PSP/Deck Expo Heading to Las Vegas November 13

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Registration is now open; early bird pricing runs through September 13

The 2023 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo™, co-located with Deck Expo ( PSP/Deck Expo ) opened online registration. The event, put on by Informa Markets, and sponsored by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA®), is November 13-15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Participants may register online at www.poolspapatio.com; early bird pricing runs through September 13.

The event brings together builders, service techs, retailers, and distributors. Thousands of members from the pool, spa, patio, decking, and outdoor living community attend PSP/Deck Expo to engage with the latest products and services and to network. In addition to exhibits and showcases lining the Expo Hall, attendees are encouraged to learn from industry experts’ conference sessions and demonstrations.

“PSP/Deck Expo is the ultimate destination for pool, spa, and outdoor living professionals to get ahead of the game in 2023 and beyond,” shared Kris Osterbusch, show director for PSP/Deck Expo. “It’s an unprecedented platform for attendees and buyers to deepen their knowledge and build connections to help their businesses thrive like never before.”

Attendees who purchase a Super Pass will have access to more than 55 conference sessions, show floor educational sessions, the Expo Hall, and the Keynote. Attendees who purchase an Expo Hall Pass will have access to the Expo Hall, more than 20 show floor educational sessions, and the Keynote. In addition, all attendees can participate in various special events and training classes for an additional fee.

“PSP/Deck Expo is a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments shaping the pool, spa, and outdoor living industry in 2023 and beyond,” said Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President & CEO of PHTA. “I encourage all of our members to secure their spots and join us for an unforgettable experience, full of education, networking, and new insights.”

“We were proud to prepare for and attend our first PSP/Deck Expo in Las Vegas in November of 2022,” said John Fowler, CEO and Founder of Millboard Distributed by Outlive, which is exhibiting again this year. “We were impressed by the significant number of attendees and were fortunate to have a high level of high-quality prospects and traffic visit us at our booth.”

During the three-day event, attendees will connect with their peers while experiencing a full range of educational sessions and activities. PSP/Deck Expo 2023 will also feature:

“PSP/Deck Expo is the unrivaled highlight of the outdoor living calendar,” said Michael Beaudry, Executive Vice President of NADRA. “It’s where industry leaders, manufacturers, builders, contractors, and remodelers come together for cutting-edge technology, education, and products. As the outdoor living sector continues to flourish, PSP/Deck Expo remains the most powerful platform for connections and business growth in the outdoor living industry.”

Those wishing to attend are encouraged to register by September 13 to take advantage of early bird pricing that offers up to 20% savings. PHTA and NADRA members can receive additional discounts on passes. For a complete listing of packages and pricing, and to register, visit https://www.poolspapatio.com/en/attend/pricing-packages.html.

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is the official Show Sponsor, GENESIS® is the official Show Endorser, Pool and Spa News (PSN) is the official Show Publication, and the North American Decking and Railing Association (NADRA) is the Deck Expo Show Sponsor.

For more information, visit PoolSpaPatio.com.

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Marianne Trusty is a Press Correspondent for the pool & spa industry. A published author and social media influencer reaching over 20 million people around the world each day. Contact Marianne about publishing op-editorials, breaking pool news and press releases at [email protected]

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VISTA, Calif. (July 31, 2023) – Watkins Wellness, a leader in hot tubs and aquatic fitness systems, today announced the expansion of its portfolio of personal well-being products and entry into the sauna category as a result of the pending acquisition of Sauna360 Group Oy (“Sauna360”) by Watkins Wellness’ parent company, Masco Corporation. Sauna360 is a leading global manufacturer of sauna solutions, and its portfolio of products includes traditional, infrared, and wood-burning saunas as well as steam showers, rooms and generators. These products are sold primarily in the United States, Europe and throughout the rest of the world under the Tylö, Helo, Kastor, Finnleo, and Amerec brands. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter, subject to regulatory approval.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sauna360 to our organization and to expand our portfolio of industry-leading products aimed at promoting wellness and helping our customers feel good and live well!” said Vijaikrishna (VJ) Teenarsipur, President of Watkins Wellness. “Sauna360 brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise to our business. We look forward to leveraging the synergies between our businesses, which will allow us to better serve our dealer partners, consumers and, ultimately, the growing wellness market.”

“I am very pleased for Sauna360 to become part of Watkins Wellness. Sauna360’s business has grown in recent years, and becoming part of Watkins Wellness will further strengthen our capability and ambition to be a leading sauna player. The dealer distribution strategy, common focus on wellness and similar company cultures make this a true strategic fit,” said Pekka Lettijeff, President & CEO of Sauna360 Group.

Founded in 2008 as a merger between two leading sauna companies, Helo and Tylö, Sauna360 brings decades of industry knowledge and experience resulting from a strong history, with Helo’s origin dating back to 1919 and Tylö’s to 1949. The company is headquartered in Finland and has approximately 180 employees located in Finland, Sweden, the United States, and England.

About Watkins Wellness

Watkins Wellness, established in 1977 in Vista, California, is dedicated to promoting wellness to consumers to help them feel good and live well. The company’s growing portfolio of well-being products for at-home use provides multiple pathways to wellness. Our portfolio of brands includes Hot Spring® Spas, Caldera® Spas, Freeflow® Spas, Fantasy® Spas, and Endless Pools® Fitness Systems, sold predominantly through a specialty dealer network of more than 1,000 dealer partners located in 70+ countries. Watkins Wellness is a wholly owned subsidiary of Masco Corporation (NYSE: MAS).

About Masco Corporation

Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, Masco Corporation is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded home improvement and building products. Our portfolio of industry-leading brands includes BEHR® paint; Delta® and Hansgrohe® faucets, bath and shower fixtures; and Hot Spring® Spas. We leverage our powerful brands across product categories, sales channels, and geographies to create value for our customers and shareholders. For more information about Masco Corporation, visit www.masco.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Watkins Wellness is a subsidiary of Masco Corporation. As such, this press release contains statements that reflect views about Masco Corporation’s future performance and constitute “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “outlook,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “appear,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “assume,” “seek,” “forecast,” and similar references to future periods. These views about future performance involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and, accordingly, Masco Corporation’s actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements. We caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the expected closing of the Sauna360 transaction and the expected benefits and synergies of the acquisition, including the expected impact on future financial and operating results and post-acquisition plans and intentions. Masco Corporation’s future performance may also be affected by the levels of residential repair and remodel activity, and to a lesser extent, new home construction, the ability to maintain strong brands and to develop innovative products, the ability to maintain its public reputation, the ability to maintain its competitive position in its industries, reliance on key customers, the cost and availability of materials, dependence on suppliers and service providers, extreme weather events and changes in climate, risks associated with international operations and global strategies, the ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of its strategic initiatives, the ability to successfully execute its acquisition strategy and integrate businesses that it has acquired and may in the future acquire, the ability to attract, develop and retain a talented and diverse workforce, risks associated with cybersecurity vulnerabilities, threats and attacks, risks associated with reliance on information systems and technology and the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on its business and operations. These and other factors are discussed in detail in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in Masco Corporation’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as in Masco Corporation’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in other filings it makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statement in this press release speaks only as of the date of this press release. Factors or events that could cause Masco Corporation’s actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all of them. Unless required by law, Masco Corporation undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Every Child A Swimmer scholarship program now offered in over 200 communities in North America

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (July 25, 2023) – In recognition of World Drowning Prevention Day today, July 25, the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) and Every Child A Swimmer (ECAS) have announced a partnership with Goldfish Swim School Franchising to provide more children with access to low-to-no-cost swimming lessons in more communities. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second-leading cause for children 5 to 14.

Goldfish Swim School is the leading swim school franchise in North America, while ECAS is ISHOF’s nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families in need gain access to swim lessons. The partnership more than doubles ECAS’ total footprint to 231 locations and helps amplify the individual efforts of ECAS and Goldfish Swim School to further promote water safety education by providing access to swim lessons and water safety instruction for infants and children aged 4 months to 12 years.

The partnership’s key initiatives include:

Streamlined Enrollment. Parents can find out more information about the Every Child A Swimmer program at any Goldfish Swim School nationwide by filling out a basic form. Goldfish Swim Schools are pre-approved, simplifying the process and enabling more children to benefit from swim lessons.

National Expansion. The organizations will collaborate to expand Every Child A Swimmer nationally, providing access to swim lessons for children in more communities. By connecting with entities across different states, both groups aim to create a cohesive and comprehensive approach to water safety education.

Legislative Advocacy. Together, the organizations will work to expand current legislation related to water safety and swimming education. By pooling their resources and expertise, they aim to influence policymakers and make comprehensive swimming lessons accessible to all children.

Collaborating with Pediatricians. Recognizing the influence of pediatricians in promoting child health and safety, Goldfish Swim School’s Goldfish RX program provides tools for pediatricians and family doctors to promote water safety conversations. Goldfish Swim School Franchising also partners with renowned pediatrician Dr. Molly O’Shea to provide additional educational opportunities to help raise awareness about the importance of swim lessons and water safety through pediatrician networks.

“Our new alliance with Goldfish Swim School marks another step forward in our mission of spreading water safety education and reducing incidents among children,” said Every Child A Swimmer Program Manager Casey McGovern. “By joining forces, we’re able to bolster our ability to help families across North America.”

Additionally, in May, the organization successfully lobbied for legislation in Georgia and Arkansas that requires every school to provide parents with water safety information and the location of local swim school resources. Florida was the first state to pass this legislation in 2021. The program’s ultimate goal is for all 50 states to pass similar bills.

“We believe we can create a transformative impact in children’s lives through our new partnership with the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Every Child A Swimmer,” said Goldfish Swim School Franchising co-founder and CEO Chris McCuiston. “Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to become a confident swimmer and acquire essential water safety skills, and there couldn’t be a more fitting occasion than World Drowning Prevention Day to unveil this partnership.”

Based in Troy, Michigan, Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children aged 4 months to 12 years. Classes are led by specially trained instructors in a safe, child-friendly environment using a research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay®. Since opening its first franchised location in 2009, the brand has grown to more than 150 schools in over 30 states, with an additional 150-plus in development.

To learn more about Goldfish Swim School, visit www.goldfishswimschool.com. For more information on the partnership and Every Child A Swimmer, visit www.everychildaswimmer.org.

About Goldfish Swim School Franchising

Goldfish Swim School is the leading premier learn-to-swim concept, dedicated to providing children with exceptional swim instruction and water safety skills. With a proven curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities, Goldfish Swim School offers year-round swim lessons for children aged 4 months to 12 years. With over 150 locations across 34 states and two in Canada, Goldfish Swim School is committed to creating confident swimmers and fostering a love for the water.

About Every Child A Swimmer

Every Child A Swimmer (ECAS) organization is dedicated to promoting water safety education and reducing drowning incidents among children. By working closely with schools, community organizations and government agencies, ECAS provides access to swim lessons, educational resources and drowning prevention strategies. The organization strives to empower every child with lifesaving swimming skills and create a culture of water safety awareness.

About the International Swimming Hall of Fame

The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) is a leading institution dedicated to promoting swimming and aquatic sports worldwide. Through its exhibits, educational programs, and support for water safety initiatives, ISHOF aims to inspire individuals and communities to embrace swimming as a vital life skill. The organization recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions to the world of swimming and honors the athletes, coaches, and advocates who have made a significant impact in the aquatic community.

Winners receive $5,000 for resources and education

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(Alexandria, Va.) — The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is now accepting nominations for both the 2023 Greg Garrett Scholarship Award and the 2023 Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant. The winners will be honored at the PHTA Awards of Excellence Reception at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo (PSP/Deck Expo) in Las Vegas, NV, this November.

Greg Garrett Scholarship Award

This prestigious award was developed by the PHTA Recreational Water & Air Quality Committee (RWAQC) in memory of Greg Garrett, a former PHTA member. The award provides a $5,000 scholarship to two PHTA members in the builder or service sectors to use toward PHTA education or certification fees. PHTA is pleased to announce that Periodic Products, Inc. is sponsoring one of the two scholarships awarded this year.

“Greg Garrett and I served together on the Recreational Water & Air Quality Committee for almost a decade,” says Dr. Joseph Laurino, President and CEO of Periodic Products, Inc. “Greg had a passion for educating others on some of the most critical technical issues impacting our industry. Being able to continue sharing that passion through the Greg Garrett Scholarship Award means so much to me and Greg’s other industry peers.”

To be considered for the Greg Garrett Scholarship Award, an application form and two recommendations need to be submitted. PHTA members can self-nominate or nominate a fellow member. The nomination deadline is Friday, September 15.

For more information about the scholarship and to submit a nomination form, visit www.phta.org/garrett-award.

Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant

Given in the memory of Dr. Robert Neil Lowry, a long-time member of PHTA and the Recreational Water & Air Quality Committee (RWAQC), this $5,000 grant honors a public health official or department who has made outstanding contributions to advance the public’s health and safe use of recreational water in pools, spas, and waterparks through educational, safety, operational, and technical programs.

“Public health officials and their organizations play a key role in ensuring our pools, waterparks, and other aquatic venues are safe and enjoyable for all,” says Jody O’Grady, Director of Customer Technical Support for Taylor Water Technologies LLC and Chair of the RWAQC. “The Lowry Grant is one way our industry can acknowledge, honor, and support their dedication and commitment. Dr. Lowry would be pleased to know that he is still having a positive impact on the recreational water safety community through this grant, more than a decade after his passing.”

To be considered for the Lowry Grant, the public health official or department must describe their planned or proposed program, the service provided and how it benefits public health and safety, the impact of the expected results, and how the grant funds will be used. The nomination deadline is Friday, September 8.

For more information about the grant and to submit a nomination form, visit www.phta.org/lowry-grant.

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