APSP, IPSSA, and APEC Take Historic Steps to Unite Advocacy Efforts With One Voice

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 29, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), the Aquatic Professionals Education Council (APEC) and the Independent Pool & Spa Service Association (IPSSA) have agreed to work together through the newly created Texas Pool & Spa Coalition to unite and strengthen advocacy efforts in Texas and throughout the country.

The Board of Directors of APSP & APEC voted to combine forces to speak with one voice and leverage combined influences on advocacy issues. The agreement calls for all organizations to continue to operate independently with Texas Pool & Spa Coalition administrative services being provided by APSP.

To facilitate the transition, the Aquatics Professional Education Council will begin doing business as the Texas Pool and Spa Coalition. A new coalition board of directors comprised of five to 13 members will be formed to govern the affairs of the coalition.

"This is a momentous step forward for the pool and spa industry," said APSP Board of Director Chairwoman Donna Williams. "Speaking with one voice and leveraging our combined influence will be key in strengthening the pool and spa industry. We are extremely pleased that our partners have embraced this vision for our industry's future."

"Taking steps to protect the industry's future starts now," said IPSSA Region 12 Director (North Texas), Neal Holt. "Through this unification, we are making strides towards building a stronger industry. We look forward to working together to bring about an industry that better represents Texas's advocacy interests.

"APEC looks forward to the growth and enhancement of advocacy efforts for Texas through the unification of top industry partners," said APEC Board of Directors President Will Ainsworth. "We are committed to, first and foremost, strengthening advocacy efforts for Texas. Today's announcement will allow us to use our collective resources to maximize opportunities and strengthen the industry while advancing our advocacy efforts in Texas. This is an exciting beginning to the next chapter in industry advocacy."

In the coming months, the newly appointed board of directors for the Texas Pool & Spa Coalition will convene to plan out its 2019 advocacy agenda to tackle high-priority Texas and industry-related topics. Details are still being worked out. As important information becomes available, APSP will update its membership.

For more information about the Texas Pool & Spa Coalition, contact APSP Government Affairs Associate Regan Ratliff at rratliff@apsp.org.

About APEC
The Aquatic Professionals Education Council (APEC) is a not-for-profit group recognized for its expertise in advocacy representing the interests of the pool industry in Texas. APEC works to protect the interests of the Texas pool and spa industry and the consumer through education and advocacy while promoting superior standards of safety and efficiency. For more information on APEC, visit https://apec.memberclicks.net/.

About APSP
The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) is the world's oldest and largest association representing swimming pool, hot tub and spa manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers' agents, designers, builders, installers, suppliers, retailers and service professionals. Dedicated to the growth and development of its members' businesses and to promoting the enjoyment and safety of pools and spas, APSP offers a range of services, from professional development to advancing key legislation and regulation at the federal and local levels, to consumer outreach and public safety. APSP is the only industry organization recognized by the American National Standards Institute to develop and promote national standards for pools, hot tubs and spas. For more information, visit http://www.APSP.org.

About IPSSA
The Independent Pool and Spa Service Association (IPSSA) is the world's largest pool service industry organization. IPSSA works to protect the interests of pool service professionals and offer their members a variety of benefits including sick route, insurance coverage, networking opportunities, in-demand business tools and monthly industry updates in The IPSSAN. For more information on IPSSA, visit http://www.ipssa.com.

SOURCE Association of Pool and Spa Professionals