January 9, 2008

APSP Plans Outreach Regarding Pool and Spa Safety Law
Now that the federal “Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act” (pool and spa safety act) has been signed into law (IC Dec 19, 2007), the APSP is developing communications plans for education and outreach about the provisions of the act to ensure the successful implementation of the act throughout the country. APSP is offering its technical assistance to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the lead agency in administering the grants provided by the program, and will meet with CPSC officials this month. MORE.

Gene Fields Takes Helm as APSP Chairman; New Board Members Installed
APSP announced the 2008 officers of its national board of directors during the annual membership meeting, held Tuesday, November 27, 2007 in Orlando, Florida. Gene Fields, South-West Independent Marketing, Inc (S.W.I.M.), Santa Ana, California, is 2008 chairman of the board. Former chairman Penny Johnson, Johnson Pools & Spas, Huntsville, Alabama, is now the immediate past chairman. Terry Brown, Buddy’s Pool Service, Cockeysville, Maryland, moves from the position of secretary/treasurer to that of chairman-elect. Charlie Schobel, Bio-Lab, Inc., Lawrenceville, Georgia, was named the 2008 secretary/treasurer. MORE.

Drought Mobilizes Industry in Southeast
An emergency meeting was held in Norcross by the Georgia Chapter of the APSP on December 13, 2007, to discuss responses to the severe drought affecting the swimming pool industry in the Southeast. A similar meeting will be held January 10 in Charlotte, NC. For more information, please contact Regional Manager Teresa Christmas at 706.367.5398.

Click here to read an article on the Georgia drought that appeared in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on January 5, 2008. MORE

Small Businesses Lead U.S. Growth
A recent report by the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration states that small businesses continued to lead development in the U.S. economy in 2006. The economy and financial markets were highly supportive of small business growth in 2006, feeling that the 26.8 million small businesses in the United States play a vital role in the economic well-being of the nation. Furthermore, it is estimated that the economic impact of the pool and spa industry as a whole has reached approximately $30 billion, combining all residential and commercial estimates, as well as aftermarket. The findings in this study demonstrate the collective strength of our members, making major contributions to the local, regional and national economy.

To view a complete copy of the report, click HERE:

Career Institute Deadline This Friday
The process of evaluating applications for the Board of Regents has begun, but if you’ve forgotten to send yours in, it’s not too late! The Board of Regents will serve as the brain trust for the professional development programs of the association and design and implement a comprehensive strategy for using learning to create a competitive advantage for participants.
Individuals who volunteer will exercise their decision making, teamwork, and strategic thinking abilities while developing strong relationships with others in the industry passionate about education.

The final application date is January 11, 2008. To nominate yourself or a qualified peer, please see the evaluation criteria and application here.

New York Times, November 13, 2007
Recommends Water-based Exercise for the Overweight
Millions of people are starting 2008 with a resolution to lose weight. Sadly, many will give up by the end of February. New studies show that discomfort and discouragement, rather than a lack of motivation, may make people give up on exercise. A recent New York Times article cites the discomfort obese people experience when exercising on land, due to excess body fat. The added friction can alter one’s gait and make overweight exercisers more prone to injuries and joint problems, such as those related to arthritis. The article suggests water-based exercise as a better alternative, aligning with the APSP message of water therapy as a component to better physical and mental health.

To view the complete article, click HERE.

Regional Shows Bring in the New Year

2008 Mid- America Pool & Spa Show
January 21-24, 2008, Pheasant Run Resort & Mega Expo Center, St. Charles IL
25 free seminars will be offered January 23-24, as well as a full-week APSP Tech School, offering TECH I and TECH II training, Monday through Friday, January 21-25, and a two-day NSPF CPO course Monday and Tuesday, January 21-22. MORE.

Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show
January 29-31, 2008, Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City NJ
Over 45 technical seminars and 20 business seminars offered, including safety issues, alarms, suction entrapment prevention and diving board certification. A separate Commercial Product Exhibition Area and Seminar Track will be featured. Enhance your knowledge with NESPA’s Advanced Pool Builders program, Mastering The Craft, Act II (Act I not required). MORE.

Expo Highlights Included New APSP Magazine and APSP Educational Seminars
Education, networking, and a new magazine took center stage in Orlando as the 2007 International Pool & Spa Expo | Backyard Living was held November 28-30. “The Expo offered APSP-accredited educational seminars as well as the live workshops and advanced education presented by several APSP councils,” said APSP President and CEO Bill Weber. “Further, the launch of our new APSP Quarterly magazine—AQ—made a big splash. The Expo is an important event and very helpful to our members. We’re very pleased to be the Expo’s official sponsor.” To view EXPO details, click HERE.

You can contribute to IC. Click here to find out how, or send an email to ic@APSP.org. You may also fax 703.549.0493.