Alabama Meeting Febuary 2009 Russ Spence

Article from Cleaner Times Magazine Febuary, 2008 edition.

http://www.cleanertimes.com/pdfdocs/2009CTMag/National%20Cleaning%20Expo...

Article from Cleaner Times Magazine November, 2008 edition.

Roundtables as a means of sharing information and experience are growing more and more popular. From their beginnings as add-ons to larger venues --conferences and conventions-- they have taken their place as stand-alone evens. If the recent success of the Contractor's Roundtable in Myrtle Beach, SC, is any indication, they might be just hitting thier stride.

Co-sponsored by Jeff LeCours of of JL Pressure Washing in Myrtle Beach and Ron Musgrave from Pressure Washing Institute in Mesa, AZ, the event drew participants from 18 states, some as far away a Oregon and California.

In Jeff's words, "I was very pleased at the turnout." Every contractor came ready to share, which made it both informative and enjoyable. From eight in the morning until the evening get-togethers, we were busy!"

Jeff moderated part of the roundtable himself but left the bulk of the program, along with emceeing duties, to Ron. Rachael Selmeyer, Robert Hinderliter of Delco, and Carlos Gonzales of United Association of Mobile Contract Cleaners also presented.

Matt Johnson of Pressure Washing Services in Milford, NY, thought the event was important enough to make the long trip from New York to South Carolina. At the request of Cleaner Times, he sent in a few thoughts about the event.

"The Myrtle Beach roundtable was an event to remember. I have attended several events and what I continue to see is noteworthy. The roundtable at Myrtle Beach was a dual-track event. The group and one-to-one networking once again proved to be a huge benefit to the contractor. On the flip side,the classroo environment for the lectures reflected the professionalim of our industry and provided a learning environment for the contractors that paralleled the setting found at national level conferences.

The networking began on Friday night as contractors arrved for the event. There was a wide variety of experience ranging from new contractors starting out to well established and successful contractors, some with over 25 years experience. The individual group networking opportunities were available at every stage of the event. Contractors were able to learn beneficial technical procedures, marking techniques, business practices, and potential new services to offer to their clients. Everyone from the new to seasoned contractor brought something positive to the table for all of us to benefit from.

The conference room was an excellent classroom, providing a comfortable environment to hear what the lectures had to say. You could not attach a price to the information presented. Trade secrets from the individual contractors who were presenting were revealed. Tangible information that will easily increase the contractor's revenue was there for the taking. Jeff, Ron, Robert, and Rachael--all excellent public speakers and educators--provided valuable information to contractors at every opportunity.

Carlos and the UAMCC Transition Team gave an informative talk on the direction of the new national organization that is being developed. Whether you spoke with contractors in the hall, listened to a lecture, or interacted with contractors or speakers the day of the demonstrations, you left with tips of the trade that were applicable to increasing both your bttom line and customer base.

Another plus was the many giveaways and gift certificates from the supporting vendors. This was a five-star event; clearly a benefit to the industry."

Cleaner Times thanks Jeff, Ron, and Matt for thier contribution.

Source: CleanerTimes Magazine (www.cleanertimes.com)