Isn’t it amazing when hard work, countless hours of fact finding and documentation actually pay off and you win a judgment against an entity much bigger and stronger than yourself? Well, that exact thing happened when Tom Hoffman Jr. got the call that his hours of time and worry had actually paid off. Thanks to his hard work, and aid from New York State Car Wash Association (NYSCWA) board members Christian King and Mark Kubarek, those of you who own a coin operated in-bay automatic carwash and were audited and issued a Notice of Determination that required you to pay back state sales taxes on cash transactions could be entitled to a refund! Yes, a refund from the state of New York! Tom has outlined specifics of the ruling on page 82 for further clarification, but WOW! Great job guys for the membership and yourselves!
The process was not an easy one and it took more than a year to accomplish with the help of some great lawyers, but it just goes to show that justice can be served if you fight hard enough for it.
That’s what belonging to an industry trade association can accomplish. It’s all about working together for the greater good — the good of the industry in your state.
Since I came on this board many years ago I have learned so much. I have made good friends and grown as a carwash operator. For that I thank you all. Being a member of the NYSCWA has been invaluable to me and the annual dues fee has been a very small price to pay for everything I gain.
I wish Mark Kubarek, my successor, much luck in his presidency and the entire board continued success and vigor in accomplishing their goals. I hope to see many of you at the May 14 meeting in Albany where we’ll have round tables set up to facilitate discussion on marketing, maintenance and eco-friendly washing techniques. It should be a meeting full of great information and exchange so don’t miss it. We also plan to meet in Rochester on September 23 with the same format. My fingers are crossed that we’ll have had so much volume by these dates that you can bring your managers and staff as well!
Steve Knightes
NYSCWA President
