Marquis Spas Gets 'Best Buy' Label
Marquis Corp. of Independence, Ore., has signed a licensing agreement with Consumers Digest magazine to designate the new Epic spa as a “Best Buy.” This is the company’s third spa to be eligible for the Best Buy designation. Jerry Lankheet, president/CEO, said the rating lets consumers know that the product “offers an outstanding value for its price.” Consumers Digest is based in Deerfield, Ill.
Nine Hurt in Pool Chemical Explosion
Nine people were injured when pool chemicals exploded in a Carrollton, Ill., residence May 22. According to local news reports, the incident occurred when homeowner Terry Mellenthin was mixing a pool cleaner with running water in her kitchen. The resulting explosion and cloud of poisonous gas affected Mellenthin, her husband Tom and their 17-month-old twin girls. EMTs, a police officer and a neighbor were hurt trying to aid the family: Two suffered burns; the others were treated for sore throats and headaches.
Boston Pool Baptisms on the Rise
As a result of the growing number of Baptist churches in the Boston/Cambridge area, more people are being baptized in community pools such as the YMCA. According to the Emmanuel Gospel Center in Boston, approximately one dozen new Baptist churches are founded every year.
Date Set for Spatex '07
Spatex, the British Pool and Spa Exhibition, has been slated for Feb. 4-6, 2007, at the Hilton Brighton Metropole Exhibition Centre in Brighton, United Kingdom. The trade show has already sold more than two-thirds of its booth space. The event will feature more than 100 national and international exhibits, including swim spas and steam rooms. For more information visit www.spatex.co.uk.
Russian Pool Show a Success
Russia’s 2006 Pool Salon attracted 20,436 attendees to view the booths of 86 national and international exhibitors. Show organizers said the event scored an 88 percent satisfaction rating, with high marks for quality and diversity of displays. The 2007 Pool Salon is set for Feb. 27 to March 2. The show is a joint effort of the Russian Swimming Pool Association, the European Union of Swimming Pool Associations, the German Association for Swimming and Wellness, and the MSI Fairs & Exhibitions.
Fiberstars Taps New PR Group
Fiberstars Inc. has signed Antenna Group Inc. of San Francisco as its public relations agency. “Their PR expertise, industry ties and extensive knowledge … will be a significant benefit as [we] continue to create and market innovative, energy-efficient fiberoptic lighting solutions to new markets,” said John Davenport, CEO of Solon, Ohio-based Fiberstars.
Softub Meets CEC Requirements
Jim DiSanto, director of engineering at Softub Inc., announced that all portable spa models the firm manufactures currently meet the 2006 Appliance Efficiency Regulations set forth by the California Energy Commission. No product modifications were needed for the firm to meet these requirements. The 2006 Appliance Efficiency Regulations (California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Sections 1601 through 1608) were adopted by the CEC on Oct. 19, 2005.
Watts Water Tech Buys ATS
Watts Water Technologies Inc. has acquired ATS Expansion Group, a French home-improvement products manufacturer, for 60 million Euros ($76.6 million). ATS makes fittings, valves and manifolds for water, gas and heating applications under the brand names Gripp, Porquet and Sirius. North Andover, Mass.-based Watts, which financed the acquisition using cash and a revolving credit line, makes water safety products.
