The “value” of PDCA Membership has been raised several more notches … from necessary to imperative … and , most importantly, for every painting and decorating contractor! Over the next quarter, PDCA is introducing a series of spectacular services that few national associations have even considered, let alone offered to their members.

Following are programs and services specifically designed to enhance business skills, put valuable direct services at member finger tips, and provide specific business information to all PDCA members. No matter whether your business is… large or small, residential, commercial, or industrial … there is a service for every member company. Here’s the preview.

Human Resources … Everyone knows the really successful businesses are built around people … not bricks and mortar. PDCA has entered into a very special arrangement with SESCO, a nationally renowned full service human resources group. You have questions about employment? … They have the answers! We have arranged unlimited free phone, fax or email consultation for all PDCA members. And, the service is for both union and merit shop contractors. Before you make any human resource decisions …. get an opinion from experts, and best of all, PDCA has picked up the tab!

Business Advice … Every business person at some point needs expert advice. But, getting good business advice isn’t always easy … Who can you trust, and what is the cost? PDCA has solved this problem for you! PDCA has entered into a strategic partnership with SCORE, the well recognized small business assistance organization. Funded through SBA, SCORE is a network of “retired” executives who volunteer their time to personally advise business people. Our program includes the ability for PDCA members to email SCORE advisors and get a response to any business question. This is trusted advice from executives with all the experience.

This program will also be extremely helpful to PDCA Councils and Chapters, as SCORE advisors will also be available for seminar and conference presentations.

Everything You Need For Your Business …. PDCA has entered into a contract with All Business, a web based “treasure chest” of small business information and direct purchase business items.

Whether you are just starting or attempting to move to the next level, AllBusiness will provide everything you need to be business smart, business legal and customer oriented.

 Financial Services … Every business owner knows that financial services and financial planning for their business is a critical aspect of growth and performance. Unfortunately, day-to-day operations often put financial planning in a back seat. PDCA steps up once again to provide another special service exclusively for PDCA members. PDCA has entered into a strategic partnership with Enterprise Financial Services. Enterprise specializes in assisting small business owners and other entrepreneurs with a full array of financial services. This service puts at your finger tips every financial service that you will need to move your business to the next level. Enterprise is an Internet based company so their services are available nationwide. Expert advice, as well as, specific financial vehicles are all a phone, fax or email away. Whether you need help with succession planning, buy-out agreements, estate planning, or personal insurance, highly qualified financial services professionals are like your “personal advisors ”. Among Enterprise’s premier services is a one-of-a-kind “MBA” banking program … be sure to ask about it, as the services offered in the program are truly ahead of the marketplace.

Information Resources … Our PDCA Strategic Plan included the production of several new information sources as part of our “What Every Painting and Decorating Contractor Needs to Know”library series. I am pleased to announce that two brand new books are in production and will be ready for sale at the PACE convention in January. One of the new books is a primer on contract law (after all “Contractors” need to know “contracts”) and the other is on Basic Business Practices … beginning and advanced. Our goal is to continue to build a contractor business library, as well as develop the body of knowledge that defines the profession of painting & decorating. This will serve as an in depth reference source for all PDCA members.

PDCA Standards … An integral part of your business ( or should be), the PDCA Standards define the work of painting and decorating contractors. Any contractor not using them is simply not thinking business smart. Every one of the most successful painting and decorating contractors has incorporated the PDCA Standards into their business … they are the basis on how contractor work is defined and judged.

The PDCA Standards have been completely revised and updated. In addition, PDCA is hard at work developing new standards ... there will be at least three new ones by the end of the year.

Currently, the PDCA Standards are available to anyone for free. That will end September 1, 2004. PDCA has an enormous amount invested in the standards … time, energy and resources. Unfortunately, PDCA members have supported the cost of the creation of the standards alone. Others use them, but pay nothing. That’s not fair … so the new and revised PDCA Standards will be available on the PDCA website in the “Member’s Only” section. In other words, the standards will be a member benefit. All others wishing to obtain and use the standards will have to pay for them.

As a brand new service, PDCA members can buy the new subscription version of the professional and business standards. For a modest fee members can obtain the standards in an attractive binder that is capable of inclusion any and all new standards as they are developed. The subscription program will also include an in-depth layman’s explanation of the standards that can be used to acquaint customers with their use and importance, sample contracts with inclusion of the standards, recommended use and application of the standards and much, much more.

Leadership and Communications… PDCA and Finan Publishing have concluded negotiations on new strategic agreement. The new relationship will be an even more powerful partnership between PDCA and PWCmagazine. Together the organizations will provide the single most prominent source of information in the entire painting and wall coverings profession and industry through PWC magazine.

Our new approach starts with a new cover for PWC. The name of the magazine will put emphasis on this enhanced partnership. Together we are pledged to deliver hard-hitting, innovative and cutting edge news and reviews on the entire profession and industry. Better and more timely information is simply not available anywhere else. The magazine will include feature articles on important issues within the profession and industry, special n ew sections on such things as government relations, technology, best business practices, etc. PDCA’s PWC will brand PDCA and serve as the flagship for the profession and industry, serve as the catalyst for new concepts and forum for discussions and debate, and in doing so help PDCA lead the profession and industry.

Your professional and business association is not at rest with just these new programs! There is much much more that we are hard at work to achieve. Among the programs and services on which we are now working:

• Consumer Education Magazine
• Revised and Renewed Certification and Accreditation Programs
• Member Recruitment and Customer Sales Brochures

 Perhaps most exciting of all is a very big surprise we have in store! A large segment of our mission is to educate and inform. We are going to accomplish this in an entertaining way … keep an eye out for something very unique that will be brought to you by PDCA, Your “Partner In Profit”.