IDA Launches Detailer Certification Program June 1st

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: International Detailing Association
info@the-ida.com
651-925-5526
International Detailing Association (IDA) introduces Certified Detailer Program
ST. PAUL, MN – The International Detailing Association (IDA) proudly launches its Certified
Detailer program. This program is a culmination of the cooperative efforts of industry leaders
specializing in the detailing industry. The multi-phased program evaluates and develops a
detailer’s technical knowledge and proficiency. Successful completion of the first phase,
consisting of ten written exams, will grant the detailer the title of IDA Certified Detailer (IDA-CD).
Successful completion of a higher-level second phase, consisting of advanced written exams and
hands-on assessments, will award the detailer a title of IDA Master Detailer (IDA-MD).
IDA President Keith Duplessie is quoted as saying, “The Certified Detailer Program is the first
independent program of its kind. It is a cooperative effort led by the industry’s leading
manufacturers and professionals, and unlike many other programs, it is process specific not
product specific.”
The Certification Program is available to IDA members and non-members alike. For more
information or to download the application form please visit our website www.the-ida.com or email
info@the-ida.com.
The International Detailing Association’s mission is to facilitate dialogue among industry
professionals and establish excellence standards to elevate the professionalism and success of
detailing industry operators.

IDA University coming soon

The IDA is proud to announce the launch of its IDA University which will focus on educating the Detailers for today's challenges.

4 seminars revolving around technical applications and marketing applications are scheduled to take place at the Northeast Regional Carwash Convention in Atlantic City N.J. and the WCA Convention and Tradeshow in San Diego CA.

Both these show will be in October so stay tuned to our blog and our website www.the-ida.com to get the final dates and times.

Attending the 4 seminars will cost Members $50 and Non-Member $100, so for those detailers interested it may be of value to join the IDA for for an annual membership of $95 and enjoy the member rates for this and future seminars.

We look forward to seeing you at the IDA University

Detail Suppliers & Manufacturers why (re)join the IDA – it’s time to renew!

The IDA is a growing and expanding association.  It is the only independent association created for and dedicated to the true professionals of the detailing industry.  We have created an association that members are proud to be affiliated with and outsiders look at as the preeminent source for all things detailing.  Our Non-Operator members are especially critical in continuing to eclipse our goals and objectives as an association.  With your organization’s involvement, we can continue to thrive and prosper as an association and an industry.

So why join the IDA?

• ·         Help us continue to build the only independent automotive detailing association in the USA or Canada
• ·         Have input into the direction and growth of the association
• ·         Get involved – networking, seminars, committees…get your company’s expertise heard!
• ·         Competitive Advantages: 

1. Be recognized as an IDA Member
2. Proudly display your IDA provided certificate of membership on your company website, in your trade show booth or on your company vehicles
3. Show your commitment and dedication to professionalism in detailing and automotive reconditioning by having each employee or key staff member sign, display and abide by the detailing industry’s only “Code of Ethics”
4. Gain exclusive access to operator members who buy and use your products

• ·         IDA Detailer Certification Program – first ever, independent, nationally recognized “Detail Technician Certification Program” – Phase I coming summer 2011!
• ·         IDA University – Sponsor and/or take part in educational classes and workshops held in conjunction with major regional carwash shows and conventions throughout the year.
• ·         Unique “Non-Operator Members only” access to key features of the IDA website, including, but not limited to:

1. Access to or posting of your educational information: articles, how-to’s, etc.
2. Main page listing as a member (with direct links to your corporate site) – great referral/marketing opportunity!
3. Showcasing your company by sponsoring and/or participating in IDA Education & Training Programs (eventually Certified Education or CE classes)
4. Network access to IDA membership base

For only $250 annually, your organization can be part of a strong & growing association dedicated to your industry.  Join us and take advantage of these unique Non-Operator/Supplier/Manufacturer membership opportunities.  Together we can build something special, something that non-operators can get behind and help build.  Something for true detailing professionals, like you.  Get your organization involved today!

Why (re)join the IDA – it’s time to renew!

The IDA is a growing and expanding association.  It is the only independent association created for and dedicated to the true professionals of the detailing industry.  We have created an association that members are proud to be affiliated with and outsiders look at as the preeminent source for all things detailing. 

So why join the IDA?

• ·         Help us continue to build the only independent automotive detailing association in the USA or Canada
• ·         Have input into the future direction and growth of the association
• ·         Get involved – networking, seminars, committees…get your expertise heard!
• ·         Competitive Advantages: 

1. Be recognized as an IDA Member
2. Proudly display your IDA provided certificate of membership in your shop, on your mobile unit or on your website
3. Show your commitment and dedication to professionalism in detailing and automotive reconditioning by signing, displaying and abiding by the industry’s only “Code of Ethics”

• ·         IDA Detailer Certification Program – first ever, independent, nationally recognized “Detail Technician Certification Program” – Phase I coming summer 2011!
• ·         IDA University – Take part in educational classes and workshops held in conjunction with major regional carwash shows and conventions throughout the year.
• ·         “Members only” access to key features of the IDA website, including, but not limited to:

1. Educational information: articles, how-to’s, etc.
2. Listing as a member – great referral opportunity!
3. Business and marketing ideas for your business

• ·         Business Coaching from experienced members (fixed location & mobile operators)

-          “Member Mentoring Program”

Note:  List of IDA mentors (by area of expertise) with contact information, accessible to members only on IDA website.

For only $95 annually, you can be part of a unique association dedicated to your business.  Join us and proudly display your IDA membership and take advantage of this great opportunity to get involved.  Together we can build something special, something for true detailing professionals, like you.  Get involved today!

ICA Car Care World Expo 2011 Las Vegas

The IDA will return to the ICA Car Care World Expo 201 in Las Vegas this year and have a booth to  meet our members and continue our drive to share our vision and passion with potential members.

Please visit us at booth 491 and meet some of our board members who will be manning the booth.

IDA Website Sponsorship Opportunities

The website for the International Detailing Association (www.the-ida.com) is entering into its second full year of existence. The association is making progress in attracting new visitors to the site as well as posting content that attracts existing visitors back to the site.  The site has enjoyed steady growth in traffic since its inception. One unique feature is the members only content. Sections of the site are password protected and available only to members of the association. There is also a very popular membership directory. This is one of our most visited pages and the only resource of its kind targeted to our industry.

Website Traffic Statistics:

• Average Monthly Page Views – 2,456
• Peak Monthly Page Views – 2,922 (November 2010)
• Average Monthly Unique Visitors – 781
• Peak Monthly Unique Visitors – 847 (October 2010)
• Total Page Views – 28, 890

Website Features:

There are a few features of the site that are exclusive to the-ida.com website.

1. The most complete directory of detailing industry professionals, suppliers and manufacturers.
2. Exclusive content on environmental management and regulation as well as resources for education and compliance.
3. Articles written specifically for the-ida.com website covering topics from OSHA compliance, safety, education, marketing, business assistance and more.

Website Sponsorship Opportunities:

There are opportunities for banners on the-ida.com website.

     1.  Home page logo for supplier members

• 125 pixels x 125 pixels
• Link back to your website
• High traffic page
• Free with Supplier Membership

    2.  Individual page header banner

     a. 500 pixels x100 to 175 pixels

     b. Placement on: 

          i.      Home Page only – $125/month

          ii.     Sub page only – $75/month

          iii.    All pages $350/month

    3.  All pages side bar banner

       a. 150 pixels x 150 pixels

       b. Visible on all pages

       c. Placed in highly visible area below main site navigation area

       d. All pages $150 per month

Support AB 132 in California

What is this?

We have the opportunity to support AB 132, an important piece of legislation for California car wash and detail business owners.

Brief Description of Legislation

AB 132 would give the Labor Commissioner discretion to waive fines for a car wash operator who credibly didn't know about the requirement to register with the Labor Board, and who otherwise is following the law. It also provides for the Labor Commissioner the discretion to issue stricter penalties for car wash and detail operators who are evading labor laws and have existing labor law violations.

Summary Details of the Bill

AB 132 will amend Section 2064 of the Labor Code by adding two provisions.  These provisions are similar to a proposal made by the California Labor Federation.

The first provision is to allow the California Labor Commissioner discretion to reduce the amount of the fine, by as much as $10,000, for a car wash and detail businesses who failed to register if it is determined that the failure to register was not intentional or knowing there are no other underlying wage and hour violations (with the provision that the employer agrees to a payroll audit).

The second provision gives the Labor Commissioner discretion to increase the amount of the fine, by up to $250 a day - not to exceed $25,000, for failure to register if it is determined that the employer intentionally failed to register to evade labor laws or there are underlying wage and hour violations.

Action

Please email your letter of support by Friday, April 29, 2011 for AB 132 to:

David.Kruckenberg@asm.ca.gov (Assemblyman Logue's Legislative)

_______________________________________________________________________________________
 

Sample Letter

The Honorable Dan Logue

California State Assembly, 3rd District

State Capitol

Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Assemblyman Logue:

I work in the car wash industry in California. I fully support the enactment of AB 132, as proposed by you. 

I believe that AB 132 will improve the current regulations by will allowing flexibility for Labor Commissioner and provide increased, meaningful, sanctions for those operating outside the law.

Thank you for your efforts:

(name)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Your email can be this simple or you can write a personal note and/or point out what you like about these provisions.  No matter what you write, be sure it is addressed to Assemblyman Logue, that you include the bill number (AB 132) and you give your name, business name and city where you live (your address is optional).

Please send your support letter NOW! This bill will begin the legislative process shortly.

Thank you! Your support will have an impact on the outcome of this bill.

The International Detailing Association Announces new Certification Program

The International Detailing Association is pleased to announce the creation and launch of a Professional Detailing Certification Program. The goal of this program is to test professional detailers knowledge on a variety of topics, the creation of baseline-standards shared throughout the industry, and to increase the level of proficiency and professionalism for the industry.

The first phase will focus on a series of 10 written exams with the fess structure listed below

• Members: $25 per test, or prepay for all 10 tests for $200
• Non Members: $45 per test or prepay for all 10 tests for $400.

The Certification Program is available to IDA members and non-members. Non members are welcome to join the IDA so they too can benefit from Member pricing. 

Testing Process and Administration:

1. Candidates will email info@the-ida.com to apply to take the test or visit http://www.the-ida.com/certification-and-education/

a.  Please include your name, address, telephone, place of work, email address in your email or complete the form already on the site.

2. The IDA Executive Director will administer each test in .pdf form to the test taker via email.

3. Upon receipt of the completed test via email or mail, the association’s Executive Director’s office will grade the test.

4. The pass or fail notification will then go to the candidate informing them they are eligible/or not to take the next test.

5. In the event of a fail grade, the candidate will be eligible for 1 free re test. If a test is failed a second time then the candidate must pay to retake the test for a third time.

6. Upon a candidate’s completion of the 10 tests the Execustive Director’s office will issue an IDA Certificate of Completion in the name of the candidate.

For more information please email us at info@the-ida.com or visit oline at www.the-ida.com

The IDA Announces Changes in Dues and Renewals for 2011 Membership Year

IDA News

For Immediate Release

November 17, 2010

The IDA Announces Changes in Dues and Renewals for 2011 Membership Year

In an effort to simplify the IDA dues payment process, the Board has made the move to change from an anniversary month dues billing to a calendar year system. This move will simplify budgeting and planning for members. Additionally, IDA Board has made the decision to increase operator member dues to $95 per year.

This is the first increase in membership dues since the association was founded. Since its inception, the IDA has grown, both in membership and services. These efforts are visible through the continual website updates, monthly newsletters, increased visibility at industry-related trade shows, education seminars and the new Certification Program.

Programs like the IDA detailing technique, product demonstrations, and educational sessions for the Western Carwash Association Conference and Tradeshow last month in Las Vegas received overwhelming member support and garnered industry recognition. Similar programs are in development for the ICA Car Care World Expo in May, 2011.

Association President, Rick Goldstein stated that, “By simplifying our renewal process we can focus on developing additional programs and services for our members.”

The International Detailing Association is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to being widely recognized by industry operators, experts, suppliers, and consumers as the premier portal of information about professional detailing.

For more information about The International Detailing Association membership or programs, visit www.the-ida.com e-mail info@the-ida.com, or call (651) 925-5526.

##

INTERNATIONAL DETAILING ASSOCIATION

2345 Rice Street, Suite 220
St. Paul, MN 55113
651.925.5526
651.317.8048 fax
info@the-ida.com

IDA Consumer Education Article #1

What Now?  I know......I'll wash the car. It's been about 2 months since the last time I washed it.  You head into the garage, pull out your favorite wash & wax all in one car wash liquid, and 30 minutes later............Clean Car!  Not quite finished yet. A quick vacuum, clean inside windows and oh yeah, tire shine.  Now you've got those tires gleaming like glass.  What's next?  Dashboards.  STOP Right there! Please take a moment to rethink this move.  What are you using on the dash?  If the product you're planning to use is a tire shine, then use it only for the tires.  There are many products available for use on the interior of your car.  Tire shine, often is not one of them.  Depending on the type of finish you're trying to achieve, whether high gloss, satin sheen or low sheen, most products designed for the interior surfaces will guide you on how to achieve your goal.  Most tire shire products will caution against using the product on dashboards, gas, brake and clutch pedals.  Most (not all) tire shine products contain silicon.  Ever heard the term 'slippery when wet'?  Well when silicon comes into play, this term becomes an understatement.  While using tire shine on the dashboard will give you a great high gloss shine, the hazards that it presents for outweigh the benefits.  A high gloss shine is reflective and when the sun hits the dashboard, the brightness of the sun can/will prevent you from being able to see where you're going.   When applied to your gas, brake or clutch pedal, this scenario is compounded.  Your foot can easily slip off the pedals resulting in an accident.  Besides, silicon actually dries sticky, making it a magnet for dirt, dust and grime.  The very thing you're trying to get rid of.  Sure you can use the tire shine, but,

 I Wouldn't Do That......If I were You! 

Article courtesy of Walter Grier from Grier's Car Groom