Breaking News: Florida Legislature Upholds Florida Building Commission’s Adoption of ANSI/APSP-7
A few weeks ago, HB 679, relating to residential properties, passed the Florida House of Representatives. This bill revised a number of changes relating to homeowner associations, providing exemptions from Department of Health regulation of homeowner association swimming pools. In an earlier House committee meeting, language was added that would have overturned the Florida Building Commission's adoption of ANSI/APSP-7 2006 American National Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in the state building code. Happily, the bill, after being sent to the Florida Senate, was stripped of the language that would have been inconsistent with the ANSI/APSP-7 standard. MORE.
Hot Tub Initiative Update – Selling the Industry!
Now that contributors to the startup fund have selected The Richards Group (TRG) as their ad agency, work to launch the initiative is under way. TRG is developing a presentation to educate industry stakeholders on the challenges we can overcome, and the opportunities that await, once we pull together and promote the category. TRG has facilitated the highly successful, multi-faceted initiative for the RV industry. And, they can’t wait to do the same for hot tubs! The great industry “sell-in” will take place in late May/early June. Be watching IC for where and when to tune in and join up!
Your Membership Can Help You Market Your Business!
APSP has negotiated members-only rates with Constant Contact®, the nation’s most respected online customer relationship management tool. Through our new partnership, members can find new ways to connect with customers through email marketing and survey tools that are easy, effective, and affordable. Constant Contact® has earned the trust of many successful businesses. Visit the APSP member site to see how they do it! http://apsp.constantcontact.com MORE.
National Association of Manufacturers and EPA Sign Agreement to Foster Energy Efficiency
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), both members of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), have announced a Memorandum of Understanding intended to improve the industrial energy efficiency of U.S. manufacturers. The agreement will be tied to EPA’s ENERGY STAR Challenge program, a voluntary initiative that promotes energy efficiency to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. APSP will contact NAM regarding the ongoing work to clarify California’s Title 20 and Title 24 regulations as well as the development of new APSP / ANSI standards for energy efficiency. APSP envisions working with NAM and the EPA regarding improvement of the industrial energy efficiency of manufacturers in the U.S. pool, spa and hot tub industry. MORE.
Wendy Parker Named FSPA Executive Director
On March 15, the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA), an association affiliated with APSP, announced the naming of Wendy Parker as its executive director. Ms. Parker has been with FSPA since March 2001, during which time she has grown the annual trade show by more than 100%, established the Florida Pool ProSM brand, and ensured that the association meets the needs of Florida pool and spa professionals. Ms. Parker directs a team of six staff who handle marketing, technical training, meetings and events, accounting, and government relations efforts for the association. MORE.
Builders Council Now Accepting Nominations for 2008 CBP of the Year Award
Nominations for the 2008 CBP of the Year Award are now being accepted by the APSP Builders Council. The award will be presented at the CBP Recognition Ceremony on November 17 in Las Vegas. Nominees are judged in nine categories including years of service to the industry, years as a CBP Certified Building Professional®—the highest certification credential granted to pool and spa builders by APSP—and activities within their community. Any current CBP may nominate a candidate for the award. See the news release, guidelines, and nomination form.
HB-- APSP Pool and Spa Safety Week Advocate: Aqua Quip
Do you have your Pool Patrol Visors yet? How about “I’m A Safe Swimmer” Wristbands, Splash Zone Activity Book and Safety Brochures? As members of APSP, we all want to get the safety message out, and APSP Pool & Spa Safety Week, May 31-June 6, is a great time to do it. Let your customers know you want them to fully enjoy their pool and spa safely. Kathleen Carlson from Aqua Quip in Washington State believes “promoting safety is good for our customers, shows we’re good citizens of our community, and is good for the longevity of our industry.” She’s promoting safety in all ten of her stores. Make sure you get your materials in time by ordering now. MORE.