PHTCC Toronto chapter introduces new board, allocates money to industry recruitment

by jason_cramp | December 13, 2017 4:54 pm

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The Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada’s (PHTCC’s) Toronto Chapter ratified its 2018 board of directors during its annual general meeting (AGM) in front of a well-attended meeting this past November.

Held at the Courtyard by Marriott in Markham, Ont., on Nov. 22, attending members unanimously approved the appointment of its new executive board, which is represented by Rob Kamstra (Backyard Brands) president, Dave Warren (Total Tech Pools & Leisure) vice-president, Michael Di Nardo (Oracle-RMS) treasurer, and Nicole Vander Geest (Northeastern Swimming Pool Distributors) past-president. The directors include Darren Hill (Pentair Aquatic Systems), Leigh Hinsperger (Hinspergers Poly Industries Ltd.), Randy Nemez (Rheem Canada), and newcomers Crystal Lengua (SMP Ultralift), Brad Bryson (PPL Aquatic Fitness & Spa Group Inc.), and Tim Pettman (Hayward Pool Products Canada Inc.).

Outgoing directors Nicole Robinson (Zodiac Pool Systems), Peter Brown (Bonavista), and Jason Mitchell (Pool Craft) were presented plaques in recognition of their service.

Mette Yellowlees, Toronto chapter manager, said it was a busy year for the chapter with respect to its radio and billboard media campaigns, as well as the launch of the successful Poolsaver variable-speed pump (VSP) rebate program.

According to Warren, while the program is of great benefit to PHTCC members, the main issues have been trying to make it run smoothly, to better facilitate the process for dealers submitting the paperwork.

“A considerable amount of time has been spent to find ways to make it more streamlined and less onerous,” he said. “Ultimately, we’d like to see one platform for all utilities.”

Members also discussed chapter-networking events, as this year’s ski-day was cancelled due to freezing rain and the golf tournament, the chapter’s top moneymaking event, was essentially rained out after nine holes. Attendance for the golf tournament fell for the second year in a row, leaving some board members thinking the event is becoming passé. A Toronto Marlies game, ball hockey and/or kickball tournament were suggested as other options.

A new social initiative held by the chapter this year was a member night at a Toronto Blue Jays game. According to Vander Geest, 200 tickets were available and the event sold out.

“Although the game was not intended to raise funds for the chapter, it was more of a networking event,” she said. “It was well-attended and everyone had lots of fun.”

Another hot topic of discussion was the difficulty the industry has, as a whole, in finding enough workers and, as a result, the importance of marketing the aquatics industry as a viable job/career.

In response to this concern, the chapter amended the budget and allocated $5000 towards industry recruitment.

“The industry is faced with a declining workforce and losing out to other competing trades,” said Yellowlees. “To combat this, a grassroots committee was formed to help promote the industry as a career choice at high school and college levels.”

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/news/associations/phtcc-toronto-chapter-introduces-new-board-allocates-money-industry-recruitment/

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