The Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada’s (PHTCC’s) Toronto Chapter ratified its 2017 board of directors during its annual general meeting (AGM) in front of a record number of members this past November.
Held at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto on Nov. 25, attending members unanimously approved the appointment of its new executive board, which comprises Nicole Vander Geest (Northeastern Swimming Pool Distributors) president; Darren Hill (Pentair Aquatic Systems) past-president; Rob Kamstra (Backyard Brands) vice-president; and Michael Di Nardo (Oracle-RMS) treasurer. The directors include: Leigh Hinsperger (Hinspergers Poly Industries Ltd.); Randy Nemez (Rheem Canada); Peter Brown (Bonavista); Dave Warren (Total Tech Pools & Leisure); Nicole Robinson (Zodiac Pool Systems); and Jason Mitchell (Pool Craft).
Mette Yellowlees, Toronto chapter manager, said the chapter continues to invest money in the association’s certification training program. This year, courses for the ‘Specialty’ and ‘Expert’ levels were held at Humber College in March & April. Funds were also devoted to the chapter’s ‘Why Hire a Member’ 680 News radio advertising campaign which ran between April 25 and May 15.
The chapter also repeated its billboard campaign ‘Escape to Water’ (with images provided by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals [APSP]). This year, in collaboration with the Eastern Ontario chapter and the Niagara chapter, 10 billboards were displayed in Ontario between Niagara Falls and Ottawa.
A hot topic of discussion was the golf tournament, the chapter’s top money-making social event, as attendance fell to a record low this year. Some delegates felt the reason for this was the hot summer, which kept many busy on the jobsite, while others felt rising costs and location were other contributing factors. As a result, the board decided it would take these comments into consideration and potentially move the tournament back to the Cardinal Golf Course in Newmarket, Ont. The 2017 golf day is scheduled for August 22.
The PHTCC’s executive director, Robert Wood, also attended the meeting to get feedback from delegates on various issues the industry is facing, particularly in Ontario, with the goal of converging on bylaws such as four-sided fencing and water discharge.
Rounding out the meeting was the presentation of a plaque to outgoing director, David Simek, for his outstanding service to the Toronto Chapter.
“David has served on the Toronto chapter board for many years and has been a tremendous asset to the chapter and industry,” says Yellowlees. “He has held all positions possible and has been involved in many of the initiatives the board has taken.”
Simek will continue to serve on the PHTCC’s national board of directors as the eastern Ontario chapter president.
The Toronto chapter encourages more participation from its members, and welcomes feedback and suggestions on new and current initiatives.
