Avoid Disaster in 2012 with this Free APSP Webinar
In the month of January you can view the webinar "Avoiding Disaster: Protecting Your Customer and Your Business Using the ANSI-APSP Pool and Spa Standards" for free. Presented by APSP's legal counsel Steven Getzoff, J.D., Lester Schwab Katz & Dwyer, this webinar will help you learn how the ANSI/APSP Standards can help your company avoid costly mistakes, improve your business practices, and reduce your risk. This is your chance to get 40 minutes of advice you can't get from your neighborhood attorney! Click here to view this webinar at no charge during January 2012. For more information, e-mail the APSP Career Institute or call 703.838.0083 ext. 274.
Nominations Now Being Accepted for the 2012 Dr. Neil Lowry Memorial Award
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2012 Dr. Neil Lowry Memorial Award. The Award will honor and provide $5,000 to a public health official or department that has made a positive contribution to the public's healthy and safe use of recreational water. The Award supports continuing educational, technical, and operational activities of public health officials and departments. This is an ideal opportunity to gain industry recognition for yourself or one of your colleagues. The nomination submission deadline is May 1, 2012. To download the application, click here. For more information, e-mail Bernice Crenshaw.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Peak Legislative Season Kicks Off
The peak legislative season has begun with many state legislatures having started session last week. As new legislation unfolds, we will be keeping you up to date with Voter Voice alerts. These timely matters need your immediate attention so provide us feedback and get involved so your legislators know what matters to you. For a list of upcoming convening session dates in your state, visit here. For a list of bills that have been filed in 2012 thus far, visit here. This includes legislation in Massachusetts, Tennessee, West Virginia, Washington, Indiana, and Florida. Contact Jennifer Hatfield on how to get involved with your state legislation.
DOT Restricts Mobile Phone USe; Employers Should Implement Policy
A new rule restricts the use of hand held mobile telephones and devices by drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMV). This rule went into effect on January 3, 2012, and was adopted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which are part of the Department of Transportation. It amends both Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations and Hazardous Materials regulations. The rule restricts CMV drivers from reaching for or holding mobile telephones while operating their vehicles, or pushing more than one button to operate the device. Commercial motor vehicle drivers are still permitted to use mobile telephones and other mobile devices as long as their use complies with the new regulation. The popular Push-To-Talk (PTT) feature used by many drivers is prohibited by this new rule. Employers should prepare and implement a policy consistent with the new regulation, and train their CMV drivers on the policy. For more information about this rule, e-mail Jennifer Hatfield. Click here for more information on what qualifies as a CMV and view Frequently Asked Questions on the ban of cell phones
MEMBER NEWS
Watch Your Email for Membership Survey
Within the next two weeks, APSP members can expect to receive an email with a link to a membership survey. APSP has recently partnered with The Loyalty Research Center with the purpose of implementing a formal process for members to provide feedback on our performance and your perceptions of the quality and value of our products and services. As a valued member of APSP, your opinion is of great importance to us. Once you receive the email, please take a few minutes and complete it. For more information, email Lisa Grepps.
The Winter BIS Market Report Now Available
Subscribers to the Business Intelligence Service (BIS) will be receiving their Winter Briefing via email. If you’re not a BIS subscriber, you’re missing out on a great research tool to help you stay abreast of emerging opportunities and changing trends that impact your business. Become a subscriber today at APSP.org/Store or call us at 703.838.0083 ext. 301.
APSP Member Portal Updated
APSP recently upgraded our member portal on the APSP.org website. Through the upgraded member portal, members can now enjoy an improved shopping experience in the APSP Store, reprint invoices for transactions and update contact information. Soon members will also be able to view their APSP education history, register online for CST and CMS courses and local chapter events. Please note, as a security measure all passwords have been reset. You can easily retrieve your new password right on the site by clicking "Forgot Password" and entering your old user name or email address.
If you have any trouble obtaining your username and/or password, please e-mail APSP Member Services or call 703.838.0083 ext. 301.
Industry Great Passes
On Friday, December 30, 2011, Riviera Pool & Spa cofounder and former APSP Mid South Chapter President Milton Stewart succumbed to throat cancer. He is survived by his mother, wife Analyn and son Josh. Milton first entered the pool industry in 1971 as a Service Manager for Memphis Pool. In 1985, he and Greg Pickle co-founded Riviera Pool & Spa. Over the years, his skills, work ethic, keen insight, and positive attitude were key to growing Riviera Pool & Spa. Our thoughts are with the Stewart family at this time.
Industry to Celebrate Al Rizzo, Jr.
A lifetime achievement dinner celebration is planned for Albert Rizzo, Jr., Friday, March 23, 7 pm at La Renaissance in East Windsor, CT. All are invited to join Al’s friends, family and industry and business associates for this celebration of one of the pioneers of the swimming pool industry. Register for this event at www.conspa.org/rizzo.
CHAPTER NEWS & EVENTS
Central Virginia
Design Award Presentation & Reception - January 24, 2012
Contact Jason Vaughan for more details.
South Carolina
Table – Top Show & Education - February 8 – 9, 2012
Contact Mike Oyer for more details.
Greater Houston
2012 Southwest Pool & Spa Show - March 1 – 3, 2012
Contact Michael Mill for more details.
NEWS HEADLINES
MyAPSP Newsletter
Check out the most recent MyAPSP Newsletter here.
December 13, 2011
Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Hot Tub This Holiday Season
Click here to read the press release
November 15, 2011
APSP Celebrates the Best of Pool, Spa & Hot Tub Design
Click here to read the press release
November 14, 2011
ICC & APSP Announce Approval of First International Swimming Pool & Spa Code
Click here to read the press release
October 26, 2011
APSP to Host 41st Annual International AOE Reception and Program
Click here to read the press release
October 12, 2011
Southern California Pool Builder receives Top Industry Award
Click here to read the press release.
September 9, 2011
APSP Teams Up with FBI to Educate Industry on Homeland Security
Click here to read the press release.
September 8, 2011
New APSP Tools to Promote Energy Efficiency to Customers
Click here to read the press release.
August 8, 2011
APSP Standard Becomes Federal Law Through the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
Click here to read the press release.
August 4, 2011
Discovery's Shark Week Reinforces the Appeal of Backyard Pools, Spas, & Hot Tubs
Click here to read the press release.
MEMBER PERK$
Risk Control Safety Tools & Snow Maintenance in the Off Season
You might be surprised how often injuries and accidents can be prevented. That's why CNA and APSP have teamed up to offer a series of safety materials that address common losses for APSP members. This month, we feature an article about what you need to know about snow maintenance work. For more information about CNA and their liability insurance discounts exclusively for APSP members, visit cna.com/APSP, e-mail Jason Oswald, CNA Underwriting Director, or call 303.858.4146.
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