Strengths and Weaknesses
The first two sections of the SWOT analysis usually examine the internal workings of your farm business. These issues or items are usually within the control of the business owners. One example could be future management of the business. Is there a next generation owner/manager who has the interest in the business and the ability to manage the complexities of the business? Another example could be the financial position of the business. Does the farm business have too much debt held as short term?
Here are some sample questions that can be asked to assist in determining your business’ strengths and weaknesses.

Opportunities and Threats
The second part of the SWOT analysis requires you to look outside your business at issues that you cannot control but can manage to enhance or reduce their impact on your business. An example for a livestock producer could be the development of the neighboring farm into single-family housing units. Here are some sample questions that can be asked to assist in determining opportunities and threats to your business.

How to conduct a SWOT analysis: role of the facilitator

Two different ways of using this method are presented here. For both you need flip chart paper and markers. For the second you also need post-it stickers or cards (and some glue) in four different colors.

Ask participants to brainstorm the following question: “What are the internal strengths and weaknesses within our organization that could affect the objectives we seek to achieve?” Ask group members to write their answers in large letters, using 1-3 words only, in the appropriate space. Then ask participants to do the same with the question: “What are the external opportunities and threats outside our organization that could affect the objectives we seek to achieve?” Record the answers as before.

The Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) is a challenge to all Americans—makers, sellers, and buyers of goods–to conserve our nation’s natural resources by changing behavior. The RCC is the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) program that promotes a new resource conservation ethic by encouraging everyone to: operate more efficiently; purchase more wisely; make, use, and reuse products that contain reduced levels of toxic chemicals; and make products that are easy to recycle and that are made from recycled materials. EPA welcomes partners to the RCC, and challenges them to help make America a better place. A place where products, materials, and waste are less toxic; where they pose lower environmental threats; where they are reusable and recyclable; and where they are made and used more efficiently.

Why invest in the car wash industry?

Owning a car wash can be a profitable investment for several factors. Here are a few reasons many invest in a car wash:

• Relative autonomy – At a self-serve or automatic car wash, either the customer or equipment performs the labor, thereby eliminating the need for many employees. Generally, it only takes one or two workers to maintain and clean a site throughout busier parts of the day to keep the operation running smoothly.
• Easy to manage – from an operator’s standpoint, a car wash is relatively easy to run in that there are few personnel issues, minimal product inventories, and few maintenance requirements. Additionally, cash flow is not a problem in that there are no accounts receivable or personal checks.
• Low cost – A car wash has low direct operating costs, and fixed costs, such as insurance and bookkeeping, are minimal.

As with any project, the amount of preparation one does will directly affect its outcome. Preparation is the key to a successful and unforgettable car wash fundraising event. This chapter will discuss the first steps you need to take to ensure your eventÕs success.

ORGANIZING YOUR CAR WASH

First, you need to meet with your members and gain their approval to hold a car wash fundraising event.

Chances are you already have synergy in your group. You need to harness this synergy to make an effective team. If you already have a support structure in place, this will help tremendously.

The following pages include a number of assignments necessary to have a successful fundraiser.

CAR WASH FUNDRAISER COMMITTEE

Establishing a car wash fundraiser committee is your first step. Here are the committee member assignments:

• Event Supervisor
• Publicity Coordinator
• Event Location Coordinator

INTRODUCTION

This manual is written both for those who are preparing for insurance exams and for those who want to keep up-to-date on Wisconsin insurance law. It is a brief summary of the laws and rules, and is not complete. It is suggested that agents obtain a complete copy of the laws and rules.

Copies of the Wisconsin Administrative Code and the Statutes can be obtained from our Web site at oci.wi.gov or from the Department of Administration, Document Sales and Distribution, 202 South Thornton Avenue, Madison, WI 53702, telephone (608) 266-3358. The Wisconsin Insurance Laws are also available from NILS Publishing Company, 20675 Bahama Street, P. O. Box 2507, Chatsworth, CA 91311, or Document Sales and Distribution.

An applicant for an agent license has to pass a written examination. Each person taking an examination will be responsible for the general material covered in Chapters I, II, III, and VII as well as the material in other chapters which specifically applies to the line or lines of insurance for which the person wants to be licensed.