The APSP's Hot Tub Council convened in April to discuss the state of the industry and to begin to create a strategic plan for growth. Forty one industry members representing manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and service professionals met in Chicago to gather information and exchange ideas about how to elevate the profile of the sector.
"The research we're seeing on demographics, income and backyard spending tell us that significant growth is possible," says Bill Weber, APSP president. "Some very positive and aggressive next steps came out of this meeting to take advantage of this opportunity."
The boating industry has faced challenges very similar to the hot tub industry. Attendees heard from Steve Tadd of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, who shared some of the work the NMMA has done to improve both the image of boating and sales with the "Grow Boating" initiative and the group's consumer campaign, "Discover Boating."
Bil Kennedy of PK Data shared research that shows spending on outdoor living spaces and at-home entertaining is growing, yet hot tubs have only about 8 percent penetration into a market of around 54 million households that could conceivably afford to own a hot tub.
With the help of a professional meeting facilitator, the group developed a framework for both a shortterm and long-term growth strategy with firm goals.
"We've started something good here," said Bob Hallam, president of Dimension One Spas. "All we needed to accomplish here today was to reach a consensus that we need to do something. We went much further than that."
BUSINESS BRIEFS
After a one-year absence, the SOUTHWEST POOL AND SPA SHOW returned in 2007. The 2008 show will feature an expanded education program, organizers say.
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (ASLA) has announced the recipients of its 2007 Professional Awards. The jury considered over 500 entries and selected 38 projects to receive awards. Many of the residential award-winners feature breathtaking pools and water features. The awards will be presented on Oct. 8 at the ASLA Annual Meeting in San Francisco. To see pictures and descriptions, visit http://www.asla.org/awards/2007/ 07winners/.
SEAKLEAR has launched a new series of seminars on understanding and fighting recreational water illness. Contact Mark Marcano at [email protected] or 404/723-3825 for details.
INTERMATIC has developed a nationwide training tour to educate industry members on control products, including the company's InTouch Wireless Home Controls.
Visit intermatic.com for specific times and locations.
The Russian National Standards Body has signed a memorandum of understanding with ASTM INTERNATIONAL . The stated goal of the MOU is to increase cooperation between the parties in the development of international standards.
To celebrate its 50th year in the safety cover business, MEYCO PRODUCTS gave away a rotary hammer drill and carbide bits during January's Atlantic City Show to contest-winner Jim Laski, owner of the Pool Co., Riverdale, N.J.
TAYLOR TECHNOLOGIES is offering its dealers an array of colorful merchandising aids as a thankyou gift for completing its latest survey. To complete the survey, go to taylortechnologies.com, then click on "contact us" and choose "marketing surveys."
ESCALADE SPORTS celebrates 80 years in business this year. The company started out in 1927 as the Indian Archery and Toy Company.
SKAMPER-RAMP recently received the American Pet Association's Seal of Approval for its namesake water-escape ramp.
SSC POOL GASKET & SEAL CO. recently updated its Web site — poolgasket.com — with new products and current prices.
