July 18, 2007
Federal Pool and Spa Safety Legislation on Front Burner
A new Senate bill on pool and spa safety (S. 1771) introduced on July 11 is similar to one that passed the Senate last year with full APSP participation and support. On July 13, APSP met with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), sponsor of the House version of the bill (H.R. 1721), which differs from the Senate version on suction entrapment and barrier requirements. Committees in both the Senate and House are on a fast track, planning action on the legislation by July 31. MORE.
Successful Meeting on California Title 20
APSP and members of the Spa/CEC Advisory Committee met July 13, 2007 with representatives from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and the Davis Energy Group to discuss California Energy Commission Title 20 on spa energy efficiency. The meeting was very productive, with APSP and PG&E agreeing to work together in two key areas: (1) workshops beginning in October 2007 to revise CEC Title 20 requirements, and (2) a new industry standard–APSP 14, American National Standard for Energy Efficiency of Self-Contained Portable Spas. MORE.
APSP Pool Builder Announces Partnership for Annual Water Safety Event
Joe Vassallo, an APSP Builders Council member and CBP Certified Building Professional®, has introduced an interactive water safety campaign called "Float Like A Duck" to educate the public on the importance of pool and water safety, as well as to celebrate the joys of water sports. His company, Paragon Pools, recently announced a partnership with the Southern Nevada Health District and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for an annual event in conjunction with pool safety. Click here to view the press release. Click here to view the brochure.
APSP Board of Directors, Councils Meet This Week in D.C.
The APSP Board of Directors will meet in Washington, D.C. on Thursday and Friday of this week. Chairman Penny Johnson states, “I am thrilled to welcome my Directors and many Council members to the capital for a full slate of informative and strategic meetings.” Results of the meetings will be reported as appropriate through Industry Currents or APSP.org. Click here for the full meeting schedule.
Awards of Excellence Winner Shown in Better Homes & Gardens
APSP member Pools by Bradley of Sanford, Florida, is owned by Megan and Bradley Eaves. Megan recently bought a Better Homes & Gardens Special Interest Publication in her grocery store, and was pleasantly surprised to see an APSP ad in the magazine that not only featured a pool by Pools by Bradley–but the Eaves’ personal pool at that! The installation, an APSP Awards of Excellence winner last year, shows the kind of national exposure possible by entering APSP’s prestigious awards competition.
Don’t miss this year’s AOE August 3 DEADLINE. Enter today!
On Your Way to the Forum? Buy Your Tickets!
The APSP Volunteer Leadership Forum will be held October 25-27, 2007 at the Crowne Plaza Old Town Hotel in Alexandria, VA. Join us and share your great ideas with staff and volunteers. This is an open forum designed to improve communications and create critical dialogue among our volunteer leaders and the association. Four key subject areas are to be presented and discussed: APSP programs, membership and ethics, government relations, and chapters. MORE
World Aquatic Health Conference Early Bird Dates End August 2
Slated for October 2-4, the National Swimming Pool Foundation®-sponsored Conference presents an impressive group of speakers who deliver critical and timely information. Geared to both residential pool and spa and commercial industry members, speakers will spotlight how you can attract more people to purchase pools and hot tubs and visit aquatic facilities; retain more customers by reducing risk, improving health, and expanding aquatic programming; and convince more people that aquatic activities can improve health, diminish pain, and minimize injuries. Click here for details.
Help Passage of the Save Small and Seasonal Businesses Act
Now that Congress has rejected a comprehensive immigration bill, it is time for business owners who employ temporary seasonal foreign workers to press for passage of the Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2007 (S 988/HR 1843).
Get involved now. Contact your member of Congress and your two U.S. Senators to let them know that you need their help. If Congress cannot pass this act, you and your business will suffer. MORE
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.