The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with members from around the world advocating for and protecting the common interests of the pool, hot tub and spa industry, hosted the third annual PHTA Day on the Hill. Association members were invited to Washington, D.C. to engage with policymakers and support the interests and growth of the industry.
PHTA members and staff met with more than 70 congressional offices while on-site at the U.S. Capitol, where they discussed water safety, workforce development, small business support and other issues that impact the pool, spa and hot tub industry. PHTA and its federal lobbyist firm DCLRS prepared a number of leave-behinds highlighting the positive effect the industry has on the U.S. economy, safety measures and standards as well as other areas.
“The annual Day on the Hill is an incredible opportunity for PHTA members to show a united front on the issues that have the most impact on the pool, spa and hot tub industry,” says PHTA chairwoman of the board Donna Williams, vice president of field implementation at Pool Corp. “Whether it’s advocating for water safety and drowning prevention to help more Americans safely enjoy water or discussing how proposed regulations will affect the business climate, our voices can do an enormous amount of good on behalf of the entire industry.”
Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), sponsor of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Reauthorization Act (VGBA), spoke to the nearly 50 PHTA members in attendance about the importance of water safety and the need for advocacy and awareness-raising.
“PHTA Day on the Hill is truly a special event that motivates and energizes attendees by showing the power we have to influence change at the federal level,” says Justin Wiley, PHTA vice president of government relations, standards and codes. “One of PHTA’s core pillars is to improve the business environment by advocating and promoting the benefits of the pool, spa and hot tub industry. Day on the Hill provides PHTA members an amazing opportunity to help the association fulfill that mission.”
Along with meetings with congresspeople and their staffers, PHTA Day on the Hill included a tour of Capitol Hill and speeches from Sabeena Hickman, CAE, PHTA president and CEO, and Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines, PHTA vice president of partnerships and development. Attendees also met with appointees from the U.S. Department of Energy.
