Heartland Carwash Association grows to 13 states with four Midwest additions

The Heartland Carwash Association has expanded its membership territory for the first time in its history, adding Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky to bring its regional footprint to 13 states. The Des Moines, Iowa based group previously served nine states across the Midwest.

The expansion, reported by Professional Carwashing & Detailing, gives the association access to a larger pool of carwash owners, operators, suppliers and industry professionals throughout the region. Kristen Corbisiero, HCA's executive director and publisher, called the growth from nine to 13 states a significant milestone for the organization.

What the expansion covers

HCA supports carwash professionals through education, networking, advocacy and industry resources. According to the association, members receive access to educational webinars, industry events, networking opportunities and operational resources, along with connections to fellow operators and vetted suppliers.

Corbisiero framed the move as more than a geographic addition. "This expansion is about more than adding four states to a map," she said, adding that it allows the group to build new relationships and bring more voices into industry conversations. Owners, operators and suppliers in the four new states are being invited to join and take part in upcoming programs and events.

The timing aligns with the association's broader event calendar. HCA has already announced its 2027 Product & Equipment Show, a two-day Midwest expo set for March 23 and 24, 2027, at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The expanded territory positions the group to draw attendees and exhibitors from a wider geographic base.

Why it matters for operators

For operators in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky, the expansion means a regional trade body now covers their markets directly. Membership in a state or regional association can offer practical value that is easy to overlook: education on operational best practices, legislative and regulatory advocacy, and structured chances to compare notes with peers who face the same labor, chemical and weather conditions.

Regional associations also serve as a bridge between independent operators and suppliers. For a single-site owner or a small chain, the networking and buying relationships that come through an association can help level the playing field against larger regional and national chains that already have internal resources for training and vendor management.

Operators in the newly added states should weigh whether the cost of membership pays for itself through education, advocacy access, and the connections available at events like the 2027 Tinley Park expo. For those already in HCA's original nine-state territory, a larger membership base can strengthen the association's collective voice on shared industry issues and expand the pool of vendors and peers at regional gatherings.