POND PULSE

Message From The President

Ok! That’s it! The world has gone certifiably out of its collective mind! On chat forums there has been banter about “certified” this or “certified” that, but being a “certified” anything was negated this week with a Miller Light commercial I saw on the “boob tube” last night. Miller brewing has an ad campaign that now has “certified” Miller Light distributors. It seems if you sell Miller Light you become “a certified Miller Light distributor”, complete with a neon sign to hang in the store window to let people know you sell Miller Light; the sign is supplied by Miller Brewing.

Regrettably it has come to pass, ludicrous has replaced competency! There was a time when a professional was “certified” to do a task, such as doctoring or electrical work or plumbing work and this meant they were competent to do the required task. The “spin” doctors on Madison Avenue (or wherever “they” reside) have relegated the term of “Certified” to an ad catch phrase that no longer has any substance.

I had a conversation with a colleague a few days ago that claims to be a “certified” test taker. By that he means; he took a test to be a certified pond installer by a pond organization that has nothing more than a test to become certified, and then you’re only certified as to passing their test, not as an installer. It was explained to me by this “certified” test taking colleague that the certifying organization was supported by manufacturers.

The translation for this itinerant pond builder (me) is this; “we” back this pond organization because “we” (the manufacturers) run it, “we” (you and me) fund it and anyone knows that if you “pay the bills” (send them a check) you will be supplied all the right answers. I call that the DUH! Factor! When consumers understand that the certifying organization is a collective of manufacturers does the “spin” affect the organization’s credibility? The IPPCA is considered to be the Trade Association with the “Consumers Guide” of the pond industry. The question is: can a manufacturer afford not to be involved with a “stand alone” industry organization for its products sake?

I use the following analogy; of a pharmaceutical company rep or a veterinarian to take care of your pet. If your pet was sick would you take it to a pharmaceutical company representative for treatment or a veterinarian? Odds are greater that you would take your pet to a vet. Why? Although a pharmaceutical rep might know and might carry a product that you could use for your pet, you would be more confident (justifiably) in a veterinarian that has been through an accredited veterinarian program at an accredited institution of learning so as to be able to properly diagnose and prescribe the right med, dosage and application of anything they have prescribed. And maybe what your pet really needs is a med from a different manufacturer altogether.

I personally was a member of a manufacturer’s “certified” program because this was the only viable program at the time on the market to measure any sense of competence in pond building. I take my hat off to this manufacturer for being far sighted enough in 2003 to set a standard within a unique industry. However, any manufacturer’s certification program today is a jaded product.

The IPPCA services Easy Pro’s certification because Easy Pro understood that to handle a certification program “in house” is to jade it. Logistically to add additional manpower and paperwork to handle a certified contractor program was not required.

Recognized as the Trade Association with the “Consumers Guide” of the pond industry, the IPPCA has field tested many products from many different manufacturers. The IPPCA continues to do independent product testing, yet the IPPCA does not endorse any products from any one manufacturer.

Our membership and participants via an on-line chat board have commented on several manufacturers products. Some good comments, some not so favorable.

In this connected world if you are not transparent (bullets pass right through with no damage) you will cease to exist. If your “spin” doctors are not “real” your product sales will suffer. I draw on acquisition of products for Wal-Mart Stores. If you wish to “pitch” your product to Wal-Mart you and several other “pitch” men may be in the same room at the same time. They get to hear you and your “pitch”, as you present your product. To say the least it’s a brutal market place these days. Welcome to "CERTIFIED" reality.

If your company would like further information about IPPCA accreditation, please contact info@ippca.com.

Rocke'
AKA The Dragon

“Meaningful Messages”

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed

They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you
with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or
spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient
time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire
fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has
come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must
build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson,
Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other
relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life, Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Wet Lab with Vicki Vaughan

INFO TANZA 2007.
Being held October 25-27th at the Garden Hilton in Kennesaw, Georgia.
The primary point of interest to the Koi and Water Garden community is that the last day of this industry trade professional oriented event will be opening the doors to any fish, water garden or other pond and water garden oriented club members to be admitted for free (just bring your club membership card). This is primarily being done so that pond and fish enthusiasts may take advantage of the Fish health Seminar and Wet Lab being hosted by IPPCA member Vickie Vaughn. This extracurricular lab is modestly priced at $50.00 for non-IPPCA members to attend. IPPCA members are being extended free attendance to this seminar. The IPPCA is currently lining up additional educational speakers for Saturday afternoon that would be of interest to both hobbyist and professionals, keep an eye on INFOTANZA.com for updates.

This is a limited seating event and we already have several registrants to attend, from local Koi Club members as well as IPPCA members. Attendance will be accepted on a first-come first-reserved basis, and when all available seating is taken, registration for this popular class will be closed.

For more information contact: info@ippca.com or call 866-484-7722.

http://www.infotanza.com

Look for a flyer announcing more exciting information coming soon to your email box

Contractor Of The Month
Cor VanDiepen

Paradise Landscaping, Torrece, California

Paradise Landscaping is a California landscaping company specializing in koi ponds and water gardens. Effective landscaping highlights your home, reflecting the homeowner's image and style. It incorporates natural surroundings to create an outdoor environment that will give pleasure for years to come

We offer more than 15 years of experience in landscape construction in a variety of settings. We provide homeowners with some of the finest water gardens in Southern California. Our team has created unique and beautiful garden ponds and waterfalls that have left our customers ecstatic. Our work is guaranteed to be completed on time and to your complete satisfaction.

Landscaping by Paradise is an investment that pays for itself in pleasure as well as increased home value. All work is fully guaranteed - from quality of materials to workmanship - for one full year from time of completion. Satisfied clients attest to the firm's professionalism

Associate Member Of The Month

Cornerstone Waterscapes

In 2003 we decided to add a waterfeature to our own backyard. Because we enjoyed the sound of water and water gardening , we decided to take the "plunge" into the pond building business and share our hobby with others.

Since there was not a pond retail business in our area, we began to approach the idea of opening one locally. In May of 2005 we opened Cornerstone Waterscapes, a retail store featuring pond supplies as well as offering pond installations, service and maintenance. While it didn't take long to realize that we are unique in that we are both a pond retailer and an installer/contractor, it also didn't take long to realize that we needed more space! When the building next to us was available in August we moved over so that we could increase our inventory and displays. In addition, this past year we rented back our original building next door and created a backyard bird supply center. Our inventory also includes: Outdoor portable buildings, gazeebos, and pergolas, outdoor fireplace kits & pits, bridges and a nice selection of landscape & patio stone

We are a family-owned company with a business practice that is old-fashioned by today's standards: Offer the highest quality merchandise, at the best price available with above standard service. We want you to always feel welcome, whether at the internet store or at our retail location - we appreciate your business