ICA 2011 Annual Report

Dear Member,

On behalf of International Carwash Association’s Board of Directors and staff, we are proud to present the following overview of our activities and accomplishments in 2011. From our perspective, the year was notable due to the launch of new initiatives as well as strong growth in membership and participation. Overall, we made substantial progress toward the strategic and business objectives we’ve set forth:

Growth as an Advocate
We seek to grow in our effectiveness as the industry’s voice to consumers, media and government.

Growth as a Representative
We seek to grow as the leader of the global professional car wash industry, including the number, type, significance and geographic location of the companies and individuals the Association represents.

Growth as an Organization
We seek to grow programs in order to provide value, make investments and sustain our business.

As stated in its charter, the Association exists for the purpose of “promoting and securing the mutual benefit, improvement and cooperation of those engaged in the business of operating automatic car wash establishments and allied or supplementary businesses.” While that purpose will not change, we hope you have noticed our commitment to constantly evolving products and services to meet the industry’s needs, challenges and opportunities. We believe that the professional car wash industry will continue to change, and we must change with it to remain a relevant contributor to our members’ success and our industry’s growth.

As you review the information in the pages that follow, we invite you to share your comments, questions or suggestions. Thank you for your membership in 2011, and best wishes for a very successful 2012.

Sincerely,

Eric Wulf, CEO
John Pierce, President, 2011

Highlights

Magazine

In the second half of 2011, the Association launched CAR WASH Magazine — a new quarterly print and online publication for members. The magazine quickly differentiated itself from other industry publications through its focus on the car wash business leader (vendors as well as operators), unique consumer and industry information, and a global perspective. The publication provides the Association a new opportunity for advancing its role as an advocate by sharing relevant, thought-provoking and positive information about the industry.

Equipment Sales Report

The Association continued in 2011 in its work with leading equipment manufacturers to report annual sales data by market and type. The report contains data going back to 2007 and has become an important barometer of industry activity. Results are shared annually in CAR WASH Magazine.

Public Relations

The WaterSavers program, now in its third year, was augmented this year by investments in consumer and water regulator awareness activities. The Association launched a new consumer website, WashWithWatersSavers.com, and new social media platforms inform the public about the benefits of professional car washing and allow consumers to easily locate WaterSavers locations. The Association also conducted road shows in Raleigh, N.C., Knoxville, Tenn., and Atlanta, Ga., to raise consumer and regulator awareness, resulting in media coverage and recognition for member washes.

Supplier CEO Summit

Chief executive officers of vendor member companies were invited to participate in a special two-day program in Chicago that featured speakers on strategy and the economy. The event also allowed for networking with peers and an opportunity to learn more about International Carwash Association. The program was very well-received and is envisioned to be an ongoing offering.

Global Car Wash Cooperation

The Association continued its work to build networks with members, non-members and national car wash associations outside of North America in 2011. A summit of national associations occurred in conjunction with the Autopromotec automotive trade show in Bologna, Italy, and the ICA had a presence at Equip Auto, an automotive trade show in Paris, France. Both events allowed the Association to gain new market intelligence and meet with members from some of the 25 countries represented within its membership.

Governance

The International Carwash Association is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that is elected by its membership. Directors, representing both the operator and vendor membership segments, are elected to an initial three-year term. Officers are elected to one-year terms. The Board of Directors responsibilities include caring for the financial and legal requirements of the Association, determining the Association’s mission and overseeing the work of management. The Board meets at least twice per year in person and its Executive Committee meets monthly, either by conference call or in person. The Board of Directors hires and reviews the work of an independent auditor, retains a general counsel and has established various policies to guide its and management’s work. Included are policies on conflicts of interest, whistleblower protection and anti-discrimination. The Association’s annual audit and Form 990 tax return are available by contacting the headquarters.

2011 Executive Committee

John Pierce, President

Jeff Gheysens, Immediate Past President

Pam Piro, Vice President

Jerry Miller, Vice President

Mark Curtis, Treasurer

2011 Directors

Bruce Arnett, Jr.

Steve Barram

Charnann Cox

Gary Dennis

Scott Freund