Van Kirk & Sons, Inc. Receives Residential Concrete Traditional Award in APSP International Awards of Excellence Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Orlando, Fla. - Van Kirk & Sons, Inc. won the prestigious Silver Award in the Residential Concrete Traditional category during the 2007 Association of Pool & Spa Professionals' International Awards of Excellence ceremony held on Thursday, November 29^th at the Rosen Center Hotel, in Orlando, Florida.

The Deerfield Beach based company received the Silver Award for its installation in South Florida.  It took the design expertise of Van Kirk & Son Inc.'s Steve Schwartz to create this excellent outdoor excursion area in the Village of Pinecrest, located in Miami-Dade County.  The homeowners had a tangible and popular picture of a thematic scheme they desired. Their wishes were met with this elaborate, sophisticated fountain, mimicking the Bellagio in Las Vegas.  Encompassing the fountain is a classic architectural residential pool.  The marvelous layout provides a centerpiece for the property, a practical pool experience and unforgettable entertainment venue.  The traditional Mediterranean aesthetic of the house is enhanced by the classic elegance of the Roman-style pool and Venetian fountain.  The golden-colored tumbled marble patio and the small marble tiles used as veneers for the pool, spa and fountains further complete the old-world look.  In the evening, the pool comes alive with four multicolor lights.  The fountains, entrance and spa are lit up with color-changing fiber optic lights. Sixteen deck-level Air Stream Brass Water jets shoot arcs of water, crisscrossing the center of the pool. All it takes is a touch of a button labeled "Bellagio," and the client easily can bring the whole project to life. 

More than 900 installations were entered in the 2007 Awards of Excellence competition.  During the ceremony, 161 awards were presented, including the three Chairman's Awards. 17 awards for merit, 32 bronze medals, 49 silver medals, and 61 gold medals, and were also awarded.  There were 34 categories represented.

"We are excited to continue the Awards of Excellence tradition this year," said APSP President and CEO Bill Weber. "The AOE ceremony is an important part of our overall association, as it offered members and guests an opportunity to appreciate just how far the industry has come in terms of technological and artistic achievement."

About APSP

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals is the world's largest international trade association representing the swimming pool, spa, hot tub and recreational water industries with a mission to enhance the business success of members. The over 4,500 member companies of the APSP include manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers' agents, designers, builders, installers, retailers, and service professionals. APSP members adhere to a code of business ethics and share a commitment to public health and safety in the use of pools, spas, and hot tubs.

The Awards of Excellence, presented annually, recognize and reward the most beautiful and creative installation of pools and hot tubs across the United States and around the world. Competition is open to APSP member builders, designers and service and retail firms.

For more information about the competition, contact Jennifer Allen at jallen@TheAPSP.org.  For more information about APSP, including how to become a member, visit the TheAPSP.org, telephone (703)838-0083, or write to The APSP, 2111 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA, 22314.