New directors bring diverse experience to SPASA Board

Following the appointment of Robert Guthrie to the position of President of the Swimming Pool and Spa Alliance (SPASA), three new directors have joined the SPASA Board.

The new Directors are Lindsay McGrath, Commercial Director of BioLab Australia; Paul Simons, Managing Director of Lo-Chlor Chemicals Australia; and Brad Baxter, proprietor of pool building company Award Pools.

Guthrie says that the addition of the three new directors has bolstered the already strong experience and diversity of the SPASA Board, stating "Lindsay, Paul and Brad bring immense experience and expertise to the Board from both an industry and consumer perspective.

"And that ties in perfectly to SPASA's philosophy of delivering stronger services and advocacy for operators within the swimming pool and spa industry and related industries, not to mention pool and spa owners."

McGrath has vast commercial experience in his role with BioLab Australia and Chemtura New Zealand, which owns brands such as BioGuard and BioGuard Poolside. In addition, he is a past Director and President of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of South Australia (SPASA SA) and a current serving board member of the Swimming Pool Retail Association Australia (SPRAA).

Welcoming McGrath's Board appointment, Guthrie stated "Lindsay's industry experience means he has a specific understanding of and vision for the retail, technician and pool builder sectors.

"His passion and dedication to improving the industry through education is widely regarded and respected."

Paul Simons has more than 18 years' experience in the industry, and heads Lo-Chlor Chemicals, a leading manufacturer and wholesaler of specialty pool and spa chemicals in Australia.

Here Gurthrie explains "Paul plays a vital role in this industry, and he's committed to innovation as proven by his diverse company which has offices in Australia, USA and the UK.

"He works closely with pool builders, retailers and technicians to provide solutions that meet different needs."

Brad Baxter has been in the swimming pool industry for more than 25 years, and owns Sydney pool building company Award Pools. In that time, Award has constructed over 1500 concrete pools and won a raft of industry excellence awards.

Guthrie continues "Brad is certainly no newcomer to SPASA, having previously served as a director and also as President between 2002 and 2004.

"He also understands about the importance of building relationships with associated industries and, as such, was also previously President of the Landscape Contractors Association between 1994 and 1996.

"Combined, we have many years' experience on the SPASA Board, and our directors' diverse skillsets across retail, construction, manufacturing and supply mean we understand the distinctive needs of this industry and our members."

SPASA Board members:

• Robert Guthire, Tru Pool SPASA President
• Janine Bellifemine, NADA Manufacturing SPASA Vice President
• Denis Baxter, Niagara Pool Supplies - Treasurer
• Brad Baxter, Award Pools Group
• Malcolm Brown, Zodiac
• Jonathan Hathfield, Waterco
• Brian Jamieson, Lifestyle Spas & Leisure
• Lindsay McGrath, BioLab Australia and Chemtura New Zealand
• Peter Moore, Sunrise Pools
• Paul Simons, Lo-Chlor Chemicals Australia
• Mervyn Smith, Sunbather Pool Technologies
vManfred Wiesemes, Australian Pools & Spas

For further information contact the Swimming Pool and Spa Alliance (SPASA) on 1800 802 482, www.spasa.org.au