APSP and FSPA Redefine Relationship in New Cooperative Agreement
Alexandria, VA May 19, 2008
Volunteer leaders from the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) and the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) have made a strategic decision to redefine the relationship between the two organizations. “We have verbally agreed to a new cooperative agreement to replace the existing affiliation agreement that will expire this summer,” explained Gene Fields, APSP Chairman of the Board. “Both organizations remain committed to a mutually beneficial partnership, but we will no longer be formally affiliated,” explained Fields. “Our new agreement will provide greater opportunities for each organization to focus on important strategic initiatives, yet will provide a framework for working together on areas of common interest, particularly in legislation and regulatory matters affecting the industry.”
While the specific details of the cooperative agreement must still be approved by the boards of directors of each organization, the basic tenets of the new agreement are expected to be adopted. Under the terms of the verbal agreement, each organization will now be independent of the other— this means that membership in APSP will now be totally independent of membership in FSPA.
The previous agreement between the two organizations is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2008, making way for the new agreement.
North Texas Chapter Provides Inspiration
The members of the North Texas APSP Chapter pooled their resources to develop and place a beautiful supplementthat runs this week in the Dallas Morning News. This effort is the catalyst for a grassroots public relations campaign that APSP is developing with its Manufacturers Council to promote the pool, spa and hot tub industry to consumers, increase awareness of the APSP brand, emphasize the value of its certification programs, grow APSP membership, and support local chapters. A fall launch is expected. Check future Industry Currents for more on this exciting program.
Diesel Prices Cause Shipping Costs to Rise; APSP Responds
The Energy Information Administration reported on May 12, 2008 that the national average price of retail on-highway diesel shot up 18.2 cents to an all-time high of $4.33 per gallon. The national average is 56.2 percent higher than during the same week in 2007. In the U.S., the average price of a gallon of ultra-low sulfur diesel surged 17.7 cents to $4.33. Because trucks haul 70 percent of all freight tonnage, rising fuel costs have the potential to increase the cost of business operations including shipping for tradeshows and expedited freight and mail services. Through a members-only partnership, APSP has partnered with DHL, Yellow Freight, Roadway and UPS Supply Chain Solutions to offer a complete menu of business-to-business shipping services. MORE.
Texas Ants Eat Homes’ Electrics
May 16: A plague of voracious raspberry ants causes havoc in Texas, invading homes, attacking wildlife and destroying electrical equipment. NBC's Janet Shamlian reports.
APSP Pool and Spa Safety Week is Almost Here! Are You Ready?
From Maine to California, APSP members are finding ways to bring the first annual APSP Pool and Spa Safety Week to consumers (May 31 – June 6). Don’t miss this chance to show your customers that their safety is your number one priority. Review all the resourcesavailable to you and read
the press releasethat has been widely distributed to media everywhere.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will host a special event in Washington DC TODAY that will focus on the recently enacted Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. APSP President and CEO Bill Weber and Senior Technical Director Carvin DiGiovanni will attend. MORE.
APSP Advanced Pool Builder Program Offers High-Level Education
Spotlighting important topics challenging today's pool builders, the APSP Builders Council will present the Advanced Pool Builder Program during the 2008 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in Las Vegas. This fifth annual two-day educational program provides pool builders with high-level, cutting-edge seminars on current and emerging technologies and concepts. Scheduled on November 16 and 17, the program's planned topics include concrete decks, vanishing-edge and rim-flow pools, construction of large waterfalls, upscale glass tile installation, gunite and shotcrete in pool construction, and advanced hydraulics. Plan to attend, click here for a preview of topics, and visit the www.poolspapatio.comWeb site for more details. Sponsorship opportunities available!
FREE Tech Manual for Best Technician Job Description
Do you have a great job description for your service technician professionals? Are you willing to share your ideas with others in the industry? The Career Institute is gathering job descriptions in order to develop a job profile for beginning, intermediate and advanced service technicians. Submissions will also be used to create a library of job and performance related resources. All of the descriptions will be reviewed, and the best entry will receive special recognition in an upcoming Industry Currents newsletter and a free APSP Service Tech Manual. If you have a job description that outlines the knowledge, skills and abilities that are needed in today’s pool, spa and hot tub service technicians, please forward it to Michael Reed at mreed@apsp.org.
U.S. CDC, National Swimming Pool Foundation Establish Crypto Outbreak Alert System
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) have established a Cryptosporidium (Crypto) Outbreak Alert System to help aquatic facilities protect their patrons from recreational water illnesses (RWIs). The Crypto Alert System focuses on prevention strategies and building awareness. For details on how this vital, innovative alert system will work, and the tools available to you to educate facility personnel and protect swimmers, click here.
APSP Water Quality Committee to Present Technical Program at National Conference for Public Health Officials
The Recreational Water Quality Committee (RWQ) is presenting an educational program at the 2008 National Environmental Health Association’s (NEHA) annual conference and the program will highlight APSP’s new Water Quality Standard for Public Pools and Spas. The RWQ Committee’s program is scheduled June 24 during the conference, which is being held in Tucson, AZ, June 22-25. The RWQ program is part of an all-day swimming pool/recreational waters track, which is jointly sponsored by NEHA and APSP. NEHA is the national professional society for environmental health practitioners. MORE.
There will be no Industry Currents for the week of May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.
IC will resume June 4. Have a safe and happy holiday!