NC / SC Contractor Network

[PWNC]

As many of you know, we have been working on a network of contractors in the Carolinas for several years. It has grown to more than just a bunch of us talking via the bbs. We are officially going to launch the PWNC (Power Washers Network of the Carolinas).

FOR NOW, this is NOT an organization like we are accustomed to seeing. FOR NOW, it is a network or cooperative and an opportunity to become one unified voice for our states. We would like to see it grow to become a formal organization, however, we don't feel like one person should have all of the decision making authority or responsibility to do that. This has been in the works for a long time, as I said, but there seems to be an increased need right now for collective efforts.

This is not coming without cost - some of the things are being provided have to be funded on a regular basis but the fees that are going to be associated are reasonable and affordable for even the smallest and newest of companies. The following is an outline of what the PWNC can provide for contractors and homeowners alike.

First, and an immediate need: We need a voice in the government for the issue at hand (water restrictions). This is the PERFECT opportunity for one body to speak to our officials and explain how power washers can provide SOLUTIONS to the water problems. We have remedies for water reclamation, for using less water to clean, to maintain areas as opposed to unscheduled “emergency cleanings” that requires more time and water. The PWNC can write letters and represent a group of business owners who offer relief - part of the solution instead of being part of the problem .


For Homeowners:

Website (searchable contractor list) Coming Soon (Site will also be a split level where as a contractor you can get information that you would prefer your customer NOT to be able to research but at the same time, the first level would be for the customer to find you.) And no, it's not up yet - a few more days and it will be!

Articles – It’s one thing to have an article or text on your website, but if your article is “published” on a site that has multiple professionals, the consumer perception is that you are a highly qualified expert in your industry, not just on your site.

For Contractors:

Business tips:

• Sample contracts and other documents – reviewed by NC & SC attorneys
• List with where to buy from…or not to.
• Do’s & don’ts for start up business - How to plan for "these times"
• Bookkeeping tips (QuickBooks Pro!)
• LLC, SP, Corp advise
• Insurance information
• EPA regulations
o Understanding the Federal Clean Water Act
o State specific regulations
• Licensing info

Logo usage

Ad formats, submission & maintenance (craigslist code). PWNC will have constant ada in every listing directing seekers to the pwnc.org site to search for a contractor. In the future, print ads that cover statewide (Associates may be required to contribute/share cost for better exposure)

Bulk ordering for specified areas – obviously someone in the mountains of NC and the coast of SC won’t benefit together but everyone will be able to find contractors near/around them to order collectively with to save on shipping or get volume discounts.

Discounts from Vendor sponsors!

A Store!
• Predesigned marketing material – postcards, brochures designed with space for your company name & contact info – you pay only for printing/shipping.
• Stickers, pens, etc…..

Newsletter (s) PWNC will have a newsletter announcing plans, talking about achievements, planning events or functions, etc

Semi-annual meetings / round tables

Training courses convenient to our states – ie, enough contractors want a class, we’ll make the class come to us.

Mentor Program – Associates who would like to serve as mentors can provide their information and areas of expertise to new Associates/businesses. It will be the mentor’s decision as to how “close” they are willing to work with new contractors. New Associates will have a mentor assigned upon request.

Private Forum - There will be a contractor only forum for us to discuss plans, projects, issues that we face in the Carolinas.

You’re probably thinking, “all of these things are on the other forums and it’s free”, BUT many times answers are generic and not necessarily applicable to our area – also – this information will again lend credibility to our individual companies as businesses that strive to be completely professional. Once active and content is in place, the in-links to contractor sites will help with individual rankings.

Our goal with this network is to (1) unify a group of contractors with similar businesses that experience the same demographic and geographic challenges (2) to help the industry to evolve through public education into a more realistic profession in our customers eyes, both residential and commercial, (3) and ultimately set a model for other states to follow that could later result in a strong national organization.

We look forward to input from all Carolinas contractors - Certainly we could never think of everything that we could need on our own but just from reading all of the bbs for the past years, we firmly believe that the PWNC will start on the right track and provide a solid base to grow from.

Thanks guys

[PWNC]

NC & SC Contractors! There will be a meeting to formally present the PWNC on January 26th in Myrtle Beach, SC. Details to be posted soon as to time & location! Email for other information: info@pwnc.org

Celeste

[John Orr]

Celest, are pressure washers that WORK in NC eligible to attend?

[PWNC]

By all means.....anyone who lives and/or works in the Carolinas is welcome!

Mike in SC is working on some rates for us as well as the food (we all know food is THE most important thing!) I hope to have full details available by the end of the week

Celeste

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by John Orr

Celest, are pressure washers that WORK in NC eligible to attend?

You going to be here John?

[Beth n Rod]

Originally Posted by John Orr

Celest, are pressure washers that WORK in NC eligible to attend?

That's a great question
Beth

[John Orr]

Originally Posted by Jeff

You going to be here John?

Its possible. I'm going in tomorrow am for surgery to repair (3rd time) torn cartilage in my left knee. Doc says maybe 1 week recovery, maybe 6 - depends on what he finds. I should know recovery time sometime tomorrow. Washed 2 houses today, it sure will be nice to get this knee fixed!

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by John Orr

Its possible. I'm going in tomorrow am for surgery to repair (3rd time) torn cartilage in my left knee. Doc says maybe 1 week recovery, maybe 6 - depends on what he finds. I should know recovery time sometime tomorrow. Washed 2 houses today, it sure will be nice to get this knee fixed!

Best of luck on the surgery John, hope it goes great.

If you can make it, like to see you there

SeeYa god luck
Jeff

[John Orr]

Thanks Jeff. Went in to surgery at 7:45 and was home by 11. Doc says it should be a short (a week or so) recovery - we'll see. Almost time to take some more "candy". I like the little white ones.

[PWNC]

Hey Folks....just waiting to hear from the hotel down there. If all goes well, we'll be right on Ocean Blvd - conference room in the hotel who is offering decent rates for a completely renovated site We'll be within walking distance of about anything one might be interested in. Stay tuned for more details

[PWNC]

The information page is up on the Contractor Events site as well as pictures of the hotel rooms & registration forms!

Here are the basic details of the PWNC Contractor Meeting:

Date: Saturday, January 26, 2008

Where: Caribbean Resort - 3000 Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC

Starts: 1:00 (we will have food!)

Ends: Presentation - about 30 minutes - I hate getting in front of people! Questions & suggestions - as long as you guys ask and suggest, we'll keep going. We have the conference room until 6:00 for further socialization & networking.

Rooms: $50/per night (I doubt this includes tax folks) for an ocean front suite with full kitchen, double or king bed, living room..go look

Please register so that we have a good head count for food and handouts - there is no charge to attend! You are responsible for making arrangements through the reservations line for your room though.

Hope to see you there!

Celeste

PS: For those of you who have been asking about paying for participating in the network, this weekend will be the time The PWNC can accept checks, cash or debit/credit cards via PayPal. I cannot run a credit or debit card on site.

[John T.]

Good luck Celeste!! It sounds like a real fun day and what a great deal on a hotel price right on the water!!

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by John Orr

Thanks Jeff. Went in to surgery at 7:45 and was home by 11. Doc says it should be a short (a week or so) recovery - we'll see. Almost time to take some more "candy". I like the little white ones.

short recovery GREAT, best of luck.

[Beth n Rod]

John,
Glad to hear you'll be up and around sooner rather than later!
Beth

[PWNC]

Got the contract signed with the hotel yesterday - as of now there is a 10 room block for the PWNC. She is only holding the block for reservations until January 22nd. After that, they're back to regular rate or gone. I suggest if you need a room, you reserve it pretty quickly so that if BEFORE the 22nd we run out, she'll block more for us. I know there's at least 4 that are scooped up already! Also, some of you guys may want to explore doubling up if you're not bringing family - they have two doubles (as well as fold outs and Murphy's!)

Celeste