Frequently Asked Questions
MEMBERSHIP
 How will membership in BSCAI benefit my company?
Do I need a sponsor to join BSCAI?
Once I join, when will I receive my membership materials?
How do I join?
What benefits are included in my membership fee?
Does BSCAI have a mentoring program?
Can BSCAI help me get contracts?
ANNUAL CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW
When is the convention & trade show held?
What do Registrants Receive?
What if I register 15 or more people from my company?
How do I register to attend the Annual Convention & Trade Show?
Will I receive a confirmation of my BSCAI Annual Convention & Trade Show registration?
How can I obtain a receipt for my registration fees?
How do I book a meeting room for a group meeting during the convention?
How do I book a suite at the headquarters hotel for the convention?
What is happening during the convention?
Can children 16 and under attend the Trade Show?
What are the Convention hours?
What are the Trade Show hours?
How do I make my hotel reservation?
Are there special airline or rental car discounts available for BSCAI’s Annual Convention & Trade Show?
What should I wear to BSCAI’s Annual Convention & Trade Show?
Do I have to be a BSCAI member to attend the Annual Convention & Trade Show?
What is the BSCAI Annual Convention & Trade Show cancellation policy?
Can you bill me for registration?
When will I receive my registration materials, badge, etc.?
How many people are expected to attend BSCAI’s Annual Convention & Trade Show?
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO) SEMINAR
How do I register to attend BSCAI’s CEO Seminar?
Will I receive a confirmation of my BSCAI CEO Seminar registration?
How can I obtain a receipt for my registration fees?
How do I book a meeting room at the CEO Seminar?
How do I book a suite at the CEO Seminar?
Where can I find information about the Golf Tournament?
How do I make my hotel reservation?
Are there special airline or rental car discounts available for BSCAI’s CEO Seminar?
What should I wear to BSCAI’s CEO Seminar?
Do I have to be a BSCAI member to attend BSCAI’s CEO Seminar?
What is the CEO Seminar cancellation policy?
Can you bill me for registration?
When will I receive my registration materials, badge, etc.?
How many people are expected to attend BSCAI’s CEO Seminar?
What are future BSCAI CEO Seminar dates and locations?
What sponsorship opportunities are available for the CEO Seminar?
PLATEAUS OF GROWTH SEMINARS
When and where will the next series of Plateaus of Growth seminars be held?
SUPERVISION SEMINAR
When and where will the next Supervision Seminars be held?
BOOK/VIDEO/MARKETING MATERIALS
What types of books and videos does BSCAI have to offer?
Does BSCAI have publications or educational programs on bidding?
How do I place an order?
CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
Why is certification important?
What kinds of certification does BSCAI offer?
How do I apply?
How long do I have to take the exams?
How do I take the exam in my hometown?
Does BSCAI offer the exam at any of their seminars?
What happens if I don't pass?
How long does it take for me to receive notification of pass/fail?
How do I maintain the designation?
SERVICES ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL
For questions regarding Services Magazine, click here.
TRADE SHOW EXHIBITING
Are there any booths available?
How many badges come with our 10’ x 10’ booth for BSCAI’s Trade Show?
What sponsorship opportunities are available?
How can I place an advertisement in BSCAI’s Annual Convention & Trade Show Program?
I’m an exhibitor at the upcoming Trade Show. When will I receive my exhibitor service kit?
When will I receive Trade Show passes to distribute to my customers and prospects?
What are exhibits move-in, show, and move-out hours?
When will I receive my registration materials, badge, etc.?
How many people are expected to attend BSCAI’s Annual Convention & Trade Show?
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
What does BSCAI's Government Affairs program do for me?
How do I contribute to the GAF Fund?
Is there a minimum or maximum contribution amount?
As a contributor what kind of recognition and help do I receive?
GENERAL START-UP QUESTIONS
What do I charge for cleaning?
Can you help me find an insurance company?
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MEMBERSHIP
Q. How will membership in BSCAI benefit my company?
A. Click here to see the benefits and what members are saying about BSCAI.
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Q. Do I need a sponsor to join BSCAI?
A. A sponsor is not required to join the association.
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Q. Once I join, when will I receive my membership materials?
A. You should receive your new member kit approximately 10 days from the date of receipt of your membership application by the association.
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Q. How do I join?
A. Joining is as easy as completing the membership application and sending it to us! Click here to see a description of the membership categories for BSCAI and select the one that best fits your company. You will be able to begin enjoying your member benefits within a few weeks of joining. If you have a question or aren’t sure what category you would fit into, contact BSCAI’s Membership Department at 800/368-3414 or email us.
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Q. What benefits are included in my membership fee?
A. Your BSCAI membership benefits include:
- Access to the members only Online Problem Solver
- Online membership directory listing with your company name, address, phone,
fax, email and website address - where prospective customers go to search for
contractors
- Access to BSCAI-sponsored group buying programs
- Free subscriptions to SERVICES Magazine for you and your employees
- Deep discounts to BSCAI’s educational seminars
- Up to 33% off on videos and up to 50% off on publications
- Use of BSCAI’s logo on your business cards, letterhead, and website
displaying your professionalism to your clients
- For first time members a free registration to BSCAI’s Annual Convention
& Trade Show
- For first time members a free seminar of your choice
- For first time members a free publication
- Plus much more
Q. Does BSCAI have a mentoring program?
A. BSCAI has started a mentor program which is available to members only. To sign up for this program, contact BSCAI Headquarters at info@bscai.org. You can also utilize BSCAI’s Problem Solver, this gives you access to the knowledge and experience of other BSCAI members by simply looking by subject and contacting members listed under that subject with your questions.
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Q. Can BSCAI help me get contracts?
A. BSCAI does not participate in the solicitation for contract cleaning services; however, earlier this year BSCAI entered into a relationship with the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) the association representing your customers. BSCAI is making every effort to keep the association and its members in front of the buyers of your services. We have participated in the BOMA 2004 Annual Congress, written articles for BOMA’s monthly publication, included BOMA in our Annual Convention & Trade Show, and will shortly be linking our on-line membership directory with BOMA’s website. This will provide your customers with a readily accessible international directory of building service contractors.
BSCAI offers a number of seminars, video training programs, and publications to aid its members in developing, improving, and expanding their sales and marketing skills.
Finding the Client
Getting the Account
How to Close a Sale, Part 1
How to Close a Sale, Part 2
Writing a Professional Proposal
Sales Presentations That Win
Sales Magic
Sales – The Professional Approach
Selling for Building Service Success
BSCAI Marketing Brochures
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ANNUAL CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW
Q. When is the convention & trade show held?
A. For the information on the convention dates and locations, click here.
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Q. What do Registrants Receive?
A. For Full Program Registrant information, click here or for Daily Program Registrant information, click here.
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Q. What if I register 15 or more people from my company?
A. If you register 15 or more individuals for full and/or daily attendance at BSCAI's Annual Convention & Trade Show, your company will receive special benefits:
- You will receive one free full registration
- A 10% discount will be given for each individual registered based on the
tiered pricing found on the registration form
- Group recognition - A special 15+ ribbon will be given to each of your
people and a welcome announcement for your company will be
made during the Opening General Session.
To qualify for these special group benefits, your group must register all of its people at one time with one form of payment. For more information, or to obtain additional registration forms and brochures, please contact BSCAI's Meetings Department at pjuliano@bscai.org.
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Q. How do I register to attend the Annual Convention & Trade Show?
A. To register, please click here.
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Q. Will I receive a confirmation of my BSCAI Annual Convention & Trade Show registration?
A. Yes, confirmations are sent via mail, fax, or e-mail within 10 days of receiving your registration.
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Q. How can I obtain a receipt for my registration fees?
A. Please submit a request in writing to pjuliano@bscai.org.
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Q. How do I book a meeting room for a group meeting during the convention?
A. Contact Perry Juliano directly at pjuliano@bscai.org
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Q. How do I book a suite at the headquarters hotel for the convention?
A. All requests must be approved by BSCAI in writing before a suite can be booked at the headquarters hotel. Contact Perry Juliano directly at pjuliano@bscai.org with details about the suite usage for approval.
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Q. What is happening during the convention?
A. For details on the golf tournament, receptions, and other events occurring during the convention, please click here.
Q. Can children 16 and under attend the Trade Show?
A. Children 16 and under are not permitted to enter the Trade Show.
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Q. What are the Convention hours?
A. For a schedule at a glance, click here.
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Q. What are the Trade Show hours?
A. For Trade Show hours click here.
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Q. How do I make my hotel reservation?
A. For hotel information and rates, click here.
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Q. Are there special airline or rental car discounts available for BSCAI’s Annual Convention & Trade Show?
A. For travel agency/airline/rental car company information, click here.
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Q. What should I wear to BSCAI’s Annual Convention & Trade Show?
A. Business casual dress is appropriate for all events. Please remember to wear comfortable shoes. For more information, click here.
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Q. Do I have to be a BSCAI member to attend the Annual Convention & Trade Show?
A. You do not have to be a member of BSCAI to attend the Show. However, members receive discounted registration rates. For more information on BSCAI membership, please click here.
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Q. What is the BSCAI Annual Convention & Trade Show cancellation policy?
A. http://www.bscai.org/annual_convention/convention-registration.asp
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Q. Can you bill me for registration?
A. No, payment for all BSCAI educational programs must be made at the time registered. Payment is accepted by VISA, MasterCard, American Express or check.
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Q. When will I receive my registration materials, badge, etc.?
A. You will need to pick up your registration materials, badge, etc., at BSCAI Registration. If you are pre-registered, go to the counters with the appropriate letters for your last name. If you wish to register onsite, you will need to go to the counter for “On-Site Registrations.” For registration hours, click here.
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Q. How many people are expected to attend BSCAI’s Annual Convention & Trade Show?
A. More than 2,000 people are expected to attend BSCAI’s Annual Convention & Trade Show.
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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO) SEMINAR
Q. How do I register to attend BSCAI’s CEO Seminar?
A. To register, please click here.
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Q. Will I receive a confirmation of my BSCAI CEO Seminar registration?
A. Yes, confirmations are sent via mail, fax, or e-mail within 10 days of receiving your registration.
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Q. How can I obtain a receipt for my registration fees?
A. Please submit a request in writing to kbilak@bscai.org.
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Q. How do I book a meeting room at the CEO Seminar?
A. Contact Karen Bilak directly at kbilak@bscai.org
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Q. How do I book a suite at the CEO Seminar?
A. Contact Karen Bilak directly at kbilak@bscai.org
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Q. Where can I find information about the Golf Tournament?
A. Click here for information about the Golf Tournament.
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Q. How do I make my hotel reservation?
A. BSCAI has reserved a block of rooms at the seminar hotel. For details on making your room reservations click here.
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Q. Are there special airline or rental car discounts available for BSCAI’s CEO Seminar?
A. Click here for details on airline and rental car discounts.
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Q. What should I wear to BSCAI’s CEO Seminar?
A. Resort casual dress is appropriate for all events.
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Q. Do I have to be a BSCAI member to attend BSCAI’s CEO Seminar?
A. You do not have to be a member of BSCAI to attend the seminar. However, members receive discounted registration rates. For more information on BSCAI membership, please click here.
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Q. What is the CEO Seminar cancellation policy?
A. Written cancellation must be received in the BSCAI Office. For details and deadlines for canceling or to submit written cancellation, e-mail kbilak@bscai.org or fax cancellation to: (312) 673-6735. If your company is entitled to a refund, it will be mailed immediately following the Seminar.
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Q. Can you bill me for registration?
A. No, payment for all BSCAI educational programs must be made at the time registered. Payment is accepted by VISA, MasterCard, American Express or check.
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Q. When will I receive my registration materials, badge, etc.?
A. You will need to pick up your registration materials, badge, etc., at the BSCAI Registration area between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 am
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Q. How many people are expected to attend BSCAI’s CEO Seminar?
A. Approximately 100 CEO’s are expected to attend BSCAI’s CEO Seminar
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Q. What are future BSCAI CEO Seminar dates and locations?
A. For future dates and locations, click here.
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Q. What sponsorship opportunities are available for the CEO Seminar?
A. For information on sponsorship opportunities, click here.
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PLATEAUS OF GROWTH SEMINARS
Q. When and where will the next series of Plateaus of Growth seminars be held?
A. For future dates and locations, click here.
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SUPERVISION SEMINAR
Q. When and where will the next Supervision Seminars be held?
A. For future dates and locations, click here.
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BOOK/VIDEO/MARKETING MATERIALS
Q. What types of books and videos does BSCAI have to offer?
A. BSCAI publishes many books on a variety of subjects. Click here to see a category listing of the books we sell; click here to see a listing by category of the videos we offer.
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Q. Does BSCAI have publications or educational programs on bidding?
A. BSCAI offers a number of programs on bidding and estimating they are:
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Q. How do I place an order?
A. You can place an order by selecting the items you want to purchase and submitting the order online; you can print out an order form and fax it to us at (312) 673-6735; or you can call BSCAI’s Resource Department at (800)368-3414 and place the order over the phone.
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CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
Q. Why is certification important?
A. BSCAI's certification programs are a great way to demonstrate to your customers and potential customers your awareness, expertise and knowledge of the building service industry.
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Q. What kinds of certification does BSCAI offer?
A. BSCAI offers the following certifications:
- Certified Building Service Executive (CBSE)
- Registered Building Service Manager (RBSM)
- Certified Sanitary Supply Professional (CSSP)
- Certified Floor Care Technician (CFCT)
- Certified Carpet Care Specialist (CCCS)
- Certified Safety Manager (CSM)
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Q. How do I apply?
A. The application is accessible on our website. Complete the application and return it to BSCAI with the appropriate application fee.
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Q. How long do I have to take the exams?
A. The application is valid for one year from the date it is received at BSCAI Headquarters.
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Q. How do I take the exam in my hometown?
A. You may take the exam in your hometown by means of a proctor. The requirements for a proctor are: must have a degree in education, they cannot be a relative nor can they be involved in the building service industry. Once you have acquired a proctor and set a date, you need to notify BSCAI's Certification Department approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the exam date of the proctor information, the date the exam will be administered and the name of the person taking the exam. Exam materials will be sent directly to the proctor approximately 1 week prior to the exam date.
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Q. Does BSCAI offer the exam at any of their seminars?
A. BSCAI offers a test date once a year in conjunction with the Annual Convention and Trade Show.
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Q. What happens if I don't pass?
A. If you fail the exam, you only have to retake the sections of the exam in which you did not achieve 70%.
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Q. How long does it take for me to receive notification of pass/fail?
A. Once the exams are received at BSCAI Headquarters, it takes approximately 3-4 weeks for notification.
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Q. How do I maintain the designation?
A. The CBSE designation renewal is every three years and is based on personal involvement in industry activities. When you receive the designation, a recertification form is sent to you to help you keep track of your activities and how many points you receive for each activity. A total of 40 points is necessary every three years to maintain the designation as well as the renewal fee (Members $125/Non-members $250).
The RBSM designation renewal is every two years. A Knowledge Review exam is sent prior to your renewal date for you to complete and return with your renewal fee (Members $50.00/Non-members $100). A 70% passing score must be received on the Knowledge Review to maintain the designation.
The CSSP designation renewal is every three years. A Knowledge Review exam is sent prior to your renewal date for you to complete and return with your renewal fee (Members $125/Non-members $250). A 70% passing score must be received on the Knowledge Review to maintain the designation.
The CFST designation renewal is every two years. A Knowledge Review exam is sent prior to your renewal date for you to complete and return with your renewal fee (Members $35.00/Non-members $75). A 70% passing score must be received on the Knowledge Review to maintain the designation.
The CCCS designation renewal is every two years. A Knowledge Review exam is sent prior to your renewal date for you to complete and return with your renewal fee (Members $35.00/Non-members $75. A 70% passing score must be received on the Knowledge Review to maintain the designation.
The CSM designation renewal is every two years. A Knowledge Review exam is sent prior to your renewal date for you to complete and return with your renewal fee (Members $35.00/Non-members $75). A 70% passing score must be received on the Knowledge Review to maintain the designation.
Lifetime status may be obtained for all designations when you reach the age of 62. Simply notify BSCAI's Certification Department that you have reached the age of 62 in your renewal year and you will receive Lifetime status.
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SERVICES ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL
For questions regarding Services Magazine, click here.
TRADE SHOW EXHIBITING
Q. Are there any booths available?
A. For a current floor plan showing booth availability, please contact Iain Thomas, Director of Sales and Trade Show, at tradeshow@bscai.org.
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Q. How many badges come with our 10’ x 10’ booth for BSCAI’s Trade Show?
A. One FREE Full Registration is given per 10’x10’ booth – a $395 value, that includes the educational sessions and tickets to selected social and food functions. Additionally, each 10’x 10’ booth receives five FREE booth badges for your personnel, which include admission to all educational sessions only, but no tickets to social or food functions. Additional booth badges may be purchased for $10 each. Tickets to social or food functions may be purchased individually or you may purchase a full or daily registration.
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Q. What sponsorship opportunities are available?
A. BSCAI Annual Convention & Trade Show sponsors must first be exhibitors. For information on sponsorship opportunities, click here.
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To see what sponsorships are still available, click here.
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Q. How can I place an advertisement in BSCAI’s Annual Convention & Trade Show Program?
A. For information on placing an advertisement in BSCAI’s Annual Convention & Trade Show Program, click here.
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Q. I’m an exhibitor at the upcoming Trade Show. When will I receive my exhibitor service kit?
A. Exhibitor service kits will be mailed to all exhibitors by February.
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Q. When will I receive Trade Show passes to distribute to my customers and prospects?
A. Trade show passes will be mailed/e-mailed to all exhibitors in late February.
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Q. What are exhibits move-in, show, and move-out hours?
A. Click here for exhibits move-in, show, and move-out hours.
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Q. When will I receive my registration materials, badge, etc.?
A. You will need to pick up your registration materials, badge, etc., at BSCAI Exhibitor Registration. If you are pre-registered, go to the counters with the appropriate letters for your company name.
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Q. How many people are expected to attend BSCAI’s Annual Convention & Trade Show?
A. More than 2,000 people are expected to attend BSCAI’s Annual Convention & Trade Show.
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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Q. What does BSCAI's Government Affairs program do for me?
A. It keeps you up to date on all the legislative and regulatory activity that is relevant to the building service industry as well as close monitoring of pending Congressional legislation, complete coverage of the issues in which the industry stands to gain or lose
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Q. How do I contribute to the GAF Fund?
A. Simply complete the Contribution form and submit it to BSCAI's Government Affairs department. Payment may be made by check or credit card.
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Q. Is there a minimum or maximum contribution amount?
A. There is no minimum or maximum contribution amount. You may do a one-time contribution of any amount or you may make a 3-year pledge of any amount.
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Q. As a contributor what kind of recognition and help do I receive?
A. All Government Affairs contributors are listed on BSCAI's website and in the Annual Convention program. You also receive a certificate or plaque (depending on the amount of your contribution) for each year you contribute. Supporting BSCAI's Government Affairs Fund gives you a voice in Washington on issues that could greatly affect your business.
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GENERAL START-UP QUESTIONS
Q. What do I charge for cleaning?
A. Price for cleaning can vary from region to region, as costs for labor, supplies, taxes, and the percentage of profit is often determined by where you do business and the competition in your area. To find the best price for you to charge, you need to make sure you bid accurately and include direct expenses, indirect expenses and the percentage of profit you want to make. The actual numbers are completely up to you, again based on the percentage of profit you anticipate realizing.
A basic bid form can be found here. BSCAI also has a number of publications, videos, and seminars to help you bid jobs.
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Q. Can you help me find an insurance company?
A. BSCAI is in the process of developing an insurance program to help building service contractors combat the rising cost of insurance. BSCAI members will be sent a notice when the program is finalized. If you are not a member and would like to be notified when the program is developed, please email cdean@bscai.org.
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