While the National Upholstery, Carpet Cleaners & Restorers Association’s (NUCCRA) Cleanlink 2011 conference was themed ‘Rev up your Business Engine’, perhaps the real message was the Association’s intent to become a far more professional organisation. In turn, it will be capable of enhancing its growing portfolio of services and initiatives.
Cleanlink, which was held 5th and 6th April at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, contained a high content of technical expertise proffered by international executives; business sessions delivered by local management consultants; and social happenings.
The contribution that Jena Dyco’s Jenny Boymal made on both the marketing and organisational fronts cannot be under-estimated. Her sterling efforts to ensure Cleanlink’s success were applauded by all.
International speakers included Jeff Bishop (Clean Care Seminars), Ruth Travis (The Rug Lady), Dusty Roberts (RugBadger), Aaron Groseclose (Masterblend), Patrick Winters (IICRC president), Dane Gregory (Bridgepoint), Robert Spencer (British Damage Management Association) and Larry Carlson (Phoenix).
Local speakers included Transformation Management Services’ Nerida Wallace; Flash Management’s Debbie Lynch; MyVids’ Josh Williams; Client Edge’s Helen Ward; Fresh Green Clean’s Bridget Gardner; Mycologia’s Dr Heike Neumeister-Kemp; and Jena-Dyco’s Charlie Lodge.
NUCCRA national president Gary Bourke set the conference scene in his opening address when he detailed his Association’s ‘road map’, which covered its strategy, business plan, and initiatives.
“There is real justification for including ‘restorers’ in our Association’s name and they will have an important part to play in our organisation,” Bourke emphasised, referring to an Australia that’s plagued by national disasters.
“Invest in water damage restoration because there’s a great profit opportunity in that area,” he told delegates.
Pointing out that there is no Australian water damage restoration (WDR) standard, Bourke noted that NUCCRA has a draft WDR document in the pipeline that’s receiving more work.
In the meantime, technicians can use a WDR protocol that has been written by NUCCRA, thus offering a valuable ‘template’ for its members.
Since late 2009, NUCCRA has established a national executive made up of a cross section of members; regular national and state meetings have been held (including Skype); a business plan has been developed; and suppliers are now welcomed as Association members.
“We are building closer ties with suppliers through our ‘Business Partner Program’. With this different culture and improved communication we will develop a more profitable relationship,” Bourke emphasised.
Other NUCCRA initiatives being worked on include a new, consumer-focused, website; and national and state newsletters.
NUCCRA’s immediate focus is on building membership with concomitant investments in a permanent executive and more regional member meetings.
“Our ultimate goal is to get trade recognition and our industry licensed,” Bourke concluded.
A NUCCRA board meeting was held at the time of the conference with Gary Bourke re-elected national president, supported by vice president Rod See; treasurer Nick Bredhauer; secretary Jenny Boymal; and committee memebers Scott de Vere (Queensland), Rod McGeorge (New South Wales) and Clare Collins (Victoria).
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A full report will be carried in the May/June INCLEAN magazine.