APSP Quarterly - Spring 2008 - (Page 9)

chairman’s message IMAGINATION! WHAT AN appropriate theme for my first AQ editorial as the new chairman of the APSP Board of Directors. I have occasionally been accused, primarily by my wife, Carole, of having a healthy, sometimes even overactive, imagination. I’m not exactly sure what she means by that, but the accusation usually comes after she catches me sitting at my desk thinking of new possibilities and greater opportunities. As a younger man, I distinctly recall imagining that someday I would captain my own sailing vessel and travel the seas looking for adventure. Amazingly, that vision has come to pass. Some of you may know that today, Carole and I live in California aboard our 48-foot sailing vessel on Newport Bay…and we’ve done so for the past 18 years! Imagine that! My imagination has found a welcome home since I became involved with APSP. I have discovered that many of my colleagues on the board also have great imaginations. I can clearly recall when we imagined the day that the association would produce a flagship publication. We envisioned a future when we would be a primary influence in the drafting and implementation of legislation that would promote safer, more energy-efficient pools, spas, and hot tubs. We imagined a Career Institute which could lead the way in professional development programs. We visualized an association that would be so respected that public service organizations would look to us as the experts in standards development for every facet of the pool, spa, and hot tub industry. Even though each of these strategic initiatives began as imagined visions, they have all now either come to pass or are well into process. Imagine that! …we’re creating a vision and supporting structure for an industry that can come together with a unity of purpose and collaborative effort that has never been seen before. It’s working for us, so we’re still at it! Your board of directors is creating a vision and supporting structure for an industry that can come together with a unity of purpose and collaborative effort that has never been seen before. I can foresee a time when different factions in our industry will form mutually beneficial alliances that will channel efforts and focus talents for the good of the industry. If I stretch my imagination, I can see a future where international associations and allied associations join together to promote a global understanding of the value of our industry. Can you imagine just a few of the results of our combined efforts? Professional development programs that address the specific needs of industry constituents; safety outreach initiatives that save lives and reduce injuries; cooperative marketing programs that escalate the desire for our products; and standards development that enhances professionalism and credibility without curbing the imagination so necessary for the continued growth of our industry. There are some who will say that this is a very ambitious vision. Others will say that it’s about time. I would agree with both. Actualizing this vision will entail building consensus and setting aside institutional and personal egos. But I fi rmly believe it can happen. In fact, I can already see it beginning to happen. The groundwork has been laid. The vision is already beginning to come into focus. Imagine that! Gene Fields APSP Chairman of the Board SP RING 2008 | 9

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of APSP Quarterly - Spring 2008

APSP Quarterly - Spring 2008 Contents President's Message Chairman's Message International Awards of Excellence Spotlight Quality and Innovation If You're Still in the Pool Business, You're Leaving Money on the Table Gunslingers for Sale-s Can Pool Builders Hedge a Tough Year With... Hedges? Creating a Shared Vision: An Interview with PoolCorp CEO Manny Perez de la Mesa Grow Boating Initiative Helps Industry Imagine a Better Tomorrow First Ever CBP of the Year Award Presented at Inaugural CBP Recognition Dinner Safety Department News & Resources Advertiser's Index

APSP Quarterly - Spring 2008

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