Thomasville, NC 8/23/07—Paradigm shifts in industry occur infrequently at best; to actually be on hand when the shift is taking place could easily qualify as a once in a lifetime experience. Such was the case last week when Alan Koontz, owner of Carolina Pondscapes, Inc. of Thomasville, NC, was chosen to participate in an event called “Pondstruction 2007,” held at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa in Savannah, Georgia. Carolina Pondscapes was in attendance at the 10th annual "Pond-a-Palooza" Expo and Conference, the largest industry-specific trade show for the nation's leading watergarden installers, koi breeders, scientists, dealers, manufactuers, and industry visionaries. How did this represent a paradigm shift in the pond industry? In the words of Koontz, “This year’s Pondstruction marked the very first time that water garden installers & koi pond builders rolled up their sleeves and worked shoulder to shoulder in order to build a “hybridized” pond that would be acceptable for both sides of the industry.”

During the trade show, August 11-17, Alan Koontz, owner and Field Operations Manager at Carolina Pondscapes, attended numerous seminars and labs, as well as participated in construction of a large waterfeature at the entrance to the PGA golf course at the Westin Savannah Harbour Resort and Golf facility. Only a select few watergarden installers across the USA were invited to assist in the construction of this waterfeature, and Mr.Koontz and Carolina Pondscapes were chosen for their innovative designs and ideas.

Along with the pond construction, Mr.Koontz was involved in numerous seminars that are integral in the pond industry, such as Koi health, water quality, and marketing and promotion, as well as receiving advanced certification with the newest technologies in the watergardening industry.

"The watergardening industry has exploded over the past few years", say Alan Koontz. "At Carolina Pondscapes, we pride ourselves in keeping abreast of new technologies and developments in the watergardening industy, and this knowledge and dedication translates in our work and devotion to our customers. We want our waterfeatures to be a source of enjoyment for the business or homeowner, and trade shows such as Pondapalooza are integral in bringing new ideas to the forefront." "The result was a group of over fifty hard working pond pros working together and learning to appreciate the other pro’s point of view. It was a liberating breath of fresh air,” says Koontz. “ I thank my lucky stars that we were part of this history making event. My company benefited tremendously.” Koontz adds, "It was really special being invited to assist in the construction at the PGA course in Savannah. We really appreciated the attention, and we hope our signature is well-written there as well as back home! Working alongside industry leaders gave everyone learning opportunities that you just can’t find anywhere else,” Alan said. “This experience will help us put smiles on the faces of customers every time we install a pond.”

Sherry Koontz, President (336) 451-0130 info@carolinapondscapes.com

Alan Koontz, Field Operations Mgr. (336) 451-0132 sales@carolinapondscapes.com

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