The California Pool & Spa Association has made several foundational changes.
CPSA adjusted its business model, restructured its board and elected a new chairman. It also signed affiliation agreements with other industry organizations in a campaign to foster cooperation. The group also will launch a novel new fundraising effort. This follows on the heels of actions taken last year, when the group became a chapter-based organization.
Before, CPSA was a nonprofit organization technically owned by its management firm, Sacramento-based Norwood and Associates. The group has converted to a straightforward trade association.
This has resulted in some role changes. The Board of Governors, which previously served in a strictly advisory capacity, now serves as an operational Board of Directors that sets mandates. The board now will include nine to 11 individuals, plus representatives from certain other organizations, down from a 24-person body.
It also means that Norwood and Associates’ head, John Norwood, has changed titles from CEO to executive director.
“Now the association reflects the will of the people,” he said. “It’s something we needed to do as a matter of transparency.”
In March, Mike Geremia stepped down as chairman after seven years at the helm and will serve as immediate past chair. Taking the position is Jerry Wallace, president of Swim Chem of Sacramento, Calif. He served on the Board of Governors for more than 25 years, including stints heading the group’s Legislative Committee and as vice chairman of legislative affairs.
“It’s clearly moving in the right direction,” Wallace said. “Going forward with CPSA’s plans, we needed a mobile board able to react quickly. The old Board of Governors was a great group with a wealth of knowledge, but to conduct business with that large a group was difficult. This gives us more flexibility.”
From Geremia’s perspective, this marks another important milestone since 2013, when the group changed its name and broadened its scope after serving strictly as a lobbying organization.
“When we decided to convert to a full-blown association ... I felt it would be good to bring in new blood, new ideas, new energy,” Geremia said. “I feel like the association is in a really good position to represent the industry here in California.”
CPSA also signed affiliation agreements with the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, the National Swimming Pool Foundation, the Western Pool & Spa Show, and the Foundation for Pool & Spa Industry Education. Through these agreements, the organizations will exchange funds, promotions and resources. Additionally, the organizations will have representation on the CPSA board.
“Now we’re really making it official that we’re bringing the industry together to support CPSA and all our efforts,” Norwood said. “It’s a real positive for the industry that we’re all trying to get on board and push in the same direction.”
In April, the organization will kick off a fund-raising drive, with the magic number 24. On April 24, for a 24-hour period, individuals will be asked to contribute $24. Donations can be made directly on the organization’s website.
