2014 Hall of Fame recipient Robert Benmosche video click here
Keynote Speech by Robert Benmosche video click here
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — The 25th Northeast Regional Carwash Convention (NRCC), September 15-17, at the Trump Taj Mahal Hotel & Casino was one for the record books, according to Walt Hartl, New York State Car Wash Association President and Co-Chairperson with Mike Benmosche of the 2014 show. “From the sold out show floor with 270 exhibits, to our incredible keynote speaker Robert H. Benmosche, AIG CEO, to quality educational programming and a really fun 25th Anniversary Celebration event, it was a home run and will go down in the show’s record books,” said Hartl.
Twenty-five years ago leaders from four of the East Coast carwash associations (Connecticut Carwash Association, New England Carwash Association, New York State Car Wash Association and the Car Wash Operators of New Jersey) came together to forge a partnership in running a first-rate trade show with education for its members who could not attend a national show. Over the years the show has grown, evolved and become a truly professional and first-rate regional trade show. “The NRCC is a true team effort,” said Co-Chairperson Mike Benmosche. “We work together to produce something that benefits every member of every association. I am truly honored to be a part of it.”A highlight of this year’s show was a heartfelt keynote delivered by American International Group’s (AIG) recent President and CEO, Robert H. Benmosche, who just happens to be Mike Benmosche’s older brother. In 2009, Robert Benmosche was asked to help restructure the ailing insurance company, and repay the government support that AIG received at the height of the 2008 financial crisis. Benmosche successfully lead AIG through one of the most extraordinary turnarounds in the history of corporate America as the company repaid the entire $182.3 billion plus a profit of more than $22.7 billion. He shared with the audience of 200+ how he accomplished this and provided lessons that can be implemented at your wash to help you overcome adversity. His session will soon be available to attendees by contacting the NRCC office at 800/868-8590.
Co-Chairmen Walt Hartl and Mike Benmosche present Terri and Mark Kubarek of K & S Car Wash in Auburn, NY, with the 2014 Most Distinguished People Award.
Another highlight was the awards program just prior to lunch on Tuesday, September 16. Long time New York State Car Wash Association members Mark and Teri Kubarek of K & S Car Wash in Auburn, NY, were honored for their unyielding service to the association and industry over the last 30 years with the Most Distinguished People award presented by NYSCWA President Walt Hartl. Mark Kubarek is a past NYSCWA president who served two terms in this position and fought countless sales tax battles. Terri has been a steadfast contributor to their business and the association for as long as the Kubarek’s have been in the industry and is involved in the daily operations at K & S. “They are valuable assets to New York State carwashing and long-time supporters of the NRCC,” said Hartl.
Co-Chairman Mike Benmosche thought he was presenting the NRCC’s most prestigious award to the Mid-Atlantic Carwash Association’s Dave DuGoff, and even went so far as to start the presentation when Hartl interrupted him and asked Robert Benmosche to come to the stage and assist in the award presentation. But instead of going to DuGoff, Mike Benmosche was named the 2014 Hall of Fame recipient, much to his surprise. He has served on three association boards during his 20 years in the industry and launched a safety and e-learning program to help operators reduce claims at the wash. He has also contributed a quarterly column to the Northeast Carwasher magazine, several other trade publications and served on the International Carwash Association’s Exhibitor Show Advisory Committee (ESAC). In addition, he has co-chaired with Hartl two NRCC’s.
Co-Chairman Walt Hartl (left) and Keynote Speaker Robert Benmosche, former AIG CEO (right) present Mike Benmosche with the 2014 NRCC Hall of Fame Award.
Other educational highlights of the show included two concurrent seminars on Monday, September 15, presented by Robert Andre of Sonny’s Carwash College titled “A Labor of Love” and a self-service program by Carolina Pride’s Dale Reynolds titled “Self Service Reinvigoration.”
Tuesday’s education included a lively traditional Early Bird Panel hosted by Turnpike Car Wash’s Bob Katseff followed by a program titled “No Exit Plan? No Financial Future? No Problem” by brothers Lou and John Rendemonti.
Wednesday’s seminars included a round table Early Bird led by College Park’s Dave DuGoff that touched on topics from social media/negative reviews to fast oil changes to maintenance.
The sold out show floor of the Mark G. Etess Arena at the Trump Taj Mahal attracted nearly 1400. The 270 exhibits included an array of state-of-the-art equipment and innovation to help today’s operator prosper. A complete listing of exhibitors can be found at www.nrccshow.com.
The show’s sponsors included: Show Sponsor Qual-Chem; Show Media Sponsor; Professional Carwashing & Detailing magazine; 25th Anniversary Celebration Sponsor Innovative Control Systems; Lanyards & Show Bags Micrologic Associates; Luncheon Erie Brush & Manufacturing Corp.; Keynote Speaker Carolina Pride Carwash, Inc.; Refreshment Bar Simoniz USA; Bottled Water Ardex Labs; Popcorn Con-Serv Water Recovery Systems; Snack Station Blendco Systems; Registration Pens Kleen-Rite Corp.; Registration Mints National Pride Equipment/Carwash Super Store; Breakfast DRB Systems Inc.; Name Badges National Ticket Co.; Registration Technology Car Wash Insurance Program offered by McNeil & Co.; Seminar Sponsors Micrologic Associates, Peco Car Wash Systems and Belanger.
The 2015 NRCC is slated for October 5-7 at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. To reserve your booth space for the 2015 NRCC call 800/868-8590 today or visit www.nrccshow.com.