In September, I had the honor of being sworn in as President of the Northeast Spa & Pool Association. I am humbled by the support you have shown me and am honored to lead the association in the coming year.  A special thanks to our immediate past president, Amy Rullo, for her dedication and partnership during this transition.

I'd also like to extend my gratitude to Randy Budd and Chris Volk at Budd's Pools.  Since joining their team, they have been incredibly supportive of my volunteer work with NESPA and the Penn Jersey Chapter.  Their support has allowed me to serve on the board of both associations, and for that, I am grateful.

I'm excited to work with our Executive Committee and newly elected board in the months ahead. I appreciate the passion and energy each of them brings to build up our industry.  It is because of the collective work of our volunteers that we achieve so much each year.

For those who haven't taken the leap into volunteerism, I realize how hard it can be to carve out time away from your business to support NESPA and our industry.   We are all dealing with the fortunate challenge of high demand over the last 18 months, and adding one more thing to your plate can be hard to do. 

Not only will the industry benefit from your point of view, but you will also benefit from hearing from people working in the same or different aspects of the industry.  The collaboration and willingness to help each other is the most significant member benefit that NESPA provides, and that benefit grows exponentially when you get more involved.

When I think back to my start in the industry some 31 years ago, my career benefited from spending time with experienced professionals and building relationships with my peers.  When I first starting getting involved in the association, I was welcomed in by industry veterans like Jeff McGalliard, Pete Lucey, and the late Frank Borrelle.  I learned so much just by sitting next to them, listening to their conversations, and soaking in their experience.  These are the people I still turn to today when I need to bounce ideas off from time to time.

As a volunteer with NESPA, I get the chance to meet with members from across our region and other pool and spa industry professionals working throughout the country. What I hear repeatedly is NESPA's culture is the key to our success.  Whether at the annual Pool & Spa Show, networking events, or other industry meetings, NESPA members are engaged, committed, and energized.

There are numerous ways you can get involved with NESPA.  We have several standing committees that work on projects throughout the year, including education, government relations, membership committees, and taskforces that work on specific short-term issues. 

There is a volunteer opportunity for every interest and availability.  

I encourage anyone interested in getting more involved to visit our website to learn more about the volunteer opportunities available and find the best match for you.

Chas Bogardus CPO, CSP, CBP
General Manager of Service
Budd’s Pools and Spas
856-371-0687