Dear NESPA Members,
This is truly an unprecedented time for our industry, for the country, and for the world. This is a reminder that, no matter how prepared you think you or your businesses are, there will always be events and circumstances out of our control that can dramatically impact our lives. As President of NESPA, I have participated in an array of meetings about how COVID-19, and the corresponding government actions, are impacting the pool industry.
No doubt, this is the worst possible time for something like this, as many of us fear for the season and our livelihood. I share your concerns. There is much uncertainty and it is unsettling, to say the least. Looking for some positivity through it all, I have found the level of comradery and compassion to be impressive and an inspiration.
Now, more than ever, I am proud and grateful to be a member of this community. We have seen so many members stepping up, seeking and sharing helpful information as it becomes available. I have heard a remarkable amount of care and concern being shown for employees, their families and the communities we all live in and serve. This is a testament to the heart that exists within the industry. I couldn’t be more honored to work with and serve everyone I’ve been interacting with over the last week or so.
Safety is #1 – always. No one can be safe unless they are first informed. Providing you with information that allows you to make the best decisions for your businesses is a responsibility we at NESPA take seriously. Undeniably, you are facing some tough decisions.
NESPA staff, the Board of Directors and other volunteers have been working diligently to bring you valuable information including updates from the state governments throughout our region and what some members have been doing in response. I encourage you to use this information wisely; adapting it to meet the unique needs of your business. None of it is legal advice, but it is a valuable foundation to build upon. I encourage you to also consult with your legal and professional advisors as these tough decisions can have costly ramifications.
As for what you can continue to expect from NESPA, here are some things you should be aware of:
All NESPA updates are located here.
For easy access we’ve also created State-specific webpages
- Additional updates are posted as they become available on our Facebook and YouTube channel
- All dues renewals scheduled for April and May will be delayed until June 1.
- We are building a resource folder so members can share documents and best practices with other members as a reference tool. I have contributed to it myself and I hope others will as well by emailing info@nespapool.org.
We are looking for other ways as well to support our members. I hope you will all stay safe and stay connected to your association and to each other. While none of us know exactly what the future holds, something that gives me confidence is knowing that the benefits and desires of people to be near, in, on and under water will not change. People will want to swim, they will want to exercise, they will want to embrace the social, mental and physical joys that our industry provides. The time needed to break the back of this virus is unknown, but whenever that time is, our industry will come roaring back, we will struggle, it will be hard, but we will continue to bring the joy of water to all who seek it – and it will be most rewarding!
Sincerely,
Mitch Katz, CBP, CSP
The Land of Elite
NESPA President