E X P R E S SW E S T E R N C A R W A S H A S S O C I A T I O N

Continued on page 16...

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G ENEW DIRECTION FOR WCABy President Brad HooperMany of you have heard by now of the WCA’s big joint an-nouncement with the ICA regarding our decision to merge our annual convention and trade show starting in 2015! I can hear many of our members asking, why would WCA want to do something like that? Let me explain why we are so excited about this strategic decision. Please know that this decision took much consideration by the board and wasn’t reached without countless hours of deliberation. What does this announcement mean for you, our valued member? First, it means that the WCA can now be focused like never before on serving our membership in a more local and regional manner. Our convention and trade show isn’t going away, it is going to be merged with The Car Wash Show. This means we have much less planning and effort since it will become a combined event. Where as before, our board and staff would spend hundreds if not thousands of combined hours planning a major event, we now have the ability to apply those resources toward the implementation of a new WCA regional focus – where we envision conducting member showcases where education, networking, in some cases, road shows, etc…will be brought to our mem-bers more directly. You will be hearing much more about this focus in the coming months as our plans are solidified. We will now be able to focus our energy better than ever before on local issues. You will see the WCA more vigilant in advocating for our industry with local and state governments on issues such as labor, water conservation, sewer/runoff, etc. However, you won’t want to miss this year’s Western Car Wash Show in Las Vegas – October 28-30, 2014. We have expanded education, car wash tour, outstanding keynote speakers and plans to “blow it out.” You will not want to miss the only west coast car wash convention and trade show this year – the only car wash show in Las Vegas in 2014!As I look out at the coming years, I see more than ever a need for every car wash operator in the western region to not only join the WCA, but also become active. The reality is that we need each other more than ever. By staying up to date on all that is going on legislatively, on industry trends and the latest offerings from our fantastic

1. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE2. AFFORDABLE CARE ACT SNAPSHOT4. TAX DEADLINES AND MORE!6. FURTHER ALONG THE DETAIL

EXPRESSWAY8. GOVERNOR APPROVES MINIMUM WAGE

HIKE8. WCA RESPONDS TO BOND INCREASE

IN CALIFORNIA10. DO PROFESSIONAL CAR WASHES

REALLY SAVE WATER?12. HOW WATERSAVERS® AND THE ICA®

CAN HELP WITH MODEL DROUGHT RESTRICTIONS

14. REDUCING CREDIT CARD FRAUD & INCREASING DATA SECURITY

18. MEMBER NEWS19. INDUSTRY NEWS

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014Photo from 2013 Western Carwash Show

M E M B E R R E F E R R A L R E WA R D S P R O G R A MHOW? Refer a new member to join WCA and we’ll show our appreciation by awarding you a $50 check!

IT’S EASY TO PARTICIPATESimply have the new member put your name in the “Referred By” section on their online application.

QUESTIONS? Contact Brandie Delaney at (800) 344-9274 or email info@wcwa.org.Terms & Conditions:1. This opportunity is open to all active WCA members - conveyor,

self-serve, and associate (vendor).2. A new member will be officially credited to the recruiter when

new membership has become active by paying for member-ship in full.

3. To receive credit for each new membership, your name or WCA ID number must appear in the “Referred By” section of the online or paper application at the time a car wash or vendor applies for membership.

4. If a new member calls the WCA to become new member, they must mention the member that recruited them at that time.

5. For every new member, the recruiter will receive a check in the amount of $50 issued quarterly.

6. There is no limit to the number of members you can recruit.

2 WCA

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT A F F O R D A B L E C A R E A C T S N A P S H O TArticle provided by Liliana Salazar, Sr. Vice President of Compliance, National Co-Practice Leader, Employee Benefits Compliance, Wells Fargo Insurance Services

THE WHO, WHAT, WHEN, AND HOW ON HEALTHCARE REFORM COMPONENTS

• Effective in 2015 for applicable large employers• “Applicable large employers” are defined as employers

with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees (addition of full time employees and prorated part-time and tem-porary employees), during 120 calendar days or more in the prior calendar year. For purpose of determining the number of employees all employees within a controlled group must be aggregated

• “Play” by offering full-time employees (employees regularly working 30 hours or more per week) coverage meeting three key criteria, or risk having to “pay” penalties:

• Coverage must be minimum essential coverage• Coverage must have a minimum value of 60% (60% actuarial value)• Coverage must be affordable to employees for employee-only coverage

(employee cost cannot be greater than 9.5% of their income)• Action steps (to avoid the imposition of penalties):

• Offer health insurance to 95% or more of actual full-time employees (gen-erally, those working 30 hours per week or more)

• Make sure insurance coverage pays, on average, 60% of claims (i.e., cannot set deductibles, co-pays, etc. too high)

• Set employees’ premiums low enough that employee-only coverage does not exceed 9.5% of the employee’s income (e.g., $20,000/yr. employee pays no more than $158/mo.)

• Penalty potential:

This material is provided for informa-tional purposes only based on our understanding of applicable guidance in effect at the time of publication, and should not be construed as being legal advice or as establishing a privileged attorney-client relationship. Custom-ers and other interested parties must consult and rely solely upon their own independent professional advisors regarding their particular situation and the concepts presented here. Although care has been taken in preparing and presenting this material accurately, Wells Fargo Insurance Services dis-claims any express or implied warranty as to the accuracy of any material contained herein and any liability with respect to it, and any responsibility to update this material for subsequent developments.To comply with IRS regulations, we are required to notify you that any advice contained in this material that concerns federal tax issues was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used to avoid tax-related penalties under the Internal Revenue Code, or to promote, market, or recommend to another party any matters addressed herein.Products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA, Inc., and Wells Fargo Insurance Services of West Virginia, Inc., non-bank insurance agency affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company.Products and services are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies except crop and flood insurance, which may be underwritten by an affiliate, Rural Community Insurance Company. Some services require additional fees and may be offered directly through third-party providers. Banking and insurance decisions are made indepen-dently and do not influence each other.© 2013 Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sam Furno, WCIA President

Hamilton Manufacturing has been in business since 1921 and in the Car Wash Industry for over 30 years. We are recognized as an industry leader in the development, manufacturing, and support of automated point-of-sale transaction systems; Data Access Networks, and token/change machines. Hamilton products are designed and built to improve customer convenience and loyalty, while offering contemporary technology, and durability.

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For more information about our full line of carwash products, visit us online or call:

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HAMILTON TRANSACTION KIOSKADVANCED TECHNOLOGY. RUGGED CONSTRUCTION.

4 WCA

TA X E S TA X D E A D L I N E S A N D M O R E !By Norman BliedenNote these tax dates on your 2014 calendarIt’s tax return filing season once again. Among the tax dead-lines you may be required to meet in the next few months are the following:

• January 15 – Due date for the fourth quarterly install-ment of 2013 estimated taxes for individuals.

• January 31 – Employers must furnish 2013 W-2 state-ments to employees. Payers must furnish payees with Form 1099s for various payments made. (The deadline for providing Form 1099-B and consolidated statements to customers is February 18.)

• January 31 – Employers must generally file annual federal payroll unemploy-ment tax returns.

• February 28 – Payers must file information returns, such as Form 1099s, with the IRS. This deadline is extended to March 31 for electronic filing.

• February 28 – Employers must send Form W-2 copies to the Social Security Administration. This deadline is extended to March 31 for electronic filing.

• March 17 – 2013 calendar-year corporation income tax returns are due.• April 15 – 2013 partnership returns are due.• April 15 – Individual income tax returns for 2013 are due.

IRS SENDS NOTICES ABOUT “POSSIBLE INCOME UNDERREPORTING”Form 1099-K is a new information return sent to businesses by “payment settlement entities” reporting the amount of credit card and other electronic receipts that were processed for the business. The IRS also receives a copy of Form 1099-K and cross checks the reported amounts with the business’s total income reported on its tax return. Where the numbers don’t seem to make sense, the IRS sends notices to businesses telling them they “may have underreported gross receipts.” Notices go on to say “This is based on your tax return and Form(s) 1099-K, Payment/Merchant Cards and Third Party Network Transactions that show an unusually high portion of receipts from card payments.”The IRS has sent thousands of letters labeled “Notification of Possible Income Under-reporting” to small business owners. The notification project is ongoing as part of the IRS’s campaign to deal with the “tax gap,” the difference between taxes owed and taxes actually collected.If you receive a notice, contact us immediately so that we can determine what re-sponse is required.

TWO FINANCING OPTIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS: EQUITY AND DEBT Start-up businesses and long-established firms share common ground in at least one respect: the need for financing. Managers of fledgling companies often debate the best way to obtain funds for conducting business. In the break rooms and suites of Fortune 500 firms, executives also discuss the best ways to cover cash shortfalls and meet capital needs.Business financing generally comes in two flavors: equity and debt. For small busi-nesses, equity financing often takes the form of contributions by family members, friends, business associates, and investors. For business owners, the biggest draw-back to equity financing is loss of control. If Uncle John pumps his savings into your newly formed company, he may want a substantial voice in its day-to-day operations, whether or not he understands your industry or business model. On the plus side, equity contributions may be easier to procure than bank loans or other forms of financing.Without an established track record, businesses may struggle to obtain debt financ-ing. To extend a loan, a lender must be willing to risk the institution’s funds on your business. Loan terms generally compensate for this risk by stipulating an interest rate that reflects the lender’s estimate of your credit worthiness. If the lender thinks your firm may struggle making the loan payments, expect a higher rate.From a business owner’s perspective, the signing of loan agreements also carries risk. That’s why it’s wise to proceed slowly. Take time to develop a formal business plan, cash flow projections, and a realistic picture of the firm’s needs. Determine whether

START-UP BUSINESSES

AND LONG-ESTABLISHED

FIRMS SHARE COMMON

GROUND IN AT LEAST ONE

RESPECT: THE NEED FOR

FINANCING. MANAGERS

OF FLEDGLING COMPANIES

OFTEN DEBATE THE

BEST WAY TO OBTAIN

FUNDS FOR CONDUCTING

BUSINESS. IN THE BREAK

ROOMS AND SUITES OF

FORTUNE 500 FIRMS,

EXECUTIVES ALSO DISCUSS

THE BEST WAYS TO COVER

CASH SHORTFALLS AND

MEET CAPITAL NEEDS.

~Norm Blieden

Continued on page 18...

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6 WCA

D E TA I L I N G F U R T H E R A L O N G T H E D E TA I L E X P R E S S WAYBy Bud AbrahamOver the years, much has been written about Express Detail-ing and the excellent revenue potential it presents to car wash operators. But to enjoy those revenues requires several specific factors to be in place for success.This article will explain what is needed in terms of the five Principles of Production that are used when we evaluate a detail operation for a client. These principles are: facilities, equipment, chemicals & supplies, personnel and management.Reviewing and understanding these principles will give you the answers needed to determine if you want to offer Express business at your car wash.

1. FACILITIESMost car washes find that the Express Services done under a canopy on the lot in a visible area helps to generate the most business because the customers see what is going on. The downside of doing the detailing under a canopy is inclement winter weather, making it impossible to do the work outside during those months. Others have an extra one or two interior bays where the work can be done all year round – the most secure approach to take.

2. EQUIPMENTTo have an express detailing program requires an automatic car wash to wash the car fast and then quickly wax it in less than 30 minutes. Additional equipment would include: Wet/Dry Vacuum, Heat Soil Extractor, Air or Electric Orbital Waxers (to apply wax), and Air or Electric Shampooer Tools (to scrub dirty carpets/upholstery). There are also Portable Detailing Machines available that have a built in vacuum, heated soil extractor, dispenses 4 chemicals, and come with waxing and shampooing tools. They even include a spray gun applicator for wax that applies wax in 15 sec-onds.

3. CHEMICALS & SUPPLIESBecause the express services are maintenance services for newer cars or cars in good condition, the requirement for chemicals and supplies is limited. Chemicals

• Extractor Shampoo • Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo or All-Purpose Cleaner • Vinyl/Leather Dressing • Tar & Grease Remover • Wax or Paint Sealant

Supplies

• Miscellaneous Brushes & Scrubbing Pads • Pads for Waxing Tool• Towels • Dressing Applicator Pads

4. PERSONNELBecause express services are relatively simple to perform you do not need experi-enced detailers. In fact, it is recommended that you NOT hire “experienced detailers.” It is better to hire inexperienced people with good values who want a job and then teach them what they need to know to wax cars and shampoo carpets. Many opera-tors “cross train” car wash employees to perform express detail services.

5. MANAGEMENTIn many car washes they have a separate manager for the express detail operation, that is, if the volume is high. You should at least have a lead person in charge of the express operation and the employees. Using car wash employees when they are not busy is ok, but it could hurt your opera-tion.

TO HAVE AN EXPRESS

DETAILING PROGRAM

REQUIRES AN AUTOMATIC

CAR WASH TO WASH THE

CAR FAST AND THEN

QUICKLY WAX IT IN LESS

THAN 30 MINUTES.

~Bud Abraham

Continued on page 18...

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8 WCA

L E G I S L AT I V E

THE LEGISLATION

WAS SUPPORTED BY

ORGANIZED LABOR

AND OPPOSED BY

EMPLOYERS. OPPONENTS

MAINTAINED THAT THE

25% INCREASE IN THE

MINIMUM WAGE WILL

DRIVE UP THE COSTS

FOR ALL BUSINESSES IN

CALIFORNIA.

~Gary W. Bethel

G O V E R N O R A P P R O V E S M I N I M U M WA G E H I K EBy Gary W. Bethel, Littler Mendelson, P.C.On September 25, 2013, Governor Brown signed A.B.10 into law to increase the minimum wage in California. The legisla-tion will increase the state minimum wage by a total of 25% over a two year period. This will occur in two steps, the first in 2014 and second in 2016. The first increase to $9 per hour will be effective as of July 1, 2014 and the second increase to $10 per hour will be effective as of January 1, 2016.The legislation was supported by organized labor and opposed by employers. Oppo-nents maintained that the 25% increase in the minimum wage will drive up the costs for all businesses in California. The minimum wage increase affects more than just the hourly rate of pay of low-paid employees. It will also drive up the minimum exempt employees’ salaries, workers’ compensation costs, uniform and tool reimbursements, overtime and consumer pric-es. For example, when the minimum wage increases to $9 an hour, the minimum sal-ary for exempt employees will increase from $33,280 a year ($640 a week) to $37,440 a year or $720 a week. When it increases to $10 an hour, the minimum salary will jump to $41,600 a year ($800 a week). Beware of the potential for lawsuits being filed chal-lenging the exempt classifications for employees after minimum wage increases take effect if employers fail to adjust salaries to reflect minimum wage hikes.Although not directly impacting carwash operators, other wage and hour impacts in-clude: the increases in the amounts necessary to qualify for the commission employ-ee overtime exemption in Wage Order 7 (which requires that the regular rate exceed 1½ times the minimum wage rate); and, the overtime exemption applicable under some collective bargaining agreements if employees are paid at least 30% more than the minimum wage. The sum will increase from $10.40 (i.e., 130% x $8.00) to $11.70 on July 1, 2014, when the minimum wage increases to $9. It will increase to $13.00 when the minimum wage reaches $10.For questions, contact Gary Bethel 888.851.1160 or by email at gbethel@littler.com.

W C A R E S P O N D S TO B O N D I N C R E A S E I N C A L I F O R N I ABy Ross Hutchings, CAELast year California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law AB1387 which not only made licensing of car washes in California permanent but increased the surety bond that car washes must post tenfold from $15,000 to $150,000. WCA has launched into action – first working with our insurance partner Wells Fargo Insurance Services to locate surety companies that would write this insurance for our members. Simultaneously, we have retained the lobbying firm Political Solutions and are in the process of introducing legislation that would give car washes some relief on the high bond but penalize more severely those car washes who attempt to operate outside the law. “This is a monumental task,” reports Sander Romick, WCA’s Legislative Committee Chair. “WCA represents the law abiding car washes. We call upon all car washes throughout California to come together and help us speak with one voice,” Romick continues. WCA is in the process of organizing a grass roots effort and will be calling upon car wash operators for their assistance such as contacting their legisla-tors with the positive message.

10 WCA

D O P R O F E S S I O N A L C A R WA S H E S R E A L LY S AV E WAT E R ?By Travis Kimball, Marketing Director for Quick Quack Car WashIt has been an interesting week here in California. The Governor has declared a drought emergency. The public and businesses have been called upon to use 20% less water. We are asked to shower less and stop watering the lawns. And last night I watched my neighbor wash his car in the driveway with a hose. Hmmmm…Working at a car wash, I was very familiar with about how much water he was using. Washing the car at home in the driveway or at a parking lot fundraiser will use be-tween 20 and 100 gallons of water on a single car. The lower estimate assumes the use of a bucket and spray nozzle. I am often asked, as I was by the local news radio station this week, how much water does a professional car wash use.

The answer is that most newer car wash facilities have fairly sophisticated water reclamation systems that enable the car wash to water many times over. This allows the car wash to only use fresh water when absolutely necessary (such as a final rinse) to ensure a clean, dry car. In other words, while many gallons of water are being used during the course of an average car wash, only 8 to 12 gallons of fresh water is intro-duced during any given wash cycle; which is at the very least a 50% reduction in water usage over home washing and more likely much more than that.

Compare car washing to some other water uses:

Toilet flushing to 5 gallons

Dishwasher 5 to 14 gallons

Professional car wash 8 to 12 gallons

Shower (8 minutes) 10 to 20 gallons

Bath 10 to 40 gallons

Clothes washing 13 to 50 gallons

Car Washing at home 20 to 100 gallons

Water conservation is also only the beginning. Washing at home can also introduce harmful cleaning chemicals and phosphates from road film into the storm drain, which is intended to deliver rain run-off into rivers and streams, thereby hurting the plants and animal life in that ecosystem. Professional car washes empty excess waste into the sewer where it belongs.There may come a time in a potential drought crisis where home washing and parking lot fundraiser car washes are prohibited. There may even come a time when they are prohibited even when rain and water is plentiful, unless the water is properly con-served and disposed. Either way, there exists an alternative that is typically faster and even cheaper, in some cases, than washing at home. Washing the car is certainly not as essential as a toilet or shower, but if you are looking for ways to reduce water, look no further than your local car wash.

More Information: www.DontDriveDirty.com/environment.phpReprint permission granted by Travis Kimball, Marketing Director for Quick Quack Car Wash.

E N V I R O N M E N T

THE ANSWER IS THAT

MOST NEWER CAR WASH

FACILITIES HAVE FAIRLY

SOPHISTICATED WATER

RECLAMATION SYSTEMS

THAT ENABLE THE CAR

WASH TO WATER MANY

TIMES OVER.

~Travis Kimball

How WaterSavers® and the International Carwash Association® can help with model drought restrictions.

The ongoing need for drought response presents an opportunity for the International Carwash Association and its WaterSavers program to work closely with municipalities in their efforts to maintain proactive drought response plans.

In 2009 the Association created the WaterSavers program to help municipalities and consumers identify and recognize responsible users of water within the car wash industry.

Car washes typically make up less than 1 percent of a utility’s total water use. Unfortunately, during drought conditions washes can be shut down causing business ruin and unemployment. The challenge, is the unequal treatment of car washes compared to other businesses when it comes to actual water consumption.

The ICA and its WaterSavers program has been an important ally for water regulators as they implement Car Wash Certification programs and create drought response plans to help equalize their efforts to be good stewards of our environment. Working with the ICA and its WaterSavers program, water systems in San Antonio, North Carolina, Georgia and Denver are all proactively recognizing environmentally responsible car washes, and during drought conditions, these washes are typically protected further as drought conditions worsen.

The ICA worked to develop a model drought response plan that municipalities can use to help create their own proactive plans.

A proactive, well-researched drought response plan helps maintain vital economic functions while demonstrating a commitment to the intelligent reduction of water use during drought conditions.

WashWithWaterSavers.comVisit WashWithWaterSavers.com for more information on the International Carwash Association’s WaterSavers® Program.

WaterSavers® BenefitsFOR THE MUNICIPALITY / REGULATOR Use WaterSavers as the basis for your certification program. Operators are required to annually complete an inspection form that is signed by a plumber. Submit forms annually to you – mitigates program costs on your end and allows you to easily put a program in to play. Support from the International Carwash Association

FOR THE OPERATOR WaterSavers membership is tied to a consumer facing public relations initiative driven by the International Carwash Association to help consumers recognize environmentally responsible car washes. Protection during drought conditions as a responsible user of water and the sanitary system.

MODEL DROUGHT RESPONSE PLAN* Drought stages should be defined by each utility based on factors that might constitute a water crisis

CONVEYORIZED OR IN-BAY/ROLL-OVER WASHES Maximum of 40 gallons of potable/fresh water per average wash package.

SELF-SERVICE WASHES Maintains high-pressure wash nozzles and pump systems that use fewer than three gallons per minute.

ALL PARTICIPANTS All water discharge must be routed to water treatment or a leech/septic field as permitted. A backflow prevention device must be installed and operable on the potable water supply. All spray nozzles must be inspected annually to ensure maximum efficiency of water used. All water-saving devices must be maintained to original or improved specifications for the conservation of water. Spot-free reverse osmosis concentrate (a.k.a. “reject”), if such a system is used, must be reused in the wash process. The car wash must meet all local effluent criteria.

WaterSavers® Criteria

AND

Reprint permission granted by International Carwash Association

14 WCA

Thrive with

WCA

2013–2014 OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS PRESIDENTBrad Hooper Rossmoor Car Wash, Los Alamitos, CA

VICE PRESIDENTJason Johnson Quick Quack Carwash, Carmichael, CA

SECRETARY/TREASURER Jerry Nix Speedi Car Wash Inc., Tacoma, WA

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTChris Buscaglia Zoom Car Wash, Stockton, CA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Darrin Baum Zep, Inc., El Dorado Hills, CADoug Christ Hi Performance Car Wash, Centennial, COMark Goddard Supersonic Car Wash, Ogden, UTScott HornerTerrible Herbst, Las Vegas, NVHerschel Kilgore H2Go Express Carwash, Mission Viejo, CAFrank Phalen Zipp, Inc., Santa Barbara, CASander Romick HWB Car Wash, Inc., Burbank, CA

R E D U C I N G C R E D I T C A R D F R A U D A N D I N C R E A S I N G D ATA S E C U R I T Y : TO P 1 0 T I P S TO H E L P K E E P Y O U R D ATA S A F EBy Luke Barrett, First Data Thought LeadershipYour customers expect you to keep their personal cardholder data safe – not an unreasonable expectation and merchants must take it seriously. Such protection re-quires merchants to make an ongoing commitment to human and monetary resourc-es, including new technologies, stronger policies and continuous diligence.NOTE: The following list is a selection of suggestions only and not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of data security tips.

ENSURE YOUR BUSINESS IS PCI DSS COMPLIANTThe Payment Card Industry (PCI) establishes and enforces security requirements for its constituents. Ongoing compliance with the PCI DSS (Data Security Standard) is the critical first step towards a successful data security program.

REVIEW HOW DATA IS USED IN YOUR PAYMENTS SYSTEMBefore you can protect it, you must understand the ins and outs of the confidential data in your system:

• What data you have• Where it resides• Who is accessing your data• When and how users access it

LIMIT USE AND STORAGE OF SENSITIVE CARDHOLDER DATA WITHIN YOUR SYSTEMUse your customers’ personal cardholder data only for applications directly pertaining to payments (transaction authentication and daily settlements, for example).

MINIMIZE ACCESS TO CARDHOLDERS’ DATALimit access to customer information only to employees whose jobs require it. Do periodic spot checks to ensure procedures are being followed.

CONDUCT DETAILED BACKGROUND CHECKS BEFORE YOU HIREBe selective about whom you hire; employees have the most access to your custom-ers’ data and systems. 41% of reported small business fraud in 2007 was committed by employees.1

MAKE ANY NECESSARY SYSTEM CHANGESYou may have to update existing systems and implement new hardware and soft-ware, install firewalls, deploy data encryption technologies, implement data access controls and track and monitor access to data and networks.Consider implementing a layered data security approach such as the combination of encryption and tokenization that will allow you flexibility and a solid defense.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR SIGNS OF SKIMMINGThere has recently been a tremendous rise in card-skimming fraud at the point-of-sale. Skilled fraudsters can reconfigure a payment terminal by adding a skimming device in less than one minute. Payment terminals should be routinely inspected to ensure there have been no changes. Signs that your POS may have been compro-mised include:

• Changes in the screws or seams of the payment terminals or unexplained scratches

• A new or fake label or sticker that has been placed to hide a drill hole• Serial numbers that do not match between the payment terminal and the sticker

PAY ATTENTION TO CUSTOMERS’ BUYING BEHAVIORSSome things to look for include customers who:

• Purchase a large amount of merchandise without regard to size, style, color or price

• Don’t ask questions on major purchases• Try to distract or rush you during the sale

Continued on page 16...

D ATA S E C U R I T Y

16 WCA

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• Make purchases and leave the store but then return to make additional purchases

• Make large purchases just after the store has opened or as the store is closing

• Refuse free delivery for large items

AVOID FALLING VICTIM TO PHISHING SCAMSNever click on links that ask for your per-sonal or account information even if the e-mail message appears to be from your payment processor or financial institu-tion. Always type the service provider’s address directly into your Web browser’s address bar to access your account. If you believe you have been a victim of a phishing scam, change your online password immediately and contact your service provider.

DON’T STOP NOWData security is an ongoing responsibili-ty. Frequently audit your payment accep-tance practices and systems. Fraudsters are always looking for vulnerabilities and consistently changing tactics to stay ahead of the curve. You should be, too.Proactive steps to keep your customers’ sensitive data secure is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.1 National Small Business Administration Survey 2007For more information about merchant process-ing, please call Luke Barrett at (805) 418-1885 or luke@cardservicecv.com.

TOP 10 TIPS TO HELP KEEP YOUR DATA SAFEContinued from page 14...

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEContinued from page 1...

vendor members, you will not only keep yourself and your business relevant, but it will also save you (and make you) more money. So again, stay tuned for many exciting developments as we roll out our plans this year for 2015. I look forward to celebrating with you in Las Vegas - a new beginning for WCA. Make sure you are a part of it! Happy Washing.

Brad Hooper, WCA President

Everyone wants a MacNeil. www.macneilwash.com A Ryko Solutions Company

JUST ASK RICHARD DAVIS:

“In the end, buying better equipment today means better value tomorrow. I’d buy another MacNeil in a heartbeat.”

Better Value, Higher Quality, and Greater Safety:

THAT’S THE MACNEIL DIFFERENCE.

Find out how you can get more – and make more – with MacNeil. Visit www.macneilwash.com/richarddavis

Richard DavisOwner, 4th Avenue Car Wash, Georgiareplaced his express tunnel equipment with MacNeil

Why Richard Chose MacNeil• Lower cost of ownership• Better return on investment• Outstanding service• Ease of maintenance

Visit us in booth #404 at

18 WCA

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alternate forms of financing may be available. Remember that failure to make timely loan payments may adversely affect your company’s ability to obtain future financing.In general, a company should use debt financing for capital items such as plant and equipment, computers, and fixtures that will be used for several years. By incurring debt for such items, especially when interest rates are low, a firm can release operating cash flows for day-to-day operations or new opportunities. For short-term needs, consider establishing a line of credit.Regardless of the form of financing chosen, all businesses must produce a product or service that others want to buy. Debt should be viewed as a tool – one of many – to help your company survive and thrive.This newsletter provides business, financial, and tax information to clients and friends of our firm. This general information should not be acted upon without first determining its ap-plication to your specific situation. For further details on any article, please contact Norman A. Blieden, CPA at (626) 440-9511.

TAX DEADLINES AND MORE!Continued from page 4...

Think of it this way, if you cannot gener-ate sufficient volume to justify at least one or two full time express detail em-ployees, it may not be viable to venture into the program. Management must also include your car wash manager, especially if you are an absentee owner. You must set some operational standards and measure your express employees against these standards. DO NOT just set it up and let it operate and only manage when it is not paying for itself. You must be as active a participant in the success of the express detailing opera-tion as you are in your fast lube business, whether an on-site owner or an absentee owner. After all, responsibility ultimately falls on you.If you have any questions, contact me at: buda@detailplus.com

FURTHER ALONG THE DETAIL EXPRESSWAY

Continued from page 6...

M E M B E R N E W S

WCA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERSNOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2013

CALIFORNIANicolas Garcia Aranda, Flans Carwash

Ricardo Redona, Redona LLC (Aces/Exquisite Auto Detailing)

Ed Lloyd, Lloyd’s Auto Specialties, Inc.

Stephen Heck, Stephen Heck

Rob Klotz, KLOTZ Mobile Detail

Diane Cowley, Cowley D & L, Inc. (Magic Rain Carwash)

COLORADODavid Nord, Super Deluxe Properties (H2 Ohh Yea)

NEVADABob Clift, Western Wheels, Inc. (The Wet Spot Carwash)

19 WCA

M A C N E I L WA S H S Y S T E M S A N N O U N C E S N E W S O U T H E A S T R E G I O N A L S A L E S M A N A G E RMacNeil Wash Systems, a leader in conveyor car wash engineering now supported by its par-ent company Ryko Solutions, the larg-est manufacturer of car wash systems in the world, has announced that Matt Nall has joined its sales team as Southeastern U.S. Regional Sales Manager where he will be respon-sible for supporting MacNeil’s distributor and sales network.Nall has an extensive background in the car wash industry that spans over 12 years, and includes distributor channel and sales management with compa-nies such as CSI and ZEP. “Matt’s diverse knowledge of the car wash industry, rela-tionships within the region and familiar-ity with our distributor network make him a tremendous asset to our organiza-tion,” said Anthony Antonis, vice presi-dent of sales for MacNeil. “Matt’s hiring is a testament to MacNeil’s commitment to investing in talented individuals to grow market share and delivering value for our distributors and end.Nall said, “I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity. MacNeil is known for making the highest qual-ity tunnel equipment in the industry coupled with the strongest distributor network and corporate support. These resources not only will help continue to grow sales, but more importantly, will allow us to help our customers run more profitable businesses.”About MacNeil Wash Systems, a Ryko Solutions Company: For more than 30 years, MacNeil Wash Systems has provided superior car wash equipment to the tunnel car wash industry, automo-tive dealers, fleet and rental markets. Our turnkey systems, profit- boosting add-ons and cost-effective retrofits have been the envy of the industry, deliver-ing a consistently superior clean with lower maintenance, higher throughput and greater revenue opportunity. Today, MacNeil equipment is more profitable than ever. Put us to the test.

I N D U S T RY N E W S CHELSEA BEYER PROMOTED TO SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, SALES & SERVICE OF ZEP VEHICLE CARE INC. Zep Vehicle Care, a leading provider of chemical solutions to the car wash indus-try, is excited to announce the promotion of Chelsea Beyer to Senior Vice President, Sales & Service. Chelsea will be leading the sales team in the Vehicle Care divi-sion of Zep Inc.Chelsea joined Zep Inc. with the acquisi-tion of Ecolab’s Vehicle Care division, and has been a key player with the company for 10 years. Her most recent role was Vice President – Corporate Accounts. During her career with Vehicle Care, Beyer has held various roles, including Corporate Accounts Manager, Marketing Manager, and Area Vice President – Canada. Chel-sea also holds a Masters Degree in Busi-ness from the College of St. Scholastica.“Chelsea’s drive, intelligence, industry knowledge, leadership ability, and pas-sion for our business and team, position her for great success as our sales team leader as we continue to drive growth and expand our industry leadership.” said Darrin Baum, Vice President, General Manager of Zep Vehicle Care Inc.Zep Vehicle Care, the largest solutions provider to the vehicle care industry, was created in December of 2012 with Zep Inc.’s purchase of Ecolab’s Vehicle Care division and subsequent consolidation of Zep’s car wash division and Niagara truck wash business. The new Vehicle Care group has 150 employees, 90 distribu-tors, and represents Armor All Profession-al®, Blue Coral®, Rain-X®, Black Magic®, and Zep® brands.“I am excited to work with a team of outstanding professionals in our associ-ates and customers alike” says Beyer. “Zep Vehicle Care continues to be a dynamic business, committed to helping our cus-tomers grow revenues and profits with our strong brands like Armor All and Rain X, and through personal service deliv-ered by our direct and distributor sales and service teams.” About Zep Vehicle Care Inc. Zep Vehicle Care is a division of Zep Inc. (NYSE: ZEP), a leading consumable chemical packaged goods company sell-ing a wide variety of high-performance chemicals that help professionals and consumers clean, maintain and protect their assets. Zep Vehicle Care is head-quartered in Eagan, MN. Visit our website at www.zepvehilcecare.com.

W E W O U L D L I K E TO H E A R F R O M Y O U !

Have an interesting article or

industry related news to share?

If so, we would love to hear from

you. Please send in articles (500-

1000 words) along with a brief

author bio and picture to Michele

Holcomb at micheleh@wcwa.org.

EX

PR

ES

S

W E S T E R N C A R W A S H

A S S O C I A T I O N

CALL FOR ARTICLES!

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OCTOBER 28-30 LAS VEGASEXHIBIT SPACE IS STILL AVAILABLE, BUT DON’T DELAY IN RESERVING A

BOOTH…75% OF THE EXHIBIT HALL IS ALREADY SOLD!

TO RESERVE YOUR BOOTH CONTACT: MICHEYL BARNETT, CONVENTION/MEETINGS MANAGER AT (800) 344-9274 OR MICHEYLB@WCWA.ORG

Western Car Wash Show

The Winning Combination

Education Industry Networking

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W E S T E R N C A R W A S H A S S O C I A T I O N

OCTOBER 28-30 LAS VEGASEnhance your location AND your income!

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THE CAR WASH LOUNGEWCA’S NEW DISCUSSION FORUM FOR ALL CAR WASH PROFESSIONALS.

ASK THE EXPERTS!

Do you have questions about OSHA requirements, or how to run a car wash business? Do you need information on taxes, good business practices or have burning questions? Submit your questions in “The Car Wash Lounge” located at wcwa.org under the Membership tab.We’ll publish your questions in the next issue of Express.