Can you imagine if a contractor attempted to build a house without an architect's plan? What if a doctor attempted to perform a surgery without sterile instruments or a nurse to assist? Working in the pool plaster industry without the support, knowledge, and expertise of the National Plasterers Council is similar.
The National Plasterers Council provides its members with a blueprint of the latest research, quality education opportunities, high-level industry connections, professional advertising, and financial benefits. The professional community sets the standard for its members within the pool industry.
The National Plasterers Council contributes to the pool plaster industry and its employees in many ways. Among the most beneficial are their educational programs, which they provide through a variety of avenues.
At annual trade shows taking place across the country, there are opportunities to learn about the latest developments in the plaster field, acquire new skills, and stay updated on industry trends. NPC offers essential certification classes that help plasterers follow the best practices for installing plaster. The Start-Up Certification Class has become the standard for the industry. Pool customers wanting to ensure that their pool is built to the best standards can find plaster companies that use this research-based process through the NPC website.
The NPC also offers additional education through its podcast, Smooth Finish. With more than 27 episodes, it provides an additional avenue for plasters to learn new techniques. Smooth Finish offers episodes on various topics that are relevant to its members from finishes losing colors, water testing, changes in the NPC directors, conference updates, and many other topics.
The NPC also provides educational resources with its Tech Tidbits. Tech Tidbits are short videos provided by NPC members that show insight into common techniques and trade practices. These videos provide members with quick and easy access to information that can help them out on a job site. These video clips are found on the NPC YouTube Channel, and there are links on the NPC website.
NPC provides expert advice and support through the Ask an Expert page on the website. NPC members and pool owners can submit questions about issues that they are encountering with their pool finish. These questions are reviewed and answered by experts in the plaster field. This information helps both plasterers and consumers access research-based solutions to plaster issues through experienced professionals.
The biggest educational opportunity each year is at the National Plasterers Council Conference. Every February in different parts of the country, this conference allows plasterers to come together to learn from other professionals in the industry as well as network with suppliers. This year, the conference will focus on various topics such as pool care, water chemistry, growing your business, digital marketing, and technical issues.
The NPC also provides publications for its members. The NPC Membership Directory and Resource Guide is an annual publication that provides members with a directory of all NPC members and features articles and updated technical information. This directory is essential for members to connect with each other and find plasterers who are committed to highquality work with their customers.
The NPC publishes a Technical Manual for pool plasterers. This publication is in its 10th edition. It helps pool plasterers follow the recommended standards, application process, maintenance processes, and analysis findings for plaster companies to learn and improve their techniques.
The National Plasterers Council allows members to build connections in the industry. NPC connects members through its annual conference and membership directory. Veteran members can provide mentorships to new members to provide guidance and advice for professional growth.
The National Plasterers Council also provides its members with financial benefits. As a member, companies are able to provide trade affiliation on their advertising materials. NPC also provides its members with discounted rates for general, property, and equipment insurance that can save its members money on their insurance needs. Being a plasterer in today's current market would not be complete without being a member of the National Plasterers Council.
For more information, visit www. nationalplastererscouncil.com,
email mpandzic@tso.net, or call 847-416-7221.
