An annual gathering of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance brought about a reception to award the winners of their 2024 Awards, the program that honors achievements of PHTA members and their outstanding involvement in the industry. The winners are testaments to the undeniable hard work, dedication and pride that industry professionals hold. The list below completes AQUA’s coverage of the award recipients, with awards like IHTA Hot Tub Retailer of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Chapter of the Year, and more. Take a peek below that the industry pros that received such great recognition.
Ohio Pools & Spas was awarded IHTA Hot Tub Retailer of the Year.All photos courtesy PHTA.IHTA HOT TUB RETAILER OF THE YEAR
The International Hot Tub Association (IHTA) Hot Tub Retailer of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award recognizing one outstanding hot tub retailer who has advanced the hot tub retail profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the hot tub industry. This award is sponsored by Watkins Wellness.
Ohio Pools & Spas has taken home this year’s prize. From a one-car garage in Canton, Ohio, to a thriving family business serving all of Northeast Ohio, Ohio Pools & Spas has come a long way.
According to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, “under Amanda Annis’s leadership, Ohio Pools & Spas has thrived. The company launched a new website, reorganized their service department, and created informative videos to help customers avoid costly maintenance issues, resulting in increased revenue, lower costs, and a happier, more efficient team. They aren’t just selling pools and hot tubs, they’re selling a healthier, happier lifestyle.”
Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Scott Cohen.VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
The Volunteer of the Year Award is bestowed upon one prominent individual each year who has made distinguished contributions that raise professionalism in the aquatic community through their volunteering with PHTA.
This year, the award went to Scott Cohen, president of The Green Scene. He currently serves as chairman of the California Pool & Spa Association (CPSA), where he has tirelessly promoted member involvement in advocacy initiatives — such as protecting the pool, spa, and hot tub industry against extreme regulations in response to drought and decarbonization, as well as supporting the expansion of professional certifications and licensure. He is also a member of the PHTA Builders Council and the Standard Writing Committee for the PHTA-5 standard on residential inground swimming pools.
Melanie Brzozowski was awarded Young Professional of the Year.YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
The Young Professional of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award recognizing a forward-thinking leader under the age of 40 who will be the voice and next generation of pool and spa professionals.
This year’s award was presented to Melanie Brzozowski. Her dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence have made her a shining star in the pool and spa industry. At All Seasons Pools & Spas, her dedication to customer service, her willingness to learn and grow, and her leadership skills have made her an invaluable asset to the company.
Brzozowski has also volunteered at both the national level with the PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Network and locally with the PHTA Midwest Chapter, where she organizes sold-out social events for industry professionals.
CHAPTER OF THE YEAR
The Chapter of the Year Award recognizes one outstanding chapter that has set a stellar example for the organization, advancing and enhancing the industry through strong leadership, community outreach, and providing their members with the highest quality of programs, activities, and services.
This year, the Chapter of the Year was awarded to the Long Island Pool & Spa Association (LIPSA). For over four decades, LIPSA has been a driving force in the pool, spa, and hot tub industry on Long Island. LIPSA has consistently advocated for the highest standards in the industry, working tirelessly to raise the bar for licensing requirements and promoting industry certifications. Their efforts to educate both members and consumers have played a vital role in ensuring the safety and quality of pool and spa services on Long Island. LIPSA has also supported drowning prevention initiatives both locally and nationally.
Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Scott Cohen.
Melanie Brzozowski was awarded Young Professional of the Year.
