APSP Eagle Award

Andy Tournas, President and founder of the Wallingford, Connecticut-based ThermoSpas, Inc., accepted the Eagle Award during the luncheon. The Eagle Award recognizes an individual whose efforts have demonstrated the highest commitment and service to the advancement of the hot water industry, embodying an overall spirit of pride and dedication. The Eagle Award was established in 1981.

ThermoSpas is a past recipient of the APSP's INSPIRE award.

Tournas has been an active member of the Hot Tub Council for many years, serving on several committees. Andy is Research Subcommittee Chair, and was instrumental in securing the contacts and funds for research through the American Physical Therapy Association to quantify the impact of hot tub therapy on the rehabilitation of knee replacement patients. This year Andy was elected Division Director to represent the hot tub segment on the APSP Board of Directors.

Tournas is tireless in his efforts to promote the benefits of hot water therapy. This year Andy developed the concept for a “Million Dollar Hot Tub Giveaway” – an industry promotion in the planning stages for 2006. The promotion will link a national public relations campaign, promoting health benefits of hot tubs, to an industry giveaway of donated hot tubs to those people in need of hot water therapy who cannot afford them.

Tournas continues his relationship with the National Arthritis Foundation, contributing nearly $100,000 to the organization. In 2003, ThermoSpas joined with the Arthritis Foundation to create a hot tub specifically designed to target the therapy needs of people with muscle and joint pain. Developed by ThermoSpas engineers, medical professionals, Arthritis Foundation experts and arthritis sufferers, the hot tub was the first ever to receive the Arthritis Foundation’s “Ease of Use” commendation.

Tournas founded ThermoSpas, Inc. in 1984 and pioneered direct-to-consumer marketing, using direct response television, print media and the Internet to educate consumers on the benefits of hot tubs.

“Andy combines great integrity with an incredible passion for our industry,” said incoming Hot Tub Council Chairman Larry Giles. “He’s very giving of his time and ideas to better the hot tub industry.”

The Eagle Award was presented during the 2005 International Pool & Spa Expo. Information about the criteria for the award can be found under the industry awards selection at www.TheAPSP.org. 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.

APSP 2005 Eagle Award