“We’re honored to receive this prestigious award from one of the premier drowning prevention organizations in the nation,” said Katey Taylor, co-founder of Abbey’s Hope and mother of Abbey Taylor, who died in 2008 as a result of injuries sustained in an improperly maintained pool drain cover. “The efforts of Abbey’s Hope are not done for recognition, but to protect kids and in turn keep Abbey’s wish alive – that no child should ever suffer like she did.”
More information on the award and its criteria can be found www.ndpa.org. Find out more about Abbey’s Hope at www.abbeyshope.org.
• Joe Marcotte has been named national sales manager for Filbur Manufacturing’s pool and spa markets. Marcotte brings with him 20 years of sales experience, having represented Zodiac and Jandy in multiple states across the country, as well as owning a pool construction, retail and service company. He most recently operated his own manufacturer’s representative company, Marcotte Services, serving several states with multiple product lines. In his new role, will be responsible for all aspects of the Filbur’s pool and spa business, including daily customer-focused activities and tactical and long-term strategic planning.
• Beachcomber Hot Tubs held its annual retail store training workshops earlier this year, hosting more than 200 for two days of training, motivation and instruction. During the event, which was held in three Canadian locations, the company handed out awards to several of its top dealers:
Beachcomber Hot Tubs, Cranbrook, British Columbia, was recognized as the Store of the Year for a small market; Tropical Pool & Spa, Prince George, British Columbia, was named the Store of the Year in the medium-sized market category; and Beachcomber Hot Tubs & Patio won recognition as the Store of the Year among dealers in large urban areas. Tropical was also given the Tethys Award of Excellence as the top dealer overall.
• Columbia Spas of Jefferson, Ore., recently teamed up with a local radio station to support St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital’s efforts to find a cure for childhood cancers. The manufacturer says it has donated spas and helped to raise close to $600,000 for the cause over the past five years.
