Signing a historic Heads of Agreement for merger, the Boards of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia and Master Pool Builders Association Australia have completed the final piece of the puzzle.
The Heads of agreement proposes merging the associations into one group in order to better serve the members and industry through a merged entity. The proposed merger is contingent on the outcome of the due diligence process, and the terms agreed upon by both associations.
The MPBAA will vote at an annual general meeting to approve the merger. Date and location of the meeting will be announced shortly. The MPBAA members will be asked to support the merger at a general meeting in June. Date and venue will be announced shortly.
The MPBAA encourages members to attend this meeting in order to listen to the directors and managers of both parties and to ask questions. They will also have the chance to vote on a historic milestone for the industry.
SPASA Australia merged with SPASA NSW & ACT in 2016, SPASA SA, SPASA Queensland and SPASA WA by 2022. The merger of the MPBAA and SPASA Victoria will result in all former SPASA state organizations being merged into a single body.
The MPBAA will continue to promote the Australian pool builders. SPASA, the parent organization, will continue to enhance the industry’s profile and place a special emphasis on strategic aspects that add value.
Together, the resources will provide a stronger focus on advocacy, research and training, as well as financial stability.
Chris Samartzis, CEO of MPBAA, says that it is time to join forces and improve the industry.
He said that the recent collaboration between both organisations, including the successful Melbourne Pool & Spa Show and their participation in various Australian Standard Committees, had already produced positive results.
This is a very exciting proposal, and will help to protect and support Victorian and National members. He says that we ask all members to take a keen interest in the matter.
The benefits of a merger
Samartzis believes the merger will be a fantastic opportunity to combine resources, and to work on strategic elements to protect the interests of members in the future. He says that the merger will also enable the industry to be promoted as a single force when lobbying government and other organizations.
He says, “The saying is that there’s strength in numbers. I see this as an opportunity to galvanise our efforts and initiatives and further enhance the status of our industry among government ministers and regulatory bodies.”
He says, “I have been lobbying the government on various levels for many years and having both organisations’ combined resources will help to deliver positive results to members throughout Australia.”
He also points out that a merger would allow for more industry-focused training programs and increase stability.
He says: “Undoubtedly, a focused organization that can implement planned strategies on a variety of pillars to unify the industry while supporting the aspirational goals of its members and wider community is an important step in the right directions.”
Benefits to come
SPASA CEO Lindsay McGrath said the merger will result in a positive outcome for all members, and allow SPASA deliver more benefits both now and in the future.
He says that combining resources will improve our services and increase their value for our members.
We encourage all members vote positively in order to help both associations flourish and promote the pool and spa industries.
SPASA Australia, since its inception, has had considerable success with its Five Pillars. These include: empowering members by improving their skills and knowledge, promoting professional trades, advocating for responsible results at all levels government, providing exclusive products, service and networking opportunities to every sector of the industry, and continually striving to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Both associations hope that members will embrace the exciting new development.
IMAGE Chris Samartzis & Lindsay McGrath at Melbourne Pool & Spa Show
The post History is being made as SPASA and MPBAA merge appeared first on SPLASH Magazine.
