This-N-That
It Pays To Be An Insider
Kudos to the 16 PRB Insiders who received $30 off on Indiana University's Executive Development Program by taking advantage of our Insider Deals. The program, which took place April 14-17, had 80 registrants. Be sure to keep an eye on our Insider Deals available on our Friday Week-Ender emails. Not receiving the Week-Ender blog? Start/renew your subscription at www.parksandrecbusiness.com for this exclusive online content.
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Lifeguards Receive Gold Safety Award For Second Year
The Prince William County Department of Parks & Recreation's aquatics program in Virginia has been awarded the 2012 Gold International Aquatic Safety Award from Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc. The prestigious award recognizes member organizations that have exceeded industry standards in risk management and provide its patrons with superior safety service.
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Hayward Launches PoolComm App
Hayward Commercial Pool Products has launched a mobile app for PoolComm—its NSF-certified CAT Controllers wireless web-based control system for the commercial pool market. It provides users with a more accessible, user-friendly way to view and control water quality, create compliance charts, audit tracking and view alarms fed from either the CAT 4000 or CAT 5000 controllers. It allows pool operators to create pool and pump room survey reports and immediately send the information to their email, all within the app. It is available for free download at the Apple iTunes Store for the iPhone and the Google Play Store for the Android. To see how it works, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB7XlzK7LpI.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Field Notes
Pyramide USA Inc., the designer and manufacturer of AquaClimb poolside climbing walls, announces the first installation of the AquaClimb Sport model in the U.S. It was installed in April at the Auburn University Recreation and Wellness Center in Montgomery, Ala., as part of a 240,000-square-foot construction project.
Waterless Co. , a manufacturer of no-water urinal systems, has earned one of the highest scores—4.5 out of a possible 5—in the new Environmental Leader Technology Reviews Program. The program recognizes excellence in products and services that provide companies with energy and environmental benefits.
Jacobsen added two dealers to its global network: Marks Golf Cars will serve customers in Montana and Scott Turf will support customers in western Virginia and the eastern side of West Virginia.
Three-time All American Joel White, Captain of the NCAA National Championship Syracuse Lacrosse Teams in 2008 and 2009, has joined BSN SPORTS as a sales professional in New York City, and will also serve on the company’s national team for its new LAX Division.
Barenbrug USA appointed James Schneider as the new CEO and President. Prior to joining Barenbrug Schneider helped JB Instant Lawn and Nursery expand the scope of their sod and grass seed business throughout the Northwest, serving both the wholesale landscape and retail trade.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recruits and Ladders
The city of Pico Rivera has hired a new director of Parks & Recreation, Sandra Julie Gonzalez. The announcement comes roughly after a 6-month search to replace Ralph Aranda, who retired from the position in October. Gonzalez has worked for over 20 years in the Public Sector, with more than 18 years for the Los Angeles County Department of Parks & Recreation, and the City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine, and Public Works Departments.
Bob Levine retired from the New Haven Parks & Recreation Department in Connecticut after 16 years of service. He accepted a position in Augusta, Ga.
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A Slap On The Forehead
Ron,
I just finished reading this month’s article—Teaching Toughness (April 2013)—and, as usual, you hit the nail on the head. I wanted to share a term that my father always used, “The Curse of the Competent.” When hard-working employees reach that highest point of contribution—they are pigeon-holed, bored, complacent … We get stuck doing the same tasks over and don’t get the chance to shine any longer.
Thanks for the monthly “slap on the forehead.” I appreciate it.
Regards,
Sue Donohue Smith
Associate Director, University of Arkansas Student Union
(Formerly of the Seattle Parks Department)
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Delayed Reaction
Awesome article. (“Choose Your Moment,” January 2010). I cut it out and try to read it occasionally.
--Robert Levine
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Thumbing Facebook
Ron,
I enjoyed reading your “Successful Communication” (March 2013). Nice job on that.
It is also refreshing that you are not on Facebook.
Jackie Gleason
Grosse Pointe (Mich.) Park Parks & Recreation
Marina Supervisor
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Calendar
September
17-20 Nevada Recreation and Park Society Conference, Incline Village, Nev. at Lake Tahoe; www.nrps.org
24-27 Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference, Brooklyn Center, Minn.—Earle Brown Heritage Center; www.mnrpa.org
25-27 Colorado Parks & Recreation Association, Vail, Colo. www.cpra-web.org
October
1-3 West Virginia Recreation and Parks Association Conference, Twin Falls State Park; www.wvrpa.org
8-10 National Recreation and Parks Association National Congress, Houston, Texas
16-18 10 th Annual World Aquatic Health Conference, Indianapolis, Ind.—Hyatt Regency Downtown; www.nspf.org