CALENDAR This is normally the place where we would list all of the upcoming car wash events. Considering everything is so up in the air due to the pandemic, we decided to replace this section with something that will put a smile on your face. Here’s a picture found on Twitter of a dog washing a car: And here’s an old newspaper ad from a September 24, 1964, issue of The Call of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania: Association News International Carwash Association The ICA remembers Hall of Famer Red Lewis William “Red” Lewis left this world peacefully at his home in the Town of Lawrence, Wisconsin, in the early morning of January 7, 2021, at the age of 78, the ICA announced. Red Lewis started with nothing and turned hard work into a true American success story, according to his obituary. “A sales/delivery job at Green Bay Auto Parts followed by a service writer position at Jepson Chevrolet, along with driving a tow truck at night for extra money, laid the foundation for Red’s amazing ‘Soggy Rags to Riches’ story. A timely introduction from a co-worker created an opportunity at the local PDQ Car Wash in Green Bay and by 1967 Red had worked his way up to manager.” In 1974 he purchased PDQ Car Wash and fueled with innovative ideas and a passion for customer service, Red seemingly worked without sleep and grew his company to eight full-service car wash locations in Northeastern Wisconsin, ranking PDQ in the top 20 car wash operations in the U.S. What was success by any definition was merely a starting point for Red Lewis, the obituary stated. Red founded PDQ Manufacturing, Inc. in 1984 specializing in manufacturing touchless car washes which spurred the acquisition of Pacifica, Inc. in 1989, a New Zealand-based vehicle wash equipment manufacturing company that shared Red’s vision for the future. The invention of the Laserwash 4000 followed and soon PDQ Manufacturing grew to become the world’s largest touchless car wash manufacturer with clients in more than 30 countries. “The International Carwash Association bestowed Red Lewis with the ultimate honor with his induction into the Car Wash Hall of Fame in 2000. Many other awards followed including the prestigious Free Enterprise Award in 2017 presented by the Rotary Club of Green Bay, celebrating Red’s innovation and extensive philanthropy in the Green Bay area. However, the award that touched Red the most was receiving the Founders Award presented by Notre Dame de La Baie Academy, formerly Premontre High School, in 2010.” The obituary also stated that success never went to Red Lewis’s head, instead he made sure it went to others. He rewarded employees for helping to build PDQ Manufacturing and gave generously and anonymously to countless charities including our country’s veterans, his alma mater Notre Dame del la Baie Academy, Green Bay Boys & Girls Club, the Lac Baie Girl Scout Council, Catholic Charities, Manna for Life Ministries, NEW Zoo and St. Willebroad Parish to name but a few. His special bond with young people will remain one of his greatest achievements. More than 20,000 young people owe their first job to Red Lewis and PDQ. William “Red” Lewis is survived by his three children: Becky (Pat) Lewis-Verheyden, Kelly Lewis and Jon Lewis; his grandchildren, Kyle and Katy Verheyden; sister, Durleen (Peter) Braasch; brother, Marlin Lewis and sister, Shirley Fischer; numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Red also leaves behind thousands of close friends and business associates. ICA announces new Pitch initiative. “Get ready for their best pitch,” carwash.org states, “Sit back, and let the game come to you!” Pitch is bringing together some of the best minds and most experienced leaders in the car wash industry to bring forth new ideas for growing your business and solving your toughest problems, states it ICA. With Pitch, hear from up to eight different supplier experts in an online meeting with up to 25 other car wash operators. ICA staff keeps the meeting moving, allowing you to get a new solution every ten minutes. Set aside just 90 minutes for the meeting, and attend from anywhere your screen allows, according to a statement. Access is limited to qualified car wash operators. ICA members receive preferred access. Complete the form to request a seat for our next Pitch. The next meeting is slated for February 23, 2021, from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Central. Topics will cover: • How can you effectively differentiate your car wash and promote your products? • What products are customers responding to currently? • How can you increase your revenues on a per-visit basis? In case you missed it... The ICA announced new dates for The Car Wash Show️ 2021. The event will remain in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center but will move to show dates of 15-17 November 2021. The Westgate and Renaissance will remain the host hotels. 6 • WINTER 2021
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