Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Honors Greg Garrett Scholarship Award Winners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2023

Media Contact:
Amy Willer
Associate Director, Marketing and Communications
703-838-0083, ext. 121 | awiller@phta.org

POOL & HOT TUB ALLIANCE HONORS GREG GARRETT SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS
Kaitlyn Bierce and Lee Comer to enroll in PHTA certification courses

(Alexandria, Va.) — The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, has awarded 2023 Greg Garrett Scholarship Awards to Kaitlyn Bierce, Pool Service Technician for the Neave Group, and Lee Comer, Owner and Operator of Carolina Pools and Backyards. The winners were announced during the PHTA Awards of Excellence Reception at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo (PSP/Deck Expo) on November 12, 2023, in Las Vegas, NV.

Given in the memory of Greg Garrett, who dedicated 45 years to the pool and hot tub industry and served in many leadership roles, this $5,000 scholarship is given to a PHTA member in the builder or service sector for PHTA educational or certification fees to increase professionalism and provide an opportunity for continuing education. The inaugural Greg Garrett Scholarship Award was presented last year by the PHTA Recreational Water & Air Quality Committee (RWAQC). This year, PHTA was able to offer two scholarships thanks to a sponsorship from Periodic Products, Inc.

Bierce, who received the scholarship sponsored by Periodic Products, Inc., is known by her colleagues as a hard worker with a drive to grow and learn as much as she can about the pool, spa, and hot tub industry. She understands the important role education and certification play in her success, especially in interactions with clients. Her professional experiences and training thus far allow her to speak to clients with confidence and knowledge.

Bierce became a Certified Pool & Spa Maintenance Specialist (CMS) last year and plans to use her $5,000 Greg Garrett Scholarship Award to expand her skillset in wiring, electricity, construction, and design.

“I have come to learn that there is always something new to learn each and every day,” says Bierce. “The pool industry is a very well-rounded field to be in, with multiple skillsets and disciplines. My goal is to always keep learning. I am honored to receive this award.”

Comer, who was selected to receive this scholarship by the RWAQC Awards Committee, is dedicated, diligent, and detail-oriented. She is a natural leader who understands the importance of staying current on industry trends, safety standards, and guidelines. Comer cares deeply about customer service and earning her clients’ trust and business.

With her $5,000 Greg Garrett Scholarship Award, Comer plans to take additional PHTA and GENESIS® courses focused on construction, standards, and design trends.

“My goal is to not just meet but exceed my clients’ expectations, and relevant education and certification make that possible,” says Comer. “I take all education seriously and will use the knowledge gained through this scholarship to further educate my team. Being recognized with this award is truly an honor.”

For more information about the Greg Garrett Scholarship Award, please visit https://phta.org/garrett-award or contact Amy Willer, PHTA’s Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, at awiller@phta.org or 703-838-0083, ext. 121.

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About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with 3,800 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $62B pool, hot tub, and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth initiatives to increase our members’ professionalism, knowledge, and profitability. Additionally, PHTA promotes the use of pools by expanding swimming, water safety, and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer, and keeping pools open to serve communities. For more information, visit www.phta.org.

About PHTA’s Recreational Water & Air Quality Committee (RWAQC)
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance’s RWAQC develops and maintains verifiable science-based information regarding sanitization technology and chemical products for use in pools, spas, and hot tubs. The committee also assists in the development of the chemical and sanitation sections for American National Standards Institute (ANSI) PHTA standards, including the ANSI/APSP/ICC-11 American National Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Spas. For a current listing of Committee members or more information, email standards@phta.org.