In The News: August 19, 2010

Gotta Show

A picture is not worth a thousand words when it comes to selling gazebos. Even if your gazebo sales have slowed during the recession, the economy will come back, along with the gazebo buyers. Your chances of seeing this category rebound faster improve dramatically if you display one or more gazebos.

Read more about gazebo sales.

Upping The Ante

Genesis 3 now offers a professional certification program for service technicians. The program requires the completion of three educational components: G3 Elements of Construction, NSPF Certified Pool/Spa Operator Certification, and G3 Renovation and Remodeling of Existing Pools - Spas, parts A and B.

"Historically, some of our industry's best builders and remodelers have originated in the service segment," says Skip Phillips, G3 co-founder. "Our classes - and the resulting certification - will give service firms the tools they need to enhance their value to their clients as well as increase their bottom-line performance."

Elements of Construction is a three-day program that requires participants to pass a final exam on the last day of the class. The NSPF CPO course requires the completion of 14 to 16 hours of instruction and successful passage of a written exam. The Renovation and Remodeling course is a single-day seminar taught by David Tisherman and David Peterson.

Because the pool and spa industry has suffered for many years from inadequate education and training, G3 says, substandard installations now provide excellent opportunities for enlightened remodeling and the creation of watershaping art.

"To address that need, we've developed a program that cuts through years of bad assumptions and misinformation," says Phillips.

For more information, visit www.genesis3.com.

New Officers For APSP Board Of Directors

The APSP's national nominating committee has selected the following members to serve on the 2011 executive committee of the board of directors:

Kathleen Carlson, chairman, senior vice president, sale and marketing for Aqua Quip; Joe Amato, chairman-elect, president and CEO of Amato Industries; Charlie Schobel, past chairman, vice president/general manager of BioLab. The selection process for the secretary/treasurer and optional executive board member is not yet complete.

Call For Entries to the 2011 AQUA Choice Awards

Pool builders are now submitting entries for the 2011 AQUA Choice Awards, an annual competition that recognizes the most beautiful, challenging and intriguing pool projects. A panel of industry experts will judge entries, and winners will be showcased in AQUA Magazine and presented in a gallery on the AQUA Website. Entry deadline is Oct. 1. For more information go to www.aquamagazine.com or call Scott Webb 800/7228764 ext. 124.

Free Online Garden Design Workshop

Derek Fell, a nationally recognized garden design expert, photographer and author will present a 60-minute online workshop on Wednesday, Aug. 25, in conjunction with Horticulture Magazine, which covers planning, designing and creating balance in gardens and landscapes, including water gardens.

The presentation begins at 2:00 EST and will feature a 40-minute lesson followed by a 20-minute Q&A session. For more information, visit hortmag.com/article/freegardendesignworkshop.

You Heard It First

"Consumer education and employee education are crucial components to our business. We train, train, and keep training all of our employees. The saying that you are only as strong as your weakest link is true!"

- Jamie Ori, president of Rosebrook Pools, Libertyville, Ill.

Read more about consumer and employee education in our State of the Industry issue.