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- House panel endorses Consumer Financial Protection Agency
The House Financial Services Committee has signed off on the establishment of the Consumer Financial Protection Agency, a federal body that would supervise financial products sold to consumers. The CFPA would have broad authority over a range of companies, from major banks to small payday-loan shops. However, the bill has undergone significant changes since it was first proposed by the White House. Automobile dealerships, for example, would be exempted from oversight by the agency under the current bill. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model)
(10/23), The Washington Post
(10/23)     
- Houston boosts enforcement of pool-construction rules
Houston is cracking down on all areas of pool construction, including hydraulics, lighting and the use of steel, pool contractors say. They note that the city in August began requiring homeowners who purchased a new pool to sign an affidavit acknowledging that the pool builder would build a vessel on their property and that they are at least 18 years old. The city also requires a breakdown of the percentage of the property that contains green space compared with "hardscape." Pool & Spa News
(10/23)
| In the News | | |
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- Recession shrinks hot tub market, observers say
The economic downturn has forced some spa retailers to close their doors, and many hot tub makers are struggling to stay afloat, industry experts say. They expect 150,000 hot tubs to be sold this year, down from about 450,000 in 2004-2005. "If we dip below 100,000 units annually, I can't see where this industry can sustain 60 to 70 manufacturers," said Lauren Stack, director of public affairs and industry promotion for APSP. She said some retailers have scaled back the amount of space devoted to hot tubs, which limits the exposure to consumers. Pool & Spa News
(10/21)
- Designer transforms concrete patio into green space
California Landscape designer Stephanie Bartron recently transformed a solid concrete patio into a green space by slicing it into a grid of 18-inch squares. Now rainwater is absorbed into the ground instead of running off the concrete, and the patio no longer resembles a basketball court. "By cutting it up, I changed the scale of the concrete from a big slab into an attractive backyard feature," Bartron said. Los Angeles Times
(10/24)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Rivaling big firms requires getting personal with customers
Jennifer Walzer, founder of Backup My Info!, gives her perspective of what it is like for a small company to compete against much larger rivals that discount their prices. Walzer believes Mozy and Carbonite, the major players among online backup companies, are offering low prices in order to grab market share while the field is new, while smaller companies have to depend on building customer relationships by offering expertise that isn't available at the call centers of the bigger companies. NYTimes.com/You're the Boss blog
(10/22)
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- "Luxury shame" leaves some consumers reluctant to spend
Consumer guilt is among the biggest obstacles faced by high-end retailers that are waiting for sales to recover from the economic downturn, according to this article. A report by consulting group Bain & Co. found that some shoppers are reluctant to spend because they are suffering from "luxury shame." As a result, some companies are emphasizing environmentally friendly products to reduce guilt and offering charitable components to purchasing. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model)
(10/23)
- Demand for water features declines, some landscapers say
Landscaping trends include "hardscaping" -- features such as outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and concrete patios, according to landscape designers who participated in this year's Boise Fall Home Show. Some noted that consumers are spending less money on water features this year and demanding low-maintenance designs that incorporate plants that do not require a lot of water. The Idaho Statesman (Boise)
(10/23)
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And the winners are ...
You'll have to wait for Expo to find out! This year's International Awards of Excellence will be revealed on Monday, Nov. 16, at 3 p.m. in the APSP booth (#256) on the exhibit floor of the International Pool|Spa|Patio EXPO at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The booth will feature a video showcase of APSP builders and their award-winning entries. Award plaques will be presented to the honorees and publicity photos will be taken. Following the unveiling of this year's honorees, entered projects will be featured at the International Awards of Excellence online photo gallery at www.apsp.org and www.myapsp.org.
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ICC Code Development Hearings are under way in Baltimore
APSP is in Baltimore at the International Code Council's annual meetings to represent the pool, spa and hot tub industry at the Code Development Hearings. Visit the new ICC Web site for real-time hearing results and to watch live webcasts of the hearings.
| Product Trends and Research | | |
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- California rebates focus on variable-speed pumps
California utilities will not offer rebates for two-speed pool pumps next year. The utilities are shifting the focus of rebates to variable-speed pumps, which are more efficient. Results of some studies suggest that variable-speed pumps result in savings of up to 30% over two-speed pumps. Pool & Spa News
(10/21)
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | The secret of joy in work is contained in one word -- excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it."
--Pearl Buck,
Pulitzer Prize-winning American writer
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| About APSP |
The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) is the world's largest international trade association representing the swimming pool, spa and hot tub industry.
APSP's mission is promoting consumer safety and enhancing the business success of its members. Members adhere to a code of business ethics and share a commitment to
public health and safety in the use of pools, spas and hot tubs. APSP member companies include manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers' agents, designers, builders,
installers, retailers, and service professionals. For more information, visit www.APSP.org
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| | Recent APSP SmartBrief Issues:
- Wednesday, October 21, 2009
- Wednesday, October 14, 2009
- Wednesday, October 07, 2009
- Wednesday, September 30, 2009
- Wednesday, September 23, 2009
| | | Lead Editor: Jennifer Hicks
Mailing Address:
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 1100 H ST NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 | |
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