January 9 , 2008

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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 critical drought and water shortage issues affecting the swimming pool industry in the Southeast. More than 300 attended to hear the drought response discussed by APSP CEO Bill Weber, water regulations expert David Word, former Assistant Director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, and Fitzpatrick & Lewis, public relations firm for the Georgia APSP. During the month, more than $40,000 was collected for Fitzpatrick & Lewis. The Georgia chapter has also joined the Georgia Chamber, a lobbying group, and is interviewing lobbyists.

The level 4 drought, sometimes called a 100-year drought, is thought to be the greatest crisis ever to hit local pool and spa businesses. Pool professionals are heeding the new water restrictions, as penalties for completing their projects far outweigh those for not doing so.

A similar meeting will be held January 10 in Charlotte, NC. For more information, please contact Regional Manager Teresa Christmas at 706.367.5398.