry and learning all he can has not lagged, even while on vacation. While visiting his son who was studying in Amsterdam, his son’s roommate wanted to know why they kept washing the rental car. Dave loves his brown liquors and fitness routine, but his personal passion is cars and racing. Last, but not least, he is the proud dad of three grown children, 2 daughters and a son. Australian Car Wash Association (ACWA) We are thinking of you, Australia We here at Self Serve Car Wash News are thinking of our friends in Australia with the recent devastating bushfires. There has not been an official statement from the ACWA, or the ICA and it is unclear if any car washes have been affected. However, water restrictions have played a significant role in car wash operations. Back in November, the ACWA released a statement indicating that things were generally going well for the car washes and had benefited from the hotter-than-usual and rainier-than-usual weather. “It is difficult to ever describe a Victorian weather event as extraordinary,” wrote ACWA Business Manager Doug Cross. “Still, last Thursday’s 40-degree scorcher really was one out of the box…even for Melbourne! As the city baked through its equal-hottest November day this century, fierce winds swept across the State, uprooting trees and creating dust storms throughout Melbourne suburbs. Then, just minutes later, light rain, thunderstorms and a 20-degree temperature drop. But what may have been uncomfortable for the city’s residents, produced an absolute boon for car wash sites with many operators are still reporting queues and record wash numbers a week later.” Cross went on to thank the 40 or so members who attended the ACWA State meeting in November. President Neil Fox outlined ACWA’s involvement in some of the key issues and opportunities confronting the car wash industry around the country including the water crisis facing the industry in NSW and Queensland. “Neil outlined the work ACWA has been undertaking in both States to ensure car washing continues under water restriction conditions. He highlighted that despite Sydney Water announcing Level 2 Restrictions from 10 December, car washing will continue,” Cross stated. “The new restrictions state you can wash your car, truck, van, using a bucket and sponge or at a commercial car wash,” said Neil. He went on to say, “this commendation and recognition of commercial car washing is carried across Sydney Water’s communications and <strong>web</strong>site and will encourage consumers to use our services.” Level 2 Water Restrictions were enforced in Sydney in December as the area faced its harshest water restrictions in more than a decade. Last June, and for the first time since the Millennium Drought in 2003, Sydney was placed on Level 1 Restrictions, stated the ACWA. However, rainfall in catchment areas since June has been minimal, forcing the NSW State Government to announce the introduction of Level 2 Restrictions. Restrictions had impacted all car wash operators in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains and The Illawarra. Car Wash Operators of New Jersey (CWONJ) Scholarship applications due April 3 CWONJ Scholarship Chairman Dan Saidel posted they are now seeking applicants for 2020 scholarships. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to CWONJ-member employees in 2020. “It is important to note that this award can be used for a two- or four-year education, be it full or part time. Applicants will be evaluated based on their high school standing, leadership capabilities, community involvement, strength of character, personal achievement, plan of study and future goals. The scholarship will be awarded to individuals who, through their work in the community and at your business, have demonstrated excellence and a genuine desire to expand their knowledge.” To be eligible an applicant must: • Be an employee or direct family member of an employee of any CWONJ member • Have been an employee, full or part time, for at least 1 year • Have graduated high school or have the equivalent • Be enrolled or plan to enroll at an accredited two- or four-year college or university, and • Not be an owner, or direct family member of an owner of a carwash facility, manufacturer or retail supplier to the carwash industry. WINTER 2020 • 43