Industry Newsline

MOTIONS AND PROMOTIONS

Cleaning Systems Inc. has announced the appointment of Jim McDermott as vice president of sales and marketing for Lustra Professional Car Care Products Division where he will deal with markets outside of the US and also handle the division’s rapid domestic expansion. McDermott comes to CSI from Appleton Papers Inc., where he handled similar distribution channels and growth opportunities.

Nikole Upchurch has been named PDQ Manufacturing, Inc.’s new business development manager for the western United States. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Upchurch is responsible for the states of Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. Her 14-year career in sales and marketing includes 12 years’ experience as a sales representative for one of PDQ’s western distributors. Upchurch holds a Bachelor of Science degree in technical writing, with an emphasis in marketing and graphic design, from San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA.

Unitec Electronics has named Pamela Piro president and chief executive officer. Piro has extensive marketing and product-development management experience. In addition to her 10 years with Unitec, Piro’s background includes experience in industrial and consumer marketing arenas in both domestic and international markets.

C-STORE CAR WASHES

The Wichita Eagle of Wichita, KS reports that the QuikTrip chain of convenience stores is building conveyor-style car washes at two of its Wichita locations. The brushless washes will be staffed by QT employees, and will include free vacuum services as well as free air for tires — a longtime QT trademark.

A car wash built two years ago at a QT store in Glenpool, OK has reportedly been a “tremendous success.” QT officials will keep a close watch on the two Wichita washes. If they prove to be a success, the concept will be expanded to other QT outlets in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, Arizona and Georgia, according to the newspaper.

MCA MARKETING AWARD

The Midwest Carwash Association’s (MCA) recently announced that Stacey Patulski and Manistee Auto Spa of Manistee, MI were the recipients of the MCA 2006 Creative Marketing Award. The award was presented September 19 at the MCA Expo, which was held at the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, MI.

Manistee Auto Spa and Patulski were recognized for the innovative ways in which they created a “fun wash environment.” Other creative marketing ideas included on-site radio broadcasts featuring discounts and other wash information, and the placing of Manistee Auto Spa Prizes in vending machines, which give customers the opportunity to win a free wash!

DETAILER/CONSULTANT

Automobile reconditioning professional Anthony Flammia — owner of Gia’s Mobile Detailing of Long Island, NY — has been retained by ProntoWash USA to provide consulting services to the Miami-based hand car wash and detailing franchise company. Flammia — with over 25 years of experience in the auto detailing and cosmetic maintenance industry — will be responsible for developing ProntoWash USA’s winter wash program and improving the current training program for its franchisees.

ProntoWash USA is an international franchise-based company that offers hand car wash and detailing services at parking locations — including malls, corporate buildings, and office complexes — in the United States, Europe, Asia, Central and South America.

AUTOBELL 2007 CALENDAR

Autobell Car Wash, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is now offering its custom-designed Cartoon/Coupon Calendar for 2007. Now in its fourth year, the value-added calendar has proved to be a hot item with customers, particularly during the gift-giving season. The calendars are available at every Autobell location for $6.95 including tax and are also available for purchase on the web.

The 2007 calendar offers two coupons per month totaling over $70 in savings, including two free car washes, and also features custom Autobell cartoons finding humor in the car wash experience.

PDQ ADDS DISTRIBUTOR

PDQ Manufacturing, Inc. of De Pere, WI has appointed Carwash Services of Georgia as its second, non-exclusive, distributor for in-bay automatic wash systems serving the entire state of Georgia.

Headquartered in Lawrenceville, GA, Carwash Services of Georgia joins PDQ’s existing distributor, Advanced Car Wash & Security Systems, in providing the state with expert sales consultation, parts support, and responsive service.