We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I want to urge you to take a "glass-half-full" approach to 2009. There are so many opportunities ahead and so many well-begun projects to carry on.
The pool and spa industry has never had a higher - or more professional - profile. We've been instrumental in shaping important safety legislation. We have worked with state agencies to develop new standards for efficiency that will ensure that our products are relevant into the future. Scores of volunteers have put in countless hours working to unite competitors and jointly promote our products for the benefit of all.
There has been great progress toward educating inspectors and health officials about our products and services and thereby bringing them into the mainstream. Just imagine a day when code officials see pool construction as commonplace as building a garage or adding an addition.
So keep this volume close at hand. Together with your talents and hard work, you'll have everything you need to be successful in 2009. And don't forget to implement some efficiencies of your own by consulting the Guide's online brother. The entire book is searchable by products, suppliers, regions - and at www.aquamagazine.com you'll find tools to help you use the data even more effectively.
Make this your best year ever.
