Swimming Pool Retail Academy Earns Accreditation from APSP
Swimming Pool Retail Academy has been accredited by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals as a leader in pool and spa continuing education for its online basic training course, “How Pools Operate.” Pool dealers and their employees who complete this course will receive five C.E. credit hours. The credit also applies to any student who has previously completed the course.
“How Pools Operate” offers six online interactive lessons covering basic information on pool operations, including types of pools, circulation, filtration, cleaning, testing, and basic chemistry. The lessons also contain self-guided activity worksheets to perform in the store environment, a comprehensive glossary, digital note cards for review, a final exam and a certificate of completion. Employees can complete the online courses at their convenience, outside of store hours.
“Our training course is designed to help every employee reach a basic knowledge threshold quickly, so they can become a trusted, credible source of information to attract and maintain loyal customers,” says Larry Bloom, co-founder of Swimming Pool Retail Academy. “We’re pleased that the APSP has recognized the value of our course through continuing education credit hours.”
SeaKlear/Halosource Receives 2012 ‘Best of Bothell’ Award
Halosource, the parent company of the SeaKlear brand of swimming pool and spa water treatment products, has been selected for the 2012 Best of Bothell Award in the High Purity Chemicals category by the Bothell Award Program.
Each year, the Bothell Award Program identifies companies that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community.
The 2012 Bothell Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Bothell Award Program and data provided by third parties.
APi Gets Fresh Look
APi is pleased to announce the launch of a newly-renovated website. The updated site features a fresh new look and better design that provides a user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality throughout.
The new website also offers more content including added photos, videos and additional information on APi's product lineup, including their new product, REVEAL. And best of all, the site has been designed using the latest technology, so it is now compatible with today's browsers and mobile devices, allowing customers to access detailed product information wherever.
In addition, APi has also remodeled and expanded their Trade Partner Portal to provide their dealer and distributor network with an improved online experience and more resources. The new portal includes access to dealer testimonials, marketing materials, MSDS, promotions, recorded training presentations as well as details on how to participate in live webinar trainings and information on their new commercial program. The link to this portal is discretely located in the bottom right corner of the site.
The company says the redesigned site is part of APi’s ongoing commitment to establish the highest standard of customer service in the industry by exceeding customer expectations.
ClearDeck Appoints New Sales Reps
ClearDeck Systems in Windsor, Ontario, appointed Byrd Moreton & Associates, Inc. as sales representatives for their patented, flush-with-deck solar blanket reel systems. Byrd/Moreton will be responsible for the state of Florida according to Bob Maxwell, US Marketing and Sales consultant to ClearDeck. Byrd Moreton owners Brenda Brennan and Tim Moreton also own Atlantic Sales Connection, another sales agency representing ClearDeck Systems in the 13 Northeast United States.
BioGuard Holds Enrichment Conference
BioGuard hosted its annual Enrichment Conference for Platinum Dealers in January. Held in Punta Cana and kicking off a year-long celebration of BioGuard's 50th anniversary, the Conference included innovative programming, business education seminars and motivating speakers squarely focused on helping dealers make an impact now and better prepare for the future.
Highlights included:
- Business sessions with a digital marketing expert and a small business economist who shared their takes on the changing economy and what to expect in the coming years
- A series of presentations designed for non-traditional education and enhanced networking that discussed Salt Pool Growth and the Future; Digital Marketing Positive Strategies and Tactics for Small Business; and Independent Retailers vs. the Big Box: Capitalizing on Dealer Strengths
- Keynote speaker Todd Bucholz, who focused on the economy and how dealers can thrive in a challenging environment and prepare themselves for future prosperity.
NSPF Grows With New Staff Member
The National Swimming Pool Foundation announced the appointment of Christopher Sawyer to the position of Mission Development Specialist. Sawyer was recently hired to assist with the Foundation’s efforts to foster education, empowering and elevating more aquatic professionals across the United States. Sawyer brings 10 years of experience in the aquatic industry to this position.
As holder of the Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CPO)Certification, Sawyer qualified for and received an NSPF $1,000 scholarship in 2009.
“He’s really a perfect match to work with industry professionals because he understands the roles, as he himself has worked in many aspects of aquatics,” says Michelle Kavanaugh, Mission Development U.S., of the National Swimming Pool Foundation. “His passion for everything aquatic and helping others in our field is contagious.”
“I never imagined I would have the privilege to carry the torch of education to tens of thousands of pool professionals,” Sawyer says. “It’s an honor to help save lives and help promote the health benefits of aquatic activity.”
Hydro-Quip National Sales Team Grows
Hydro-Quip recently appointed several new sales rep firms to their national sales team. BCS Sales, which includes a team of 5 sales representatives, is now responsible for the Western states of CA, OR, ID, MT, NV, AZ, UT, NM, CO, WY and WA.
Hydro-Quip sales representatives have a variety of responsibilities which will help continue to build the companies pool/spa distributor and dealer network.
