First Financial, estimated annual savings over $1,000 annually
About hEArTLAND
Join us for two jam-packed days of learning from the very best minds in the business. Network, mingle, learn and be inspired. Heartland is dedicated to improving the carwash and detailing industries through education, a deeper understanding of operators, and smarter, more effective solutions.
Who We Are
Heartland brings together carwash operators, suppliers, exhibitors, and industry professionals who are passionate about innovation, leadership, and long-term success. Our conferences, educational programs, and networking events create opportunities to exchange ideas, discover new technologies, and build valuable industry relationships.
From operators and business owners to engineers, designers, and service providers, Heartland creates a collaborative environment where industry professionals can learn, connect, and grow.
Our Mission
Heartland is dedicated to strengthening the professionalism of the carwash and detailing industries throughout our thirteen-state region. Through education, networking opportunities, industry advocacy, and access to innovative products and solutions, we help operators and partners grow stronger businesses and build a stronger industry together.
What We Do
Celebrating excellence, innovation, and leadership among the businesses and individuals shaping the future of carwashing.
our services
Industry Education
We provide webinars, conferences, and educational resources designed to help operators improve performance, leadership, customer experience, and profitability.
our services
Networking & Community
Heartland events create meaningful opportunities to connect with peers, suppliers, and industry leaders from across the region and beyond.
our services
Advocacy & Industry Support
We work to strengthen the carwash industry by supporting professionalism, collaboration, and access to the latest equipment, technologies, and business solutions.
Leadership Dedicated to Industry Growth
Heartland is dedicated to improving the carwash and detailing industries through education, a deeper understanding of operators, and smarter, more effective solutions.
Membership Benefits
Why Become a Heartland Member?
Because your membership pays for itself many times over, year after year.
You cannot afford not to be a member. read on
A Heartland membership is more than access to events—it’s an investment in your business, your professional network, and the future of the carwash industry. Members receive valuable benefits designed to save money, stay informed, build connections, and grow their businesses.
From exclusive member savings and industry education to networking opportunities, marketing exposure, and resources designed specifically for carwash professionals, your Heartland membership delivers value throughout the year—not just at our events.
See how much your membership can do for your business.
Exclusive Member Savings
Reduced Credit & Debit Card Processing Rates
Take advantage of preferred merchant processing programs that can help lower transaction costs and improve your bottom line.
Partner: First Financial
Contact: Brian Nelsen
Carwash focused Insurance programs at reduced rates based on our group size
Access insurance solutions tailored to the needs of carwash operators and businesses through trusted industry partners.
Partner: Heartman Insurance
Contact: Matt Horton
Heartman Insurance, estimated annual savings of $1,000 per location annually.
Great Deals on Carwash Websites
Take advantage of great deals on carwash websites from OhmCo and stop rebuidling your website each time you change your membership.
Splash Newsletter
Our Member's Only newletter is just like we said... members only. Good news is that it's easy to become a member. sign up and start reading!
Harness the power of AI to answer your phones 24/7 and answer customer questions
The Heartland Carwash Association is proud to partner with Dekopon AI to bring members exclusive pricing on AI-powered customer communication solutions designed specifically for the carwash industry.
Dekopon AI helps operators answer customer calls, handle routine inquiries, capture leads, and provide consistent customer service—even when staff are unavailable. The platform is designed to improve the customer experience, reduce missed opportunities, and free up valuable staff time.
Partner: Shihan Tao
Contact: contact@dekopon.ai
value = what is your teams time worth?
Simplify your employee time-tracking, HR, assigning tasks & team communications
HCA members can take advantage of Connecteam, an all-in-one employee management platform designed to make running your carwash team easier. From scheduling and time tracking to team communication, training, and task management, Connecteam helps you keep your employees connected, organized, and on track—all from one easy-to-use platform.
Partner: Daniel Shuman
Contact: daniel.shuman@connecteam.com
Connecteam, estimated annual savings of $900 annually
Industry Education
Educational Webinars
Stay current with industry trends, business strategies, technology advancements, marketing insights, and operational best practices through Heartland's educational webinar series.
Members gain access to valuable learning opportunities led by industry experts and experienced operators.
Quarterly Splash Publication
Receive Heartland's quarterly magazine featuring industry news, member spotlights, operational insights, technology updates, business strategies, and association updates.
Splash helps members stay informed and connected throughout the year.
Events & Networking
Annual Product Show
Connect with leading suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers at Heartland's premier industry event. Discover new products, explore emerging technologies, and build valuable business relationships.
The Annual Product Show provides direct access to the people and solutions shaping the future of the industry.
Networking Opportunities
Build relationships with fellow operators, suppliers, and industry professionals through conferences, events, webinars, and association programs.
These connections often lead to valuable partnerships, new ideas, and shared business solutions.
Industry Advocacy
Representation That Supports Your wash
The Heartland Carwash Association is the voice of the carwash industry across our thirteen-state region. We monitor the legislation and regulation that affect how you run your business—water use, labor, taxes, environmental rules, and more—and we work to protect operators and vendors before those issues reach your bottom line. When you're a member, you're not facing the lawmakers and red tape alone; you're backed by the collective strength of the entire Heartland carwash community.
How HCA Saves Money for Operators:
Utility Tax Exemptions — HCA has long fought to exempt day-to-day utilities from state sales tax. Because coin-operated systems can't accept pennies and nickels, passing Iowa's 6% sales tax (plus local options) to the customer is nearly impossible—leaving owners to absorb it out of pocket, and in some cases paying double tax. HCA works to keep that money in your pocket.
Fair Equipment Classification — HCA monitors state and local tax assessments to make sure wash equipment is classified correctly. That prevents owners from being wrongly penalized when local assessors treat essential equipment as taxable real property instead of personal property trade fixtures.
Broader Tax Advantages — HCA helps members stay informed on industry-wide tax benefits, including 100% bonus depreciation and 15-year property classification on most wash equipment—significant write-offs that shelter income for business owners.
When you're a member, you're not facing lawmakers and red tape alone. You're backed by the collective strength of the entire Heartland carwash community.
Business Growth & Industry Support
Access to Trusted Vendors & Partners
Connect with businesses that understand the carwash industry and provide products, services, and solutions designed to help your operation succeed.
Industry Resources & Best Practices
Gain access to valuable information, tools, and educational resources that support smarter decision-making and long-term business growth.
Professional Community
Become part of a network of operators and professionals committed to learning, sharing ideas, and advancing the industry together.
Code of Conduct
Committed to Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect
The Heartland Carwash Association is dedicated to supporting a strong, professional, and collaborative carwash community. As a member-driven organization, we encourage integrity, industry growth, and a positive environment for operators, suppliers, exhibitors, and partners.
Member Expectations
All members are expected to:
- Follow all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards
- Operate with professionalism, honesty, and integrity
- Prioritize safety within their business operations
- Support and uphold Association policies and values
- Treat fellow members, partners, and attendees with respect
- Refrain from abusive, threatening, discriminatory, or derogatory behavior
Complaint & Review Process
If concerns arise regarding a potential violation of this Code of Conduct, members may submit a formal complaint through the Association’s official process.
To be reviewed, complaints must include:
- A clear description of the alleged violation
- Supporting documentation or evidence
- Relevant details related to the incident or conduct
Qualified submissions will be reviewed confidentially by a conduct committee. Additional information may be requested before recommendations are submitted to Association leadership.
Possible outcomes may include:
- No further action
- Formal warning
- Temporary suspension of membership privileges
- Removal of membership
Scope of the Policy
This process applies specifically to professional conduct related to business practices and member interactions within the industry.
The policy does not apply to:
- Personal disputes unrelated to Association activities
- Customer service complaints
- Issues outside of professional or business conduct
Confidentiality
All complaints and reviews will be handled with professionalism and confidentiality by all parties involved throughout the process.
Join Heartland
The number of spaces is limited, so don't wait for the last minute. Last year's conference was booked to capacity. Send us your details and we'll send you a registration form by email.
