Selling the Loan to Sell the Pool
Selling your customers a pool often includes educating them about getting a home loan in today’s stormy financial market. Read Matthew Bratsis’ advice to lenders in Navigating the Financial Seas.
(Reprinted from The Edge by permission of the author and the Northeast Spa & Pool Association)
APSP Invited to Participate on Energy Efficiency Task Force of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
APSP has been invited to join the National Association of Manufacturers’ (NAM) Energy Efficiency Task Force. As a member of the task force APSP will introduce pools and spas into the national agenda for energy efficiency. If you are interested in participating, you can either join the task force directly if your company is a member of NAM, or to be added to an APSP email distribution list to review and comment on the work being discussed, send an email to Carvin DiGiovanni. Indicate in your email that you are interested in monitoring this activity and include the name and email address of your company’s contact. MORE.
California Passes Unlicensed Contractor Bill
The California legislature has passed legislation (AB 2335) that requires a full explanation of homeowners’ liabilities and potential costs when employing an unlicensed contractor. AB 2335 was a reaction to the large number of unlicensed contractors in the state and it targets unlicensed contractors who manage home improvement projects, as well as swimming pools and spas. The bill was sent to Governor Schwarzenegger on June 26, and he is expected to sign it. APSP’s Carvin DiGiovanni said that the California legislationis important because of the possibility of other states enacting similar measures. MORE.
APSP Pool & Spa Safety Week Wrap-Up
APSP first annual Pool & Spa Safety Week, held May 31-June 6 was very successful. There were displays, such as the one at the Chesapeake, Virginia library showing APSP safety brochures and other materials. Governors and mayors signed proclamations in New Hampshire, Arkansas, Connecticut and Maryland. Mark Laven, who serves on the APSP Board of Directors and is President of Latham International, delivered pool and spa safety messages on TV in Albany, NY. Radio Disney aired our Public Service Announcements in Sacramento, CA, and items appeared in various newspapers such as the Orange County Register and the Dallas Morning News. Read the results of a survey sent to all APSP members requesting input to make our safety celebration bigger and better next year.
U.S. Small Business Administration Reports Increase in Small Business Loans in 2007
The number of small business loans outstanding (under $1 million) increased by 15 percent between June 2006 and June 2007, according to a report released recently by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). A subset of loans—those between $100,000 and $1 million—increased by almost 32 percent. MORE.
Awards of Excellence—Deadline July 18
The deadline to submit your entries for the APSP International Awards of Excellence is less than three weeks away! Each year APSP recognizes its members for outstanding pool, hot tub and water feature installations in more than 30 categories. This year the competition features new commercial categories. The entry deadline is July 18. To enter, visit www.InternationalAwardsofExcellence.com.
Builders Council Accepting Nominations for 2008 CBP of the Year Award
Nominations for the 2008 CBP of the Year Award will be accepted by the APSP Builders Council until 4 pm Pacific Time, August 1, 2008. 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.
Register Now for Savings at 5th Annual World Aquatic Health Conference
The National Swimming Pool Foundation’s annual World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC) will be on October 15-17, 2008 at the foot of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Attendees who register before August 2 will save $75 on the conference registration. The latest science associated with aquatics will be presented, and day trips will be organized to entertain accompanying guests, spouses, and family members, including a visit to the Olympic Training Center. Check out the conference at a glance, including hotel information.
Compliant Suction Outlet Covers
Any APSP member manufacturers that have suction outlet covers and grates that are in compliance with the 2007 ASME A112.19.8 standard, Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs, should provide their product information to Carvin DiGiovanni. Visit APSP.org for a list of manufacturers who have met the ASME requirements.
You can contribute to IC. Click hereto find out how, or send an email to ic@APSP.org. You may also fax 703.549.0493.