Survey For 1-14 Standard IWCA

A short survey for US based window cleaners.

I-14 Standard: Why It's Important - The I-14 Committee scope is identifying accepted safe practices for window cleaning and the purpose of the standard is to provide safety to window cleaners and to others such as a passerby, where window cleaning operations are in progress, by specifying equipment with practical and adequate safety factors and features and requiring the safe use, design and maintenance of such equipment. Click here to go to survey.

IWCA I-14 Standard Survey: Please note, this survey is being sent to window cleaning professionals within the IWCA database of all affiliations. Please submit feedback regarding the International Window Cleaning Association's I-14.1-2001 Window Cleaning Safety Standard (I-14 Standard).

The IWCA 1-14.1 Window Cleaning Safety Standard is divided into two parts, which are intended to serve as a guide for window cleaners, regulatory agencies, manufacturers, architects, consultants, designers and building owners. Part A focuses on safety guidelines for the use of window cleaning access equipment. Part B is geared toward those who manufacture, distribute, design, install or maintain the equipment. $50

Lifetime Achievement Award For Henry Unger

Henry Unger

Unger News Release: Unger founder honored with posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award Henry Unger, founder of the global company that has been producing innovative and trusted professional cleaning tools for over 50 years, has received the ultimate accolade – a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA).

The story began back in 1964 when a young window cleaner decided to take a chance. It was in that year that Henry Unger took the latest window cleaning innovations from the United States and introduced them to German window cleaners. His discerning eye for quality products, tireless pursuit of new and better ways to clean, and his practical experience of knowing the issues that window cleaners faced, proved to be a recipe for success.

The company started from humble beginnings, the attic of Henry’s wife’s grandmother in Hamburg, but soon grew to become the global concern it is today. Unger now has business partners in 80 countries across the world. Passionate about improving the lives of window cleaners, he strived to design products that achieved the best results while making jobs safer, quicker and easier for the professional.

He was an active member of the IWCA from the start, strongly supporting its mission to develop professionalism, ethics and standards of safety. The IWCA Lifetime Achievement Award was established to honor a current or former individual member of the IWCA who has made major life-long contribution to the window cleaning industry as a practicing window cleaner, supplier, promoter or leader. It is above and beyond honorary membership.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is extremely elite and not intended to be awarded each year. Mark Unger, Henry’s son, still helps to guide the company today, together with his two brothers, reaffirming their father’s core values of quality, innovation and customer service. “This award comes at a time of great significance for Unger as we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year. The fact that the IWCA are also celebrating an important milestone – their 25th anniversary – makes this even more special,” says Mark Unger. “

Although Henry is no longer with us, having passed away in 1996, his legacy lives on. His greatest wish was to be remembered as someone who helped to make the industry more professional, developing equipment that enables window cleaners to accomplish their tasks in the easiest, quickest and safest ways possible. The IWCA Lifetime Achievement Award recognises his incredible achievements, and is a fitting tribute to a great man who was proud to be a window cleaner.”

Unger was founded in 1964 by Henry and Barbara Unger in the attic of the home of Barbara’s grandmother in Hamburg, Germany. While the original intent was to manufacture window cleaning products, the company soon expanded its product line in order to become the market leader in the sanitary supply and retail cleaning fields. Adopting this as the company’s mission, Unger strives to produce high quality, innovative tools that help professionals clean more productively and safely, as well as offer superior customer service to both end users and distributors. Today, Unger is an international company and has been manufacturing professional cleaning tools for more than 50 years. It has offices and manufacturing facilities in the United States and Germany, and sales offices in the United Kingdom and France. Unger now provides innovative cleaning solutions to more than 80 countries worldwide. 

2012 IWCA Magazine - Professional Window Cleaner

Click to read the magazine.

In this issue:

• No longer just a mans game: Throughout the window cleaning profession, more women are taking to to the male-dominated-industry.
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• The road to success: IWCA points attendees in the right direction with education & networking.
• Family values: Running a window cleaning business is in the blood of Tim Schmitd's family.
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• Tips on towel: Though towels are low tech, towels are a critical part of any window cleaners tool kit.
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• This time for sure - Economic recovery in 2012: Last year didn't turn out as expected, so cross your fingers for this year.

Plus much, much more. The magazine is produced by the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA). Last issue here.

The International Window Cleaning Show In Florida

On the 16th February the IWCA hosts its 4 day Annual Convention & Trade show for those working in the window cleaning industry. Over the course of four days, window cleaners from around the world meet to learn technical skills, discover better business practices, to test new products and network with industry peers. TradeWinds Island Resorts is proud to be the host resort for the International Window Cleaning Association 2011 Convention & Trade Show. Why attend?

• Meet face-to-face with more than 400 window cleaners from around the globe.
• Get step-by-step demonstrations of window cleaning tools by the industry’s top manufacturers on the Trade Show floor.
• Help your business grow by attending educational sessions.
• Learn from industry leaders how to survive economic challenges.
• Get hands-on safety training all in one place.

Entrance fees are only $20 for the trade show (17th & 18th) & rising to $250 for the safety training  per day as a non-member. More pricing can be found here. And the schedule is listed here. Session info' can be found here. A full list of resources are as follows:

• A full week of educational sessions to help your business grow.
• Numerous networking opportunities for you and your peers.
• Access to the Trade Show with vendors dedicated to serving the window cleaning industry.
• Convention Binder.
• A full day of safety training sessions.
• Listing of all attendees for follow up after the convention.
• The opportunity to learn from some of the most successful window cleaners in the industry.

Trade Show Hours:

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011         11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 18, 2011                9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The IWCA Trade Show will showcase valuable tools and resources from both veteran and new IWCA supporters such as Unger, IPC Pulex/Eagle, Ettore, Skako, J. Racenstein, Titan Laboratories, MIO, SIA, Winsol, TOWA, Windows 101, WCR, GlassRenu, Nanophase and many more. The wide variety of exhibitors will introduce attendees to new products and services designed to make work-life easier and your business more profitable and competitive.

On Thursday, there is a Window Cleaning Contest 6 – 9 p.m. Sponsored by Unger, IPC Pulex/Eagle & Ettore. The IWCA Window Cleaning Contests features two different categories: speed and medley. The key to winning both contests is cleaning the windows as fast as possible with the fewest mistakes. The speed contest consists of speed cleaning three windows of the same size and the medley contest consists of cleaning nine windows of varying sizes. It is a race to the finish for the Guinness Book of World Records title of “World’s Fastest Window Cleaner.” The entry fee to participate in these contests is $25 per category.

On Friday, the "Professional Image Contest" takes place 8:30 – 9:45 a.m. If you are proud of the image and marketing work that you’ve done for your company, show off your efforts to your peers for ultimate bragging rights. This is your chance to submit and present your web marketing, sales and promotional materials in the form of a PowerPoint presentation. Presentations were due to IWCA Headquarters by Feb. 1. During the session in Florida the contestants will give a small presentation regarding their efforts. If you have a big idea you have implemented in the past year, this is your time to shine! Rules and the contest submission form are located on the IWCA website.

The "Don Chute Auction and Awards Banquet" takes place 5:30 – 9 p.m. The IWCA Charity Auction is the perfect opportunity for you to give back to the community. Just prior to the start of the awards banquet, attendees will be able to bid on items that were donated by our membership with all proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House Charities. After the auction, it is time to celebrate another successful year of IWCA at the annual awards banquet. It is sure to be THE event of the year honoring the IWCA Window Cleaner of the Year, as well as an introduction and installation of the new officers of the IWCA.

International Window Cleaning Association - Voting Begins

Fellow IWCA Member...

This is Chris Lambrinides, owner of All County Window Cleaning in New Jersey. I have been a loyal IWCA member since 2002. I am contacting you today to alert you that I am running to be a director of the board of or our great organization, the IWCA.

Nine years ago I had some basic equipment, a hand full of fliers and a lot of drive. In that nine years I have built the East coasts largest residential Window Cleaning company and developed considerable business skills.

I believe my strong business experience would benefit the future of the IWCA. I have given and will keep giving to our industry. Please vote for me in the upcoming election. I will not let you down. Below you will find my bio so you can get to know a little bit more about me before you fill out your ballot. If you have any questions for me before you vote, please feel free to contact me directly:

Office: 973 827 8311
Cell: 845 987 6915

Chris Lambrinides Bio'

Lambrinides is the founder and CEO of All County Window Cleaning. What started as a college side job for Chris 9 years ago, has now developed into the largest residential window cleaning company on the east coast. Employing a staff of 55, All County Window Cleaning's primary focus is residential window cleaning and storefront window cleaning routes.

Lambrinides has been a member of the IWCA for the past seven years and is currently serving as a member of the IWCA Convention committee. In addition, he also is a member of MWCOA.

As an IWCA Director, Lambrinides would focus on enhancing the residential program as well as expanding the education opportunities offered during the annual conventions. He would bring his skills as a business owner to help mentor other window cleaners in order to help them achieve their professional goals in the industry. Currently he mentors over two-dozen window cleaning companies across the United States. There is an open door policy at All County Window Cleaning and window cleaners from around the country spend up to a week at a time visiting and learning.

All County Window Cleaning has a firm position on fabricating debris and poor quality glass issues. Lambrinides plans on making poor quality glass issues a top priority if elected.

How Can You Vote?

To cast your ballot electronically follow these simple steps:

Access the members only portion of the IWCA website.
Once you are logged in, click on the "Board of Directors Nomination" Link.
To submit your ballot, access the link "Click here to Vote online"
Once you have accessed the ballot, select your company name from the directory, then enter your voter ID. After entering your voter ID click "Submit." You will then be allowed access to the ballot. Make your election selections and then click "submit." Each company is only allowed one vote. (See below for your voter ID access information.)
Cast your ballot by ratifying the nominees or submit a write-in candidate.
Please note - you will only be able to vote ONCE using your voter ID.

To cast your ballot by mail or fax, simply fill out the enclosed ballot and either mail or fax back to IWCA headquarters by Friday, Dec. 18, 2009.

If you have trouble accessing the online ballot or the members' only section of the Web site, please contact IWCA Headquarters at 800.875.4922.

IWCA Convention Atlanta Feb' 2009

Just two weeks to go before the next convention: For the past 20 years, IWCA has been helping those working within the window cleaning industry learn how to improve their businesses through education, safety and of course, by introducing them to companies like yours in order to help their businesses grow. The tradeshow is one of the most important features of the Annual Convention and it draws the key people and decision makers in the industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet face-to-face with the people you are doing business with – or may be doing business with in the future.

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009 (Click title bar for full details).
10:45 a.m. - Noon
A1 Avoiding Litigation Landmines - David Rosenberg
A2 Follow Me, I'm Right Behind You - Jody Urquhart
A3 What Does Going Green Mean To Your Bottom Line - Vickie Eubanks & Jeff Tishko
1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
B1 Fabricating Debris – If you haven't heard about it, your business could be at risk. - Craig Aldrich
B2 Incorporating Water-fed Poles Into Your Business
B3 IWCA Safety Certification - Stefan Bright & Dan Dvorak
3 – 4:15 p.m.
C1 Route Panel - Damian Casillas, Matt Pierce & Brian Welker
C2 Ronald McDonald House Cleaning
C3 Operations Management - Jack Evans

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Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009

8:30 – 9:45 a.m.
D1 How to take the work out of networking - Jason Evers
D2 Glass Education - Paul Duffer
D3 Pressure Washing 101 - Pete Marentay
10 – 11:15 a.m.
E1 Accounting In A Tough Economy – Accounting and Tax Tips to Help You Better Manage Your Business - Rob Schwarzmann, Tax Principal, & Tim Messman, Audit Principal, Both of Porter Keadle Moore, LLP
E2 Chemicals And Hard Water Issues What You Need To Know - Craig Aldrich
E3 Professional Image Contest
Friday, Feb. 20, 2009
8:30 – 9:45 a.m.
F1 Marketing Boot Camp for Small Business Owners - Kristy McKibben
F2 How To Make Your IWCA Membership Work For You - Mandie Bannwarth, Deb Nemec, Stefan Bright
F3 Construction Clean Up: Make it Profitable - Chuck St. John
2:15 – 3:30 p.m.
G1 PEO Services and Employee Leasing - Mark Reinhart & Meghan Laux
G2 High Rise Panel – Jon Arreguin, Andrew Kreidenweis, Harold Gidish & Kent Scott
G3 Insurance 101 - Lawrence Green
4 – 5:15 p.m.
H1 Joy Of The Job - Jack Evans
H2 Residential Panel - Maury Benamy, Sheila Smeltzer, Kolan Hairston, Seth Fensterstock & Jeremy Morgan
H3 Taking Your Business To The Next Level - Kenny Cohn & Kynan Wynne
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009
Hands On-Safety Training Session* 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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Trade Show Hours: Thursday, Feb.19, 2009 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.Friday, Feb. 20, 2009 8:30 a.m. – Noon
The IWCA Trade Show will showcase valuable tools and resources from both longtime and new IWCA supporters. Our wide variety of exhibitors will introduce attendees to new products and services designed to make work-life easier and your business more profitable and competitive. Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009Window Cleaning Contest 6 – 9 p.m.
The IWCA Window Cleaning Contests feature two different categories: Speed and Medley. The key to winning both contests is cleaning the windows as fast as possible with the fewest mistakes. The speed contest consists of speed cleaning three windows of the same size and the medley contest consists of cleaning nine windows of varying sizes. It is a race to the finish for the title of “World’s Fastest Window Cleaner.”
The IWCA Charity Auction is the perfect opportunity for you to give back to the community. During the luncheon, attendees will be able to bid on items that were donated by our membership with all proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House Charities. This is a great way for you to have some fun outbidding your competitors all while helping families in need.