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Greater Austin/Central Texas Chapter Receives PHTA Chapter of the Year Award
The PHTA Chapter of the Year is awarded to a Chapter that has proven its commitment to the pool, spa and hot tub industry in various ways. This year’s recipient has shown great success in a time of adversity and we are pleased to announce the Greater Austin Chapter as this year's winner.
This chapter gives back to its community by partnering with the Judah Brown Project, providing funding for survival swim instruction. The chapter is heavily involved in Austin City Council ordinance regarding the International Swimming Pool & Spa Code and local amendments with at least one BOD member attending all meetings.
The chapter even takes their efforts a step further to ensure their voice is heard in the industry. They are involved in water conservation groups that include the Central Texas Water Coalition, furthering their efforts to advocate for policies that will preserve irreplaceable natural resources that supply water for Central Texas' 2 million residents and provide an important regional economic engine for the state of Texas.
Congratulations to the Greater Austin/Central Texas Chapter for their hard work and dedication to the industry!
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Michael Lasher Takes Over as Director of CPSA (HS)
PHTA is proud to announce that Michael Lasher, IOM, recently joined PHTA as Director of the California Pool and Spa Association.
Lasher is an association executive with nearly 29 years of experience in non-profit management. Through his affiliation with the association management firm Gayle Stewart Enterprises, Inc., he currently serves as Chapter Administrator for the Orange County Chapter, International Facility Management Association (IMFA OC), which delivers educational programs and services to professionals in the facilities management industry. He also is the Chapter Administrator for Meeting Professionals International, Orange County Chapter (MPIOC), which serves the local meetings and events industry.
Michelle Kavanaugh, current Executive Director of the CPSA, is switching her focus to consulting industry businesses. Kavanaugh said she is happy to pass the torch to Lasher.
"It has been a true honor to serve the California pool and spa industry as Executive Director of the California Pool & Spa Association for the last two years," said Kavanaugh. "The members of CPSA are in great hands with their new leader, Michael Lasher, and I am excited for my next journey as business owner of MK Inc., where I will assist small businesses with achieving success personally and professionally."
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.EDUCATION
PHTA Welcomes New Instructors During Virtual Instructor School
PHTA successfully held its first Virtual Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) Instructor School. Out of fifteen candidates, PHTA welcomed 11 new instructors and two provisional instructors.
PHTA continues to adapt its industry-leading education and certification program for virtual delivery while ensuring quality instruction. Sessions were held on Zoom for five nights, four hours each night. The new Virtual CPO Instructor School included pre-recorded lectures by the assessment proctors, as well as quizzes and exams. The exams were completed online through Thought Industries, an online learning management platform.
Candidates also completed the Pool Operator Primer course and the Recreational Water Illness course. They were then asked to present on three different chapters from the CPO Handbook, both in group settings and one-on-one with the assessment proctor.
Because virtual learning will be here to stay throughout 2021 as well, PHTA has made it a priority to develop training specifically for virtual environments, rather than simply continue to do things the way they were done in-person. Since the beginning of the pandemic, PHTA has taught and certified almost 9,000 CPOs virtually.
The next Virtual CPO Instructor School is scheduled for March. Twenty-six candidates have already signed up.
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The First-Ever PSP/Deck Expo — Virtual Edition Connected Industry Leaders and Influencers
The 2020 version of the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo, co-located with DeckExpo (PSP/Deck Expo) occurred virtually from Nov. 11-13, 2020. Known for showcasing the latest trends and technologies to create the "total backyard," the event reunited professionals in the pool, spa, patio, decking, and outdoor living industries.
The PSP/Deck Expo – Virtual Edition hosted 93 vendors, and 2,643 participants. Over the course of the event, there were 575 confirmed meetings and 10,817 profile views of vendors.
"Our industry had an incredible year," said Ray Giovine, group director at Informa Markets. "We knew that reuniting would be a great way to celebrate the year's successes and leap into 2021 with incredible momentum. We were disappointed it wasn't possible to meet in person, but the base elements of vendor exploration, education, and networking were still there."
The Virtual Edition pivoted several traditional in-person features to an online format, including:
- Three live Power Panels (the event's version of a keynote). Traditionally, the three Panels focused on Builders, Retailers, and Service Techs are held concurrently. But with the online version, Panels kicked off each day.
- 25+ on-demand education sessions, across tracks of Business, Builder, Service, Retail, and Deck. Carefully selected and conveniently delivered, the educational content was pulled from the already-published session lineup.
- A reception hosted by Master Pools Guild
- 93 vendors in the Virtual Exhibitor Directory. Attendees had the option to pre-schedule meetings, or have drop-in meetings the days of the event
- Product Showcase: vendors displayed their latest technology and solutions, outside of the booths.
"The industry gathers at PSP/Deck Expo for inspiration and education. We're amazed at the spaces that are created and serviced by our attendees, with the products and technology from our vendors," said Giovine. "With the virtual edition, those lessons learned and new tools can be applied immediately, and we're anxious to see this energy carry into 2021."
Save the Date: 2021
The PSP/Deck Expo returns to an in-person format in 2021. Show dates are from Nov. 13-18, and the event is in Dallas. The housing block is currently open. Call for Proposals will open in January.
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.ADVOCACY
COVID-19 Updates
Iowa: This order extended the public health emergency in Iowa until January 8, 2021, at 11:00 pm, however, certain provisions expire sooner.
Washington: This order requires Washington residents and businesses to comply with health and safety guidelines and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pennsylvania: This order establishes temporary COVID-related restrictions in Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island: This measure requires any person diagnosed with COVID-19 by a licensed health care practitioner by assessment of symptoms or by laboratory testing must immediately self-isolate in accordance with RIDOH guidance.
Ohio: This order requires Ohio residents to stay at home, except for essential activity, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mississippi: This order requires residents of certain Mississippi counties to wear a face covering inside businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Massachusetts: This measure implements further restrictions on gatherings in Massachusetts. It also continues the face mask requirement and requires event venues assist in contact tracing.
North Carolina: Governor Roy Cooper has issued an executive order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wyoming: This executive order implements a face-covering mandate in the state of Wyoming.
Wyoming: This order prohibits gatherings of more than ten (10) people to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Kentucky: Governor Beshear issued an executive order extending the mask mandate until January 2.
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Protector for the vendor in the pool and hot-tub industry! RBS Planet, Inc. will market your products and product lines through our established network. We would welcome the opportunity to show you how RBS Planet, Inc. can benefit your company by becoming part of your sales force.
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COVID-19 Liability
Missouri: This measure would provide liability protections from COVID-19 suits to businesses. Status: Prefiled.
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Legislative Updates
Texas: This measure amends state code to require employees of contractors and subcontractors to be covered under workers' compensation insurance. Status: Filed.
Florida: This measure amends current law, expanding safety requirements for residential swimming pools in order to pass a final inspection and receive a certificate of completion by a home inspector. It also prohibits property owners from transferring a parcel of land that has a swimming pool unless the swimming pool has safety features and provides for enforcement of its provisions. Status: Prefiled.
Washington, D.C.: This measure prohibits certain products from being sold or offered for sale, lease, or rent in the District unless the efficiency of the product meets or exceeds the efficiency standards set forth in the measure. Status: Passed City Council.
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The proven alternative filter media — over 20 years of success with tens of thousands of installations throughout the world.
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Spa Electrics are the leading manufacturer of premium underwater LED lights. Introducing our award winning Atom Series, available for concrete, fiberglass and vinyl pools.The Atom features innovative solutions for installation and servicing. Powerful in performance, the ATOM Series can be used to illuminate even the largest pools with ease.
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Regulatory Updates
California: The California Building Standards Commission is discussing amendments to the California Building Standards.
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Local Updates
Greenwood, SC: On December 15, the County Council considered an ordinance concerning swimming pools.
Lincoln Park, NJ: On December 17, the Planning Board will consider swimming pool ordinances.
Miami-Dade, FL: On December 15, the County Commissioners considered adopting an ordinance relating to pool lighting and voltage limitations for pool lighting for private and public swimming pools and bathing places.
Lakewood, WA: On December 7, the City Council considered adoption of swimming and spa codes.
Louisville, KY: On December 10, the Metro Council voted on the ordinance amending Chapter 115 of the Metro Code adding new sections concerning water safety personnel and requirements for swimming facilities.
Cartersville, GA: On December 3, the City Council heard the second and final reading of the ordinance concerning requirements for swimming pool fences, and voted on its adoption.
Questions or input on any legislative, regulatory, or local matters should be directed to Jennifer Hatfield at jhatfield@phta.org.
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.THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
PLATINUM PARTNERS
GOLD PARTNERS
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NATIONAL WATER SAFETY MONTH PARTNER |
AFFILIATES
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