W EEKLY EDITION AUG 30, 2017
Farewell from Jenny and Welcome Emily!
The PSAI staff says goodbye to Membership and Data Services
Coordinator Jenny Kuntsel, while welcoming new staff member Emily
Newberg to the role
The PSAI is sad to announce that Jenny Kuntsel will be leaving the PSAI at the
end of this week. Although she has only been here a short time, she has had
interactions with many of you and will be missed by PSAI Members and the PSAI
staff.
To that end, the PSAI would like to welcome Emily Newberg who will be
stepping into the role of Membership and Data Services Coordinator. When you
give the PSAI office a call, don't be surprised when you hear a new voice on the
other end!
This role involves overseeing and maintaining the databases, answering
information inquiries, processing memberships, sending out mailings, and making
sure that the office continues to run smoothly, among other responsibilities.
Emily has a global studies degree with an emphasis on environment. She has
experience in customer service, volunteer training, community organizing, and
environmental activism. In her spare time, she enjoys running, biking, reading, all
sorts of travel, and playing with her two babies – she has a 3 year old and a 5 month old.
We are excited to have her on board. Please join us in welcoming Emily!
Member News: Trademark Dispute in Texas Deemed Settled
PSAI Member Texas Outhouse has settled in case against competitor
Texas Waste
When Texas Outhouse of Houston sued fellow PRO Texas Waste in May of
2016, it was due to claims that the company's "similar iconic Texas images
diluted Texas Outhouse's brand, making it difficult for users to distinguish the
difference." The case, which wa s supposed to head to trial in late August, has
been settled outside of court, after a "deal was truck…between the two
rivals."
A district judge agreed that Texas Outhouse's logo, which consists of "a star
imposed on an outline of Texas" is, in fact, "a valid trademark." It was argued
that "traditional symbols of Texas [are] 'so synonymous' with the Lone Star
State," that they should not be deemed protected trademarks. However, the
judge explained that "[the features] became a distinctive trademark with t he
incorporation" of Texas Outhouse's name. In resolution, "Texas Waste will
make changes to its logo," allowing for a more concrete distinction between
the two competitors' units. READ THE STORY
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Emily Newberg
Email: emilyn@psai.org
Phone: 952 - 854 - 8300
