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Ponditat For Humanity, Atlanta, Georgia 2008
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Posted on: 6/25/2008 7:24 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
IPPCA
IPPCA Staff
May 18, 2008
The IPPCA will hold its 3rd annual Ponditat For Humanity event on July 10, 11
and 12 at the world renowned Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite
in Atlanta, Georgia.
Contractors as well as other members from all over the United States and
Canada will arrive in Atlanta on July 9, 2008 to disassemble the existing koi
pond at the Children’s hospital in preparation of the rebuild to start July
10th.
The IPPCA rebuilt a pond in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for a handicapped
gentlemen in June, 2006. In 2007, the group traveled to Danville, Illinois to
rebuild a pond for a handicapped man and his wife who had just undergone back
surgery and simultaneously helping out a fellow IPPCA contractor who had just
undergone neck surgery. For more information and to see how you can
participate in this year’s Ponditat For Humanity go to:
http://www.ponditatforhumanity.com
If you would like more information on this project please contact the IPPCA at
770-592-9790.
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Posted on: 8/26/2007 8:51 PM
Posted by: Gloria
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For immediate release: 8-26-07
Members deal with “Storm of the Century” while attending the IPPCA EasyWeve™
Liner seminar in Decherd, Tennessee.
I can truthfully say “WOW, what an experience!!!” And right up front, a
HUGE “THANK YOU” to all that attended yet another hugely successful IPPCA
hosted event.
We arrived on Friday afternoon, the 24th of August, a half day early to check
over the job-site, and found it to be in perfect condition. (The air
conditioning was a little weak, thoughJ) Everything was ready to knock this
project out tomorrow and be done by noon at the latest, thereby getting done
before the record breaking heat the has been plaguing the southeast this
summer. Little did we know that Mother Nature was about to step in and throw
us a MAJOR curve ball that would put our professionalism to the ultimate test.
(We Passed, by the way). With less than a 10% chance of an isolated shower,
and that area of Tennessee not having received a drop of rain in over two
months, we knew we were good to go.
About 9:30 pm Friday night, the heat lightning off to our North started to
more and more frequently actually strike the ground. By 10:00 pm, there were
infrequent but huge raindrops plopping and lightning popping 360 degrees
around us, and then within minutes, the bottom dropped out of the barrel. For
the next FOUR HOURS, it rained like there was not going to be another
opportunity to do so in this millennium. (We got more rain (and lightning)
that night than that area of Tennessee has seen ALL YEAR COMBINED.)
The local weather stations Friday night and Saturday morning were calling it
the “Storm of the century”. We saw Flash flood warnings, Severe Thunder Storm
warnings and Tornado warnings until daybreak. Several areas within spitting
distance of the job-site getting over 6 (SIX) inches of rain in less than 2
hours!!! Franklin County Tennessee received over 23,000 lightning strikes
Friday night. IPPCA member Gary Sackett drove through this stuff for over
three hours before finally getting to the hotel.
Winchester (where we were staying) and Dechard (only 2 ˝ miles away, where the
jobsite was) were receiving more than 25 lighting strikes per minute for over
2 ˝ hours. That’s a lot of fireworks folks, let me tell you. We watched the
show until 2 AM and then went to sleep with the sound of rain and wind beating
on the windows and roof. At least we kept our roof. The Holiday Inn just 600
yards up the street lost parts of their roof in a massive lightning strike
that was followed by some straight-line winds over 60 miles per hour. This was
a heck of a night and a heck of a storm.
I was awakened Saturday morning by the homeowner calling my cell phone at 6
AM. He was sitting in his truck outside our hotel room. He wanted to confirm
his own opinion that we were going to and should call this event off and go
home. I held a brief conversation with him in the parking lot and told
him; “Hey, lets don’t write this off until we’ve at least had a chance to look
at the jobsite”. Several of the other pros that attended this event met with
me in the parking lot and we all agreed that we wouldn’t scratch the event
without at least looking at the jobsite first. Truthfully, we weren’t very
optimistic.
Upon arrival at the jobsite, it was rather apparent that there was A LOT of
water in the “hole”. When walking it with hip-boots on, it was over a foot and
a half deep. Well, that in itself is no big deal. One of our attendees had two
clean-out pumps in his truck. We set them up and starting draining Noah’s
flood residue from our work-site. Piece of cake right? Just wait ‘til the sun
comes out, and it’ll dry out quick. It ended up drying out faster than we
expected. By noon, the heat index was over 100 and climbing. What was mud only
5 hours earlier was now rapidly and exponentially turning into brick.
While the pumps were getting rid of about 80,000 gallons of liquid sunshine,
we started rolling out the 7 (seven) rolls of under-layment and cutting them
to 150 foot lengths to cover the narrow span of the pond (lake?). We started
laying out the under-layment on the high-side of the lake and chased the water
down the length of the bottom as the pumps caused the waters to recede. Moses
we aren’t. Pond pros we proved ourselves to be without a doubt. The homeowner
couldn’t believe we completed the project successfully in those conditions.
Several of us just said to him “When you’ve got lemons, make lemonade, not
excuses.”
The homeowner had several friends and neighbors come by to help roll out the
liner and under-layment, and I’d like to extend a personal thank you to them
all. They jumped in and really helped make the difference. Thanks guys!!!.
Between them and the twenty pros attending, we nailed this puppy by about 2:30
pm. It truly was an AWESOME and UNIQUE opportunity to acquire valuable
experience for all who attended!!! (Which, by the way, is why the seminar was
held in the first place).
A Storm of the Century the night before and 110 plus heat index installing the
liner.
Was it FUN?………..not really. It was brutal work. I feel for every one of the
attendees, because I know that they’re dealing with the blisters on their
knuckles that ALL of us got from pulling that 200 degree plus solar super-
heated liner out across that hole. The skin literally was peeling off our
knuckles if we held the liner for more than 2 seconds while pulling this 2552
pound monster out over that half acre lake. And I’ve got to tell you, it takes
more than a couple of seconds to position a 26,400 square foot liner in a 14
foot deep hole and maneuver it around a dock. Now that the liner is in, this
lake when filled will retain well over half a million gallons of water.
I would also say that the unanimous consensus of all the professional
attendees was that while memorable and a bit of a bear, the trip and time was
well spent and the knowledge and experience gained was literally priceless.
(And no one had to pay to attend either.) I would say that makes this event by
default another smashing success for the IPPCA and its members. For those of
you that couldn’t attend, I am considering doing a re-cap seminar at INFO
TANZA in October to touch on the challenges and knowledge needed to succeed in
a project like this with profitability. This would probably be on Thursday
afternoon after the Firestone Liner Installation Certification seminar on
Thursday morning. Let me know if this is of interest to you.
Overall, it was an experience that those who attended will have memories of
for a life time. (I think the blisters will heal a little quicker J). A great
event with great guys that just helped prove yet again that the IPPCA is
truly “The Place To Go to Find A Pro” in the Pond and Water Garden industry.
Thanks again to all attendees for contributing to the motto I personally try
to remember when confronted by challenging circumstances: “I don’t want to
hear about problems, I want to hear about solutions”. We ALL epitomized that
at this event. WAY TO GO!!!!!!!
Dave A. Jones
The Pond Professional
Woodstock, Georgia 30188
Executive Director of The IPPCA
dave@IPPCA.com
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IPPCA's Ponditat For Humanity
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Posted on: 7/25/2007 8:23 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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For release: immediate: 7-21-07: From: IPPCA headquarters, 4045 N. Arnold Mill
Road, Woodstock, GA. 30188
IPPCA’s Ponditat For Humanity™ 2007 gets great reviews!!!
In following with its tradition of hosting the Pond and Water Garden
industry’s annual Premier Humanitarian event, Woodstock, Georgia based IPPCA
(International Professional Pond Contractors Association) hosted Ponditat For
Humanity™ 2007 in Danville, Illinois this year. The Ponditat™ event was held
at the home of this year’s recipients, Tony and Linda Jones, long time
Danville natives. Tony has been a Danville police officer and volunteer
firefighter for decades and has had to retire due to a heart attack and then a
stroke. Linda has been a longtime community service oriented person and will
be retiring shortly from her job of finding employment in the community for
folks with disabilities.
Not only did the Danville couple receive a brand new estimated $50,000.00
pond and water feature, but IPPCA contractor member Gary Sackett, owner of
Springwater Waterfeatures in Bismarck, Illinois, recovering from major
surgery, received a check for almost $12,000.00 as well. This check reflected
the labor that Mr. Sackett would have collected on a contract he had with the
Joneses to rebuild their water feature if he hadn’t been temporarily sidelined
by an unrelated injury and the subsequent surgery.
The Georgia based IPPCA, in keeping with the humanitarian and
professional goals of their Ponditat For Humanity™ event, modified this year’s
event to include a payday for member Gary Sackett. “This is slightly irregular
in our normal format but actually fit in perfectly with the long term goals
and aims of the event and the association.” stated Executive Director Dave
Jones (No relation to the recipients), owner of the Pond Professional, also
based in Woodstock, GA. Jones went on to add, “Helping out two families in one
event was a possibility that we just couldn’t pass up.”
The whirlwind of activity started on Thursday the 12th of July with
contractors from all over the U.S. arriving early to start excavation and
construction of the new pond and water features that would be approximately 12
times larger than the Joneses’ original leaky, poorly constructed water
garden. With generous donations from both Industry leading manufacturers as
well as local businesses, the project flowed smoothly from start to finish in
less than the three full days allocated for it.
“It’s like watching a finely choreographed dance.” said Linda Jones,
watching the project unfold magically before her and her husband’s astonished
eyes. “These guys and gals make it look so easy” she further stated “You can
tell they really are pros, I’ve never seen anything like this in my life.”
The Pond has such unique features as a functioning water wheel, two train
trestles for Tony’s large scale train set and a curving tunnel for the train,
disappearing behind one and then emerging again along side another of the four
waterfalls. With built in fish hides, underwater bridges, underwater lighting,
dual skimmers, oversized plumbing with dual high efficiency pumps and two
handicap friendly water fall filters and three times per hour turnover, this
back yard beauty is a true work of art that will serve the Joneses well for
decades.
Sam Thoma of Warren Thoma and Associates was one of the attendees at this
year’s Ponditat™ event. Sam attended on behalf of Easy Pro Pond Products,
based in Grant, Michigan. Thoma said, “One of the first things I noticed at
this event was the different mindset and the high degree of professionalism
displayed by the attending contractors.” Sam went on to explain “… most of
these pond build events I attend, people are paying to attend for one reason
or another, usually to learn how to build ponds.” ”That’s not the case with
this event. These are seriously experienced contractors that are there to get
the job done.” “They realize that by being around other contractors of their
own caliber, they’re going to learn and network by default. They’re not
required or asked to pay to attend and the results speak for themselves.” “One
of the most pleasurable pond build events I’ve ever attended.” “This is a
great and innovative concept”.
“The IPPCA is leading the industry by example, not hype and hooplah like
many others.” said IPPCA member Gary Sackett. “We’ve noticed for the last
couple of years that the IPPCA gets things done while other groups are still
sitting around talking about what they’re thinking about doing.” “They’re a
great group to be affiliated with and I’m proud to be a part of them.” He
added with a catch in his voice, ”look what they just did for myself and my
family, how can you beat that?” ‘This is what you could expect from the
industry’s leading association, and they surpassed our wildest dreams with
what they’ve done for us and the Joneses.”
Another first in the Pond and Water Garden Industry occurred this year
when not one, but four IPPCA message board/forum members attended the event as
well. “These folks may not be Professional pond contractors, but they came to
work and worked hard right along- side the Pros” stated IPPCA President Rocke’
Huntington. Huntington went on to say, “A big hats off and thank you to Ben
from Illinois and Daniel and his two sons from Pennsylvania.” “They not only
support our forum, but what the IPPCA is doing for the Pond and Water Garden
Industry” “Kudos”.
One of the requirements for an IPPCA contractor member to become an IPPCA
TOPGUN is to attend one of the annual Ponditat For Humanity™ events. Returning
Topguns this year were Dave Jones of Woodstock, GA., Larry Moore of Danvile,
KY., and Rocke’ Huntington of Lincoln, NB. New Topguns created by this event
include Mike White of Batavia, IL., and Gary Sackett of Bismarck, IL.
Local businesses Mustards Last Stand and The American Legion of Danville
donated food for the attendees. Local business Marsters Sign Company donated
the large sign that decorated the couple’s front yard during the entire event,
and equipment donated by Big R Rental made the job flow smoothly and almost
effortlessly. An additional thank you is due the local Danville Comfort Inn
for greatly discounted room rates for Ponditat™ attendees.
Industry leading manufacturers and IPPCA sponsors that contributed to
this year’s tremendously successful event include: Alpha Bio System, Easy Pro
Pond Products, Dow Chemical Company, Fishman Chemicals, Russell Water Gardens,
Performance Pro Pumps and NishiKoi USA Inc.,
Other supporters that contributed materials and/or funding for the event
include: Firestone Specialty Products, Black Mountain Timberworks, Smart
Advantage, The Pond Professional, Springwater Waterfeatures, Pond Armor,
Waterscape Designs LLC., Peter Stopen of Pondview Landscaping and Mike Garcia
of Enviroscapes.
For more details, you can see the whole event day by day pictorially at:
www.ponditatforhumanity.com. Be sure to check out and register to receive the
IPPCA’s monthly newsletter at: www.pondpulse.com . And get more information on
another industry exclusive event hosted by the IPPCA, INFO TANZA.. See:
www.INFOTANZA.com
Be sure to check out other IPPCA sponsored websites such as
www.pondcleanout.com with its extensive related topics article section,
and:www.bogfiltration.com with its step-by-step tutorial, and of course their
home site and message board at; www.IPPCA.com. The IPPCA is “The Place to Go
to Find a Pro”.
Photos available upon request.
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The Pond Professional to Participate in "Ponditat For Humanity"
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Posted on: 6/15/2007 8:47 PM
Posted by: Gloria
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This year’s Ponditat for Humanity recipients are:
Tony & Linda Jones / Danville, IL
In March 2006, IPPCA member, Gary Sackett of Bismarck, Illinois was injured at
work. It wasn’t until just over a month ago that Gary underwent Double
Cervical Fusion surgery on his injury. Gary has a Contract to redo a pond for
a medically challenged couple but is unable to complete the contract due to
his recent surgery.
Tony & Linda have been in positions of community service for many years.
After a long career as a counselor for people with disabilities, Linda will be
retiring later this month. This is perfect timing considering she just
recently had back surgery and is currently recovering beautifully.
Tony has had an extensive service career also. His positions have included a
year of fireman service with the Danville Fire Department, 27 years of service
with the Danville Police Department, many years volunteering with the Bismarck
Fire Dept. and an extensive career as the Deputy Coroner for forty years.
After having a heart attack in December of 1994; Tony retired from police work
in 1995. He suffered a stroke in 1996 and was told that he probably would not
survive and would, most likely, never walk again if he did survive; He of
course proved them wrong on both accounts
Tony & Linda love to entertain and spend a majority of their time outdoors in
their beautiful back yard. Their home is the “go to” place for their friends
and family to enjoy a relaxed evening. They are always quick to offer their
hospitality and great company to anyone coming by.
They had a small water feature built approximately six years ago in a corner
of their backyard. Plagued with several installation defects that prompted
their initial “qualified” installer to disappear rather than fix, the Joneses
met and contacted Gary Sackett of Springwater to make the necessary
corrections and get this current system cobbled back together enough to work.
Though it has provided many great memories, it never really fit their needs.
Considering Tony’s limitations with mobility & balance, for safety sake, they
are hoping for a new, larger feature that will serve their vision and their
needs.
Gary says, “They are fantastic, openhearted people who are quick to give a
hand to anyone in need.” What a great opportunity to offer them something in
return!!!!
IPPCA needs your help to rebuild their pond and to help Gary out in this
situation. Come join us on July 12, 13, and 14.
To get your name on the list and to be a 2007 IPPCA “Top Gun” Candidate just
hit the reply button up top and type in “Count On Me” in the text line.
We already have some awesome cutting edge new products that have been donated
to this event by some of our sponsors. Our attendees will be way ahead
of “the pack” after getting first hand experience with these products.
Thanks Guys/Gals, we look forward to seeing you all in Danville!!
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The Pond Professional to Participate in Ponditat
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Posted on: 6/12/2007 3:25 PM
Posted by: Gloria
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This year’s Ponditat for Humanity recipients are:
Tony & Linda Jones / Danville, IL
In March 2006, IPPCA member, Gary Sackett of Bismarck, Illinois was injured at
work. It wasn’t until just over a month ago that Gary underwent Double
Cervical Fusion surgery on his injury. Gary has a Contract to redo a pond for
a medically challenged couple but is unable to complete the contract due to
his recent surgery.
Tony & Linda have been in positions of community service for many years.
After a long career as a counselor for people with disabilities, Linda will be
retiring later this month. This is perfect timing considering she just
recently had back surgery and is currently recovering beautifully.
Tony has had an extensive service career also. His positions have included a
year of fireman service with the Danville Fire Department, 27 years of service
with the Danville Police Department, many years volunteering with the Bismarck
Fire Dept. and an extensive career as the Deputy Coroner for forty years.
After having a heart attack in December of 1994; Tony retired from police work
in 1995. He suffered a stroke in 1996 and was told that he probably would not
survive and would, most likely, never walk again if he did survive; He of
course proved them wrong on both accounts
Tony & Linda love to entertain and spend a majority of their time outdoors in
their beautiful back yard. Their home is the “go to” place for their friends
and family to enjoy a relaxed evening. They are always quick to offer their
hospitality and great company to anyone coming by.
They had a small water feature built approximately six years ago in a corner
of their backyard. Plagued with several installation defects that prompted
their initial “qualified” installer to disappear rather than fix, the Joneses
met and contacted Gary Sackett of Springwater to make the necessary
corrections and get this current system cobbled back together enough to work.
Though it has provided many great memories, it never really fit their needs.
Considering Tony’s limitations with mobility & balance, for safety sake, they
are hoping for a new, larger feature that will serve their vision and their
needs.
Gary says, “They are fantastic, openhearted people who are quick to give a
hand to anyone in need.” What a great opportunity to offer them something in
return!!!!
IPPCA needs your help to rebuild their pond and to help Gary out in this
situation. Come join us on July 12, 13, and 14.
To get your name on the list and to be a 2007 IPPCA “Top Gun” Candidate just
hit the reply button up top and type in “Count On Me” in the text line.
We already have some awesome cutting edge new products that have been donated
to this event by some of our sponsors. Our attendees will be way ahead
of “the pack” after getting first hand experience with these products.
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The Pond Professional Adds Aquadyne
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Posted on: 1/22/2007 8:30 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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The Pond Professional has added Aquadyne Bead Filters to the list of quality
products they now offer to their customers.
If you are considering intalling a "Koi Pond" contact The Pond Proefssional
for a professional installation of your pond today. Don't be mislead by
others, "we build the best and service the rest".
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The Pond Professional Participates
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Posted on: 1/7/2007 10:24 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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Dave, Gloria and Michael Jones of The Pond Professional participates in
the #9
event to affect the Pond Industry in 2006. In June, The Pond Professional
traveled to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to participate in the rebuilding of a
pond referred to a "Ponditat For Humanity". The photos and explaniation of
this project can be see at the
http://www.Ponditat For
Humanity
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Posted on: 7/29/2006 2:04 PM
Posted by: Gloria
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The Pond Professional has become a distributor for 'THRIVE KOI CLAY".
You ask what is "THRIVE KOI CLAY"?
Thrive Koi and Pond Clay contains the ideal balance of Calcium, Magnesium and
trace minerals for Koi and fish health.
Thrive Koi and Pond Clay should be used all year long; although some only use
it in the summer to combat algae problems.
Thrive Koi and Pond Clay is possibly the best food supplement for Koi and pond
health from mother earth.
These minerals are the vital element source of nutrients that easily dissolve
in water and are absorbed by fish through body, gill, and digestion.
Adequate doses of Thrive Koi and Pond Clay in the fish's diet helps our fish
to live healthier and longer, improves their skin quality, adds gloss to their
colors, aids in scale development and helps them develop to their full
potential.
Get your Thrive Koi Clay today, look for it under "Fish Food" or Click Here.
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Pond Contractors Respond to call for Help!
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Posted on: 5/3/2006 4:32 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2006
Pond contractors respond to call for help
Woodstock, GA. Pond contractors and builders from all over the country are
converging on Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on June 9th through June 11th to
answer a call for help. The contractors, members of the International
Professional Pond Contractors Association (IPPCA), will be coming from as far
away as New Hampshire on the east coast and Washington on the west coast to do
an “extreme pond makeover” for a local disabled man left with a backyard pond
plagued with leaks and other problems.
The disabled Myrtle Beach man, Tom Kincheloe, has only been active
with the IPPCA’s public forum on the internet for a few months, but it was
enough to get their attention when they realized he had a serious pond problem
and was trying to take care of it himself despite his disability.
Kincheloe had his pond built in his backyard two years ago by a local
professional pond contractor, according to information published on the forum
at the IPPCA’s website. He has had nothing but problems with it despite paying
the contractor repeatedly to fix those problems. With his pond still losing
water daily, he turned to the IPPCA for help by submitting photos of the
problems he was finding, as well as photos of him trying to make repairs.
Kincheloe lost his left leg above the knee in early childhood. He
recently underwent surgery to correct deformities that grew over the years,
leaving him to get around on crutches until he heals enough to wear a
prosthesis. The organization, moved by the photos and Kincheloe’s
determination, realized he needed a lot more help than they could provide
through the internet and so the organization formed a new project to help the
Myrtle Beach man.
The project, dubbed “Ponditat for Humanity” is being spearheaded by
one of IPPCA’s sponsors, John Russell, owner of Russell Water Gardens, located
in Redmond, Washington. When Russell saw the photos of Kincheloe’s pond, he
told the IPPCA via their forum, “Tom needs a new pond. Let’s get him a new
pond!” Russell and his wife, Pamela, offered to donate all of the supplies and
equipment to build the pond if the IPPCA would provide the labor.
“We accepted the challenge,” said Dave Jones, Founder and board
chairman of the IPPCA, based in Woodstock, Georgia. “He needs a new pond and
we’re going to give him a new pond.” Jones said that some of IPPCA’s
commercial sponsors are also helping out with donations of various supplies
for the project.
Jones said the IPPCA was formed to help unite the professionals of the
pond and water garden industry in an association that is committed to “Quality
First”. “Being a neutral, apolitical entity, the IPPCA is not controlled by
any manufacturer or major corporation,” he said. “The IPPCA is governed and
operated by independent contractors and business men and women who are
concerned with maintaining quality experience, service and products in an
industry plagued with get rich quick, predatory marketing and sales elements.”
“This is just the type of situation that the IPPCA was formed to
prevent,” Jones, himself a pond building contractor, said, referring to
Kincheloe’s pond. “This is the type of situation we don’t want to see in the
pond industry.” “The IPPCA has very strict guidelines for meeting the basic
requirements of membership to try and prevent this sort of thing from
happening.”
According to USA Today, pond and water garden ownership is one of the largest
and fastest growing categories of home enhancements. With this kind of growth
projected to increase in the future, the IPPCA was formed “to help the pond
industry maintain integrity and excellence” as the industry grows, said Jones.
The organization was created on the internet to provide an easily accessible
source of assistance for both pond contractors and pond owners, he added.
According to Jones, The IPPCA.com website was launched so that consumers can
find dedicated professionals in their area “with the click of a mouse”. These
members of IPPCA have met the requirements and must follow aggressively
enforced rules of conduct and performance to maintain their membership with
the IPPCA, he said.
Home owners can log onto IPPCA’s website at http://www.ippca.com and locate a
contractor member within their area. “When you find an IPPCA contractor listed
on our website, you know you’re seeing one of the best, most dedicated
contractors in the industry.” said Jones. “We are the top guns! We have the
best of the best installers, builders, and commercial suppliers that want only
the best for the industry and are willing to help others, as well as learn
about and use cutting edge technology and equipment for the industry.”
While Jones acknowledged that the association can’t help everyone that has
been left with a poorly installed pond, they can at least help the pond owners
resolve their issues through free, professional advice on-line.
Interested home owners and local contractors can find out more about the IPPCA
by visiting their website at http://www.ippca.com. There is a public message
board located at the website where home owners and contractors alike can get
help anytime with their pond projects.
“There’s going to be a lot of activity in [Kincheloe’s] backyard that
weekend,” said Jones. In addition to Washington and New Hampshire,
professional pond builders and volunteers are also coming from Nebraska,
Illinois, Florida, California, and Georgia. Some of the contractors are
bringing their families to vacation in Myrtle Beach when they finish the
project, he said. Some contractors are even bringing their top crew members,
he added.
As for Kincheloe: “He is as excited as we are,” said Jones. “He’s
counting the days!”
For more information contact the IPPCA at 1-866-484-7722 or email them at
info@ippca.com.
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The Pond Professional adds New Websites
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Posted on: 4/24/2006 8:41 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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Most of you know us as "The Pond Professional" we are also the founders and
members of the International Professional Pond Contractors Association a/k/a
IPPCA. An association to bring quality installers to the consumers, quality
pond products to the installers and much needed feedback from the installers
and consumers back to the manufacturer.
The IPPCA has a message board at http://www.ippca.com/phpBB2/index.php. We
invite you to talk to ponders, contractors and manufacturers all over the
United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Ireland. The knowledge you will
find on this board will be invaluable. Come Join the fun.
New websites promoted by the IPPCA and The Pond Professional are
http://www.pondcleanout.com and http://www.bogfiltration.com.
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Posted on: 10/26/2005 0:54 PM
Posted by: Gloria
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Not only will you be able to keep detailed records of your Koi and the ponds
they inhabit, but you will have direct access to health information and even
basic varieties identification.
With this software you can record information about your Koi and your ponds
for
easy retrieval and display. Each Koi will have a detailed record that will
ensure that you can see any information you require.
Water quality can now be easily recorded and charted so you can see trends
before it's too late. This software will enable you to keep track of the
quality of the water in your ponds by allowing you to record your water tests,
then chart the results by date.
Koi Keepers Assistant will check your records to make sure you have adequate
water flow through your filtration system. It will also automatically
calculate your ponds volume and recommend liner sizes, pump sizes and more.
There are several reports included with the application so that you may view
information about various aspects of your Koi and ponds, including graphs
displaying results of water tests, Koi show results, Growth and even medical
treatment records. Find this product under Fish Care Products at "The Pond
Professional.com" website.
Order yours today.
Click Here
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Winners From Atlanta Koi Show
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Posted on: 9/23/2005 7:44 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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The following names were drawn for the Atlanta Koi Show Display Pond Drawing:
C. Holley, Canton Georgia Receives 40% off retail pond price
D. Turcan, Smyrna, Georiga Receives 25% off retail pond price
J. Varner, Kennesaw, Georgia Receives 25% off retail pond price
We thank all all entries. Remember if you entered you will automatically be
receiving 10% off the retail pond price. Call us today to schedule the
installation of your new pond.
Dave & Gloria Jones
The Pond Professional
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Advanced Build A Pond Day
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Posted on: 8/23/2005 5:29 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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Come One, Come All!!! Earth Products will be having an Advanced Build A Pond
Day, the first week of October. Dennis Slatterly with Imagine Landscaping
along with our Pond Pro Christian Bowdoin, will be instructing the class. The
Pond Professional will be working along side them in this advanced build a pond
day. Come work with the pros.
Contact Gloria at pondman@thepondprofessional.com or by calling (770) 592-2273.
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What Did They Say About The Tour Of Ponds
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Posted on: 7/25/2005 8:04 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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Dave & Gloria, hey I really enjoyed meeting both you guys and finding
out about your business. You definitely know ponds and all related the
subjects. I managed to make to it to a couple other of the ponds on the
tour and saw some more of your handy work, very nice.
I have decided that I am going to build a bog garden after seeing how
clean all of your ponds are with them, it is just a matter of finding
the time. I think I can source all of the materials except for the big
pipe, so I will be taking you up on your offer Dave, and the rock. So if
you have any good sources for rock, or if you can supply it, let me know.
thanks again,
Steve Stignani
Shasta Studios
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Info Tanza October 20 thru 23
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Posted on: 7/8/2005 0:08 PM
Posted by: Gloria
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The IPPCA (International Professional Pond Contractors) will hold their first
annual meeting in Mineral Bluff, Georgia.
The IPPCA announces its first annual Industry Wide Information Extravaganza and
Symposium, known as INFO TANZA!!!!!!!!!
This year’s event will be based around the theme of “Ecological Balance”. On
day one, Thursday, October 20th, the IPPCA will be featuring its first World
Wide Waterfall and Stream building competition. A cross section of the
industry’s leading products will be used in this competition, as well as other
product installation methodologies being explained by Industry Professionals.
On October 21, INFO TANZA will begin in earnest, with seminars on many topics.
Some of the topics to be addressed at this event are: Filtration, Aeration,
Bacteria’s, Overall water quality, Bog and wetlands filtration, Rain gardens
and natural solutions to storm water runoff, UV lights, Skimmers, Pumps, Fish
health and diagnostics, Plants for the pond, and polyurea spray on liners.
Many IPPCA members that are industry leaders will be speaking on these topics.
Some of the speakers that have already committed to being there include Vicki
Vaughn, head of the fish health research center at UGA, Doctor Erik Johnson,
DVM, Steve Walker of Sacremento Koi and Advantage bead filters, as well as Eric
Marsh, representing the polyurea spray-on liner industry, and Troy Winters of
Clearwaters of Michigan, who will be speaking on a revolutionary new drainage
system for developments that’s all natural, and actually allowed one developer
to build twice as many homes as a conventional storm sewer system and retention
pond method would have allowed. Many more speakers will be present.
The site for this year’s event will be at Koi Theater, located just seconds off
the Appalachian Highway in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Our host is Dr. Erik Johnson.
For those of you who have never been there, the Blue Ridge Mountains of North
Georgia are famous World wide for the fall colors of their hardwood forests.
This event is timed to coincide with peak color.
The IPPCA wishes to thank Dr. Johnson for offering to host our first event at
his Lakewood Office Complex, where Koi Theater and Koi lab are located. We look
forward to seeing you all there!!!!!!
Event Calender:
Thurs. Oct 20, 2005: World Wide Waterfall and stream building competition and
equipment training seminars.
Fri. Oct. 21, 2005: INFO TANZA information seminars
Sat. Oct. 22, 2005: INFO TANZA information seminars and IPPCA’s First Annual
Meeting and Awards Banquet. This meeting will be open to the public, but
seating will be limited, and members of the IPPCA will have automatic seniority
for seating. All attendees to the Banquet will need to pay $25.00 per person
for the banquet, and RSVP.
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Posted on: 7/8/2005 11:09 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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The Pond Professional Parade of Ponds will be held July 23 and 24 this year.
Open House at The Pond Professional. Map books will be available for the tour
at the Open House. All procedds benefit CASA (Court Appointed Special
Advocate.)
Call (770) 592-2273 for more information.
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Posted on: 6/4/2005 7:09 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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The Pond Professional is happy to announce becoming the newest distributors for
AquaOne and AquaBead Filters. More new products will be on our website in the
following weeks. Check back for UV's and sequential pumps.
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10 Questions for your Pond Contractor
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Posted on: 5/22/2005 7:23 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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1. How long have you been building ponds?
2. When can I look at your ponds in person?
3. Do you do Service and Maintenance?
4. Are you a member or certified by any Association?
5. Do you build the ponds yourself or do you sub them out?
6. Do you carry General Liability and Workmen's Compensation?
7. What is the difference between and Koi Pond and a Water Feature?
8. What do you know about plants and fish and the ecosystem?
9. Can I get 5-10 referrences to Call?
10. How soon could you start?
Now why ask these questions:
1. Some contractors have just started to build ponds. Some contractors have
the natural professional and ethics to build ponds right from the beginning,
others just see $ and have no idea what it is all about. They feel they have
watched the training videos and now they now everything.
2. If they seem reluctent to show you ponds in person, they probaly have
something to hide.
3. If a company does not do service and maintenance they have no idea if they
are building a success pond or not. All ponds need some type of maintenance,
be sure your contractor does service and maintence. Ask for service and
maintenance referrences as well as new pond installation referrences.
4. If a contractor has been certified by an association, they have jumped
through specific qualifications already. Call the association to verify their
qualifications. Make sure the Association qualifies the individual not the
company. Qualifing the company you are also qualifing the individual that was
just hired who has no experience in building ponds. Employees come and go, so
does the experience.
5. If a company subs their ponds out, you will be paying more for your pond
then you should. Also, be concerned about the qualifications of the sub. Find
out who is actually doing the building.
6. Yes you will pay a little more for your pond, because of the additional
overhead of having this coverage. But it is a small price for the comfort
knowing your contractor is a professional, not just a fly by night. Get a
Certificate of Insurance in your name, sent to you directly from the Insurance
Agent. Do not accept a copy of the policy from the contractor. Policies can
be taken out on a payment plan and the contractor will get a copy of the policy
then let it cancel for non-payment and have no coverage for your project.
7. The difference: Koi Ponds are the pond that is the healthest for the koi,
normally a liner pond, with no rocks or gravel, bead filtration and a UV light.
Water Features are normally more natural. They are still a healthy pond if
built and maintained properly.
8. Knowledge of fish and plants are very important in an ecosystem. A natural
water feature must have the right balance of fish and plants to maintain the
water quality and clarity of the water. How many fish can I have in the pond?
What happens if I get more fish than my filtration can happen. What can be
done to increase the filtration to handle more fish waste than the average pond.
9. Do your homework now, not after your pond has been built. Most people only
ask for the referrences, they never actually call and ask questions. When
calling these referrences ask how easy the pond is to care for. You should
enjoy your pond, not having to spend money for chemicals or monthly maintenance
contracts.
10. If your contractor can start on it right away. Be concerned, most of the
professionals are booked and will have to put you on a schedule. Don't be too
hasty to get your pond built, you may pay for it later.
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Certified Master Pond Contractor
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Posted on: 5/22/2005 6:59 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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Dave Jones is the only CMPC in the State of Georgia. Want a professional to
build your pond? Need help with your pond? Is your contractor not returning
your phone calls? All these sound familiar? Call "The Pond Professional",
customer service is our #1 goal. We spend your money like it was ours. Why
spend $100's on chemicals when we can show you how Mother Nature can work for
you not against you.
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Posted on: 5/22/2005 6:55 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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When was the last time your pond was clean? All ponds should be cleaned every
12-18 months. Total drain and clean. Call "The Pond Professional" for
your "Spring Clean" today. Got string algae, what's your pH? Order your pH
pen today from "The Pond Professional".
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Posted on: 5/22/2005 6:53 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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International Professional Pond Contractors Association. A place for the
consumer to find a professional contractor and a place for the contractor to
find good suppliers. Go to http://www.ippca.com, find out who is supporting
the Water Garden Industry.
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Posted on: 10/18/2004 10:11 AM
Posted by: The Pond Professional
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If you are interested in working hands on with the Pro's call us and we will
put you on the list for our next Build A Pond Day.
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Posted on: 10/18/2004 10:09 AM
Posted by: The Pond Professional
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It is that time of year. Stop feeding your fish when you water temperature is
55 or below. Shut off and drain your auto fill. Prepare your pond for the
winter. In areas where your pond will freeze solid, make sure you keep a hole
in the ice for the gases to escape. Purchase a heater from our website and it
will do it for you. Remember if you pull you pump out of the water for the
winter set it in a bucket of water in the house, where the water can not
freeze to prolong the life of your pump. Any other winter questions please
call me (770) 592-2273 I will be glad to help!
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Posted on: 10/18/2004 9:55 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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International Professional Pond Contractors Association. The IPPCA was formed
by pond contractors to unite the water garden industry. The IPPCA is a source
of reliable, competent installers for the consumer, as well as a source of
ongoing information and educations materials for contractors. additionally the
IPPCA serves as a conduit for contractors and manufacturers to exchange
information and input on new products, product improvements and exchange notes
from the field, as well as from the factory. Check back for the more info.
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Bryan Velez Memorial Pond
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Posted on: 5/3/2004 9:44 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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We will build a Memorial Pond for a sixth grader, Bryan Velez who
passed away in January, 2004, from a brain aneurism. The sixth grade class of
Arnold Mill Elementary, 710 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, Georgia 30188 will
build the pond under our supervision. What a great way to remember a
classmate. All supplies are being donated, Earth Products, Marietta, Georgia
is donating the pond kit. Stone Forest Materials, LLC, Kennesaw, Georgia is
donating the rocks and gravel. Comfort Zone Portable is donating the use of a
Spot-A-Pot. The Pond Professional is donating their expertise, plants and fish.
We are looking forward to working with these energentic sixth graders. They
collected $3200 in a week to give to the Velez family to help cover some of
the medical and funeral bills. Any and all donations to "The Velez Family
Benefit Fund" can be sent to us and we will be glad to forward to the Regions
Bank who is handling this account.
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Posted on: 12/22/2003 10:54 AM
Posted by: Gloria
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NO POND SCUM HERE
Don’t you just love the soothing sound of running water? Most people do…
including Cindy and Dave Theiler, which prompted them to install a pond in
their backyard. After rebuilding the deck and rerouting the stairs, Dave had
an area in the corner that warranted something special.
Getting a flying in the mail gave them a starting point to investigate ponds.
They visited several professional pond businesses gathering ideas for their
own pond. With three estimates that ranged as high as $10,000, the Theiler's
selected The Pond Professional (owner Dave Jones, 770-592-2273) who completed
the job in 2 days for $4,300.00. The price included the construction, pumps
and filters, skimmer, fish and plants.
Dave Jones roughed out a 3 level pond that would hold about 400 gallons of
water and enable fish to survive during the winter. He added river rocks, a
variety plants both in the water and on the shoreline, a small waterfall and
pump to keep the water from stagnating, and filters and skimmers to keep the
water clean. To enjoy the pond at night, Dave Jones added lighting in the
water.
Dave Theiler does have to perform maintenance on the pond. Because he has
fish, he must check the PH level weekly and adjust it with chemicals if
necessary, and during the middle of summer, he also has to add water to keep
the level up. Once a year, he must drain the pond and clean the algae off the
rocks so the fish don’t die. But Dave enjoys working around the pond so the
maintenance is rather relaxing to him.
It’s been a year since the pond has been installed and the Theiler’s still
love it. The photos above don’t do this pond justice…in real life – it’s
fabulous! If you are thinking about installing a pond, this is one yardscape
that is really a soothing and wonderful project.
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