Relief for Washers

[squirtgun]

As many of you remember some time ago I brought the drought situation in the southeast to light in the BBS community. Carlos "newlook" Gonzales step forward and started the Relief for Washers fund. Initially the fund was put in place to assist contractors with small monetary gifts in what has become a difficult situation.That idea met with some resistance from the industry and Carlos quickly realized that not one single contractor was willing to ask for financial aid.
With the contributions to the fund made by the Pressure Washers Mafia, a single unnamed contractor and Carlos' own money the RFW idea hit a wall.A few weeks ago Carlos announced he was going to let the fund and the idea of the RFW fade away,but after doing some soul searching he decided that doing so would be a disservice to the industry.
Carlos and a handful of others within the industry have forged ahead and used the RFW fund to set up a website that I honestly feel will become a beneficial tool for any contractor in any state who has,is or may face drought conditions.
http://www.reliefforwashers.com/ went live today and contains valuable information for contractors in the states being hit hardest by the drought at this time. It offers contacts at the state level for the southeast and over time information will be added to encompass any new areas that come under drought conditions.
The RFW has changed it's focus from offering monetary relief for washers to becoming an educational tool for contractors and the decision makers at the city,county and state levels.
If we as an industry do not unite and allow our voices to be heard we will continue to be discriminated against by the governing bodies who have no idea what our industry is about.This site gives us a tool with which to contact those governing bodies and effect a positive change in many of the unfair bans on pressure washing.
The RFW site comes at price and we as an industry can not ask Carlos to absorb all of the cost that come with maintaining a tool that will benefit the industry as a whole.I'm asking you my fellow contractors who will gain the most from this site to donate money to help keep this site up and running.

[Doug Dahlke]

Great idea. This industry is really misunderstood. Thanks for the efforts to educate the public and more importantly, policy makers regarding this.

[Adrian]

That is freakin awesome scott and carlos.

Scott is always ahead of the curve.

What a great site.

[CarolinaProWash]

I had a long response but thought better of it. I will however, point out that, at least in the State of North Carolina, writing to a congressman or woman is not a viable route to take.

Congress operates at a Federal level and these drought conditions fall squarely on State and Local levels. Until the situation escalates enough to attract Federal attention, no one on that level can or will assist.

The best way to get the attention that is needed is to get in front of the media, both print and television. I will be very excited to report how the PWNC meeting in Raleigh goes tomorrow as we have coverage from both of these outlets covering us.

I'm sure in time Carlos will amass the information the site promises - I wish you luck in your compilation project.

Celeste

[Doug Dahlke]

I'm very anxious to hear how things go tomorrow Celeste. Hope it works out well.

[squirtgun]

Originally Posted by Adrian

That is freakin awesome scott and carlos.

Scoot is always ahead of the curve.

What a great site.

I can't take any props for the site or the RFW initiative.This is all because of Carlos and the people who stepped in to lend him a hand to get the ball rolling.
My time has been spent working on work.We live in a level 2 restriction area which means we are still able to wash.In the normal circle of business we have lost customers and gained some new,but the end of 2007 was challenging for our business and us.
I know that there is some differences of opinion on ways to approach the drought situation.I think the goal should be working together,not against each other.

[Beth n Rod]

Congrats on launching the site!
Everyone involved keep up the good work.

Beth

[John T.]

Congrats to you guys for staying involved and getting this up an running. It takes so much time to do this and your efforts should be applauded. The best case scenario is that the drought comes to an end but untill that happens it needs to stay on peoples minds...

[PressurePros]

John, if the drought were to end tommorrow the Relief For Washers has some exciting ideas and early plans to morph into something that will greatly benefit our industry as a whole. It's going to take good planning, quite a few volunteers and some time to get the ball rolling but it is exciting stuff. For now, the focus is, of course, the drought situation.

[newlook]

However, we must not forget the huge success that the PWNC did yesterday. I don't care how it is sliced and diced...yesterday was a benefit for the industry period. Celeste - Congratulations.

I wish there was not a drought to address and business was normal but the reality is that there will continue to be drought problems throughout the rest of the year. .

Relief for Washers applaud what was accomplished yesterday. Other states shoud take note. Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and now parts of Texas are in a D3/D4 status ~ don't think for a minute that you are imune to this problem.

If RFW can help in anyway...great. We are here. The RFW site is a basic site. I will be the first to admit that there are no "bells and whistles" but it is a start. Who built the site...I did. I have been married to my computer for 2 weeks plus. 90 days ago the industry had nothing in place to address this situation. Now the industry has 2 sources. PWNC and the RFW.

If PWNC can use any resource from us to help out with drought awareness then I say that is smart business. If RFW can look at PWNC and draw on their experience in drought central...then I say that is smart business also..

You folks down in North Carolina should be damn proud of what happened yesterday in Raleigh.

[PWNC]

Thanks for the kudos Carlos. We are extremely proud of what we accomplished yesterday and the motivation was very high today as well as our site was updated (and will continue to be updated as a dozen new companies are added).

As I have stated elsewhere, PWNC will be more than happy to continue to share our experiences and research with anyone who may benefit.

One enormous benefit to what was achieved yesterday was that information was made available to property owners that will continue to apply, even when water becomes plentiful again. We will always promote responsible water use measures. As Pete said so beautifully "We are stewards of the environment, we are stewards of the water and we are responsible business people". This message will apply forever, not just in drought conditions. It is a statement that the entire industry should embrace.

[newlook]

You are welcome for the Kudos but PWNC and the contractors involved earned them - plain and simple.

As you know, there is much work to be done. The message must remain in the forefront. The press exposure is only the beginning but it was a big step in the right direction.

The RFW's efforts will continue in all states. Logically we do not want to duplicate what PWNC has started in N. Carolina - it does not make sense. However, we are willing to step in and assist as I indicated in our past emails.

What happened yesterday was a good example of how the RFW's road map will begin - Public Awareness. It is amazing that no more than 90 days ago the industry was not "in tune" of the severity of drought.

As for me sticking around for this Celeste, I am behind the drought initiative all the way - regardless if RFW, PWNC or any other organization takes center stage. Our only stipulation is that the washing industries needs go first in anything that we involve ourselves with. Thats why today I was not only proud of PWNC but more importantly proud of our industry!

The RFW's has much talent and resources available to them. Some of this talent is in the industry and some is not. We are exploring many things with this endeavor. I am sure you and others will agree that in order to evolve something of this magnitude must involve many minds and participation for it to be successful.

The RFW site is a basic set up today. It was intended to be that way. We are not finished with it by a long shot.

If you have another function coming up that is geared towards the drought. Let us know how we can help. contact@reliefforwashers.com or northcarolina@reliefforwashers.com As always, donations from the industry are welcomed!

Many assumptions between us (RFW and PWNC) have taken up way too much phone time over the last couple of weeks. I for one am all about moving ahead and working on a very important issue in our industry - drought. I know PWNC, SunBrite and others feel the same way - drought!

I trust we will hear from PWNC. Again, great job yesterday!

[Ron Musgraves]

Our seven year loss of water table is over. Our supplys are full again.

The funny thing is we live in the desert, Seems we have more water than you do.

They say we rely on the channels and canals built by hopi's.

Our crops even during the toughest times got watered. my yard is on the same type of irrigation system.

The verdi and salt rivers banks are full.

Good luck to you guys in areas that have these problems. Let it just rain

[newlook]

Actually AZ and VA was heading into a drought prior to the winter months. I think you guys got a good soaking of rain and snow late in the season.

Not just rain but continuous rain is needed.

[Ron Musgraves]

Originally Posted by newlook

Actually AZ and VA was heading into a drought prior to the winter months. I think you guys got a good soaking of rain and snow late in the season.

Not just rain but continuous rain is needed.

Carlos, they are releasing water as we speak. We have to much. the numbers are only in the 80 and 90 so water doesnt flood us out. Those lakes are are water storage.

that water is not what we drink, the water table and lower aquifers are filling also.