November 7, 2007
Hot Tub Industry Growth Initiative Gains Momentum
Twenty-two leading hot tub manufacturers and suppliers have collectively pledged more than $300,000 to support the startup activities of a campaign with the mission “to develop and implement initiatives that promote and improve the consumer hot tub purchase and ownership experience in order to increase sales of hot tubs, related products, and services.” MORE.
Connecticut Issues Suction Entrapment Interpretation
One of the key provisions of a newly released interpretation from the state of Connecticut regarding suction entrapment language in the state code mirrors an important provision of the ANSI/APSP-7 Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance, which states that there is no backup for a missing or damaged suction outlet cover/grate. APSP has been working diligently with members and the state of Connecticut to accurately clarify this language. MORE.
Members to Receive $1,200 Resource*
For years, members of the APSP Builders Council, Technical Committee, and staff have extolled the values of the ANSI/APSP Pool and Spa Safety and Design Standards in protecting your business. For the first time ever, these standards will be available electronically to all members as part of your membership dues. Members who renew for 2007-2008 will receive a CD that includes the most recent version of all the design and safety standards, including the ANSI/APSP-7 Suction Entrapment and Avoidance Standard. If you have not yet renewed, there is still time! Contact Member Services at 703.838.0083 and renew today. CDs are in production and will be mailed to members in mid-November.
*Non-members who wish to purchase a set of ANSI/APSP design and safety standards pay $1,200 per set.
Expo Attendees: Don’t Miss Awards of Excellence Banquet
Gather with leaders of the industry to celebrate the vision and creativity of the world’s best! Make plans to attend the International Awards of Excellence Presentation Banquet, the only international awards program recognizing superior achievement in the design, building, and installation of pools, spas, hot tubs, and water features. Awards are presented in more than 40 categories and celebrate the most beautiful and technically innovative installations across the United States and around the world. The banquet will be held Thursday, November 29, 2007 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida.
Tickets are available at $85 per person, or you can purchase a table for 10 for $850, which includes a three-course dinner, live entertainment, and photo and networking opportunities. For more information and online registration, please contact memberservices@APSP.org or visit www.apsp.org/166/index.aspx.
Save Small Business Act/H-2B Update
Many of you have questions regarding the status of the Save Small Business Act following Senator Mikulski's successful effort to include a one-year extension of the Returning Worker Exemption in the Senate's version of the Commerce, Justice and Science (CJA) Appropriations Bill. In the attached letter, Hank Lavery, President of Save Small Business, explains where we are in this process and provides some recommendations about where we need to go from here. MORE.
Newark, NJ Star Ledger Cites Benefits to a Good Soaking
September 21, 2007
An article written by APSP’s public relations agency, Gibbs & Soell, has been picked up by dozens of newspapers, collectively reaching more than 1.2 million consumers. Hot Tub Council Chairman Steve Gorlin was interviewed for this feature and successfully positioned warm-water therapy as a necessity for stress relief. To view the article that appeared in the New Jersey Star Ledger, click HERE.
Support the IMPACT Act in Congress and Help Promote Swimming
In 2007, a groundbreaking legislative initiative has come to fruition to get communities active and healthy through parks and recreation. By supporting the IMPACT Act in Congress (H.R. 2677), APSP members can help advance opportunities for swimming and other healthy lifestyles for all Americans. Public parks and recreation play a critical role in facilitating community wellness and quality of life. Learn how to take action to advance this initiative on Capitol Hill. MORE.
IC Lite: Hot Tub Proved Beneficial to Governor Schwarzenegger
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says a hot tub was where he convinced his wife, Maria Shriver, to let him run for governor–and learned the art of political negotiation in the process. Read the full article 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.