In The News: September 2009

3M Discontinues Colorquartz Division

3M Industrial Mineral Products announced Monday that it will discontinue its Colorquartz Division. The company hopes to be out of the business by Jan. 1, 2010, says Fred Zonino, sales and marketing manager.

"We're going to provide our customers some time to place final orders," says Zonino. "What we'll do is take orders, we won't necessarily commit to shipping them. We'll kind of compile them and see where we are, and then it's conceivable that we might make some product to sort of finish it off.

"We are committed to a smooth transition," adds Zonino.

An official announcement has been mailed to 3M customers. For questions, please contact the company directly.

BioLab Gains Distribution Rights of SUN Brand

BioLab recently reached an agreement with General Pool & Spa Supply, Rancho Cordova, Calif., to be the exclusive distributor and marketer for its SUN brand of pool chemicals in Arizona, Nevada, and northern and central California.

"The SUN brand has been well known in the pool industry for more than 40 years," says Brian Stupp, director of marketing for BioLab's Pro Channel. "Having SUN promoted and supported by General's knowledgeable staff of seasoned professionals is one of the key reasons we're pleased to have them represent our brand."

Phil Gelhaus, president for General Pool & Spa, notes, "We are elated to have SUN back in our product offering. We've carried the line since 1999 and it has always been known by consumers and people within the industry for its distinctive yellow-and-red packaging and for being some of the highest-quality product out there. The brand fits well with our goal of providing the best products and outstanding customer service."

BioLab also reports it is continuing to explore exclusive distribution opportunities for the SUN brand in other areas of the United States.

Always Time For A Higher Education

Connie Sue Centrella, program director for online Keiser University Aquatic Engineering AS degree program, recently completed her online master of business administration degree with the university. She earned her MBA in leadership for managers.

"I began my MBA journey over 30 years ago, but due to business and personal responsibilities, I did not finish my degree," says Centrella. "My goal was not to 'climb any ladders' or 'break any class ceilings,' rather, to gain knowledge in the current business environment to assist my educational training programs."

The program took Centrella 14 months to complete and it was done entirely online.

"I confess I have a new sense of empowerment," says Centrella. "After years of going through the motions, both professional and internally, my mind is now awakened. It's like a sponge, soaking up new knowledge and broadening the promises in my future."