Need a research assistant? - Reflections

Pool & Spa News, Jan 25, 2003 by Erika Taylor

If you're anything like me, you have an enormous amount of information to keep track of, and a limited time in which to do it.

That's why the Pool & Spa News Directory is so handy. It works almost like a personal research assistant.

Say you're considering adding a particular product and need information from manufacturers. You can go right to the "Manufacturers Classified by Products" section (yellow pages), and look up the product category. Or maybe you're interested in learning more about a specific brand name, but aren't sure who makes that product. Easy, go to the "Brand Names Section" (blue pages) to find out. Need a Web address? There's a section (purple pages) for that as well, along with alphabetical listings of manufacturers (gold pages), distributors (green pages) and a "Who's Who" of industry suppliers (pink pages).

That's all fine, you may be thinking, but the phone numbers I often have trouble locating are government agencies or organizations specific to our industry. No problem--turn to "The Source" on page 8 for a comprehensive listing of trade groups, standards agencies, buying groups and other organizations that pertain to pool and spa professionals.

As always, our directory contains an index of every story published last year by Pool & Spa News, a listing of 2003 trade shows worldwide, and a helpful glossary of industry terms.

I'm sure you'll find this "research assistant" as useful (and low maintenance) as we do. As always, I'm interested in any feedback you might have. You can call me at (323) 801-4972, or e-mail etaylor@hanley. wood.com.