President's Message

Fellow members, I am Robert (Bob) Blanda,and I am President of the Metro NY/NJ Chapter. It is my honor to introduce the Metro NY/NJ Chapter Executive Committee for 2008-2009. They are: David Katz, Elite Landscaping and Beyond, Secretary; Bill Woods, Pool Safety Systems, Treasurer; John Migliaccio, The Pool and Spa Place, Vice President; and Tom Laggan, Pentair Pool Products, Past President.

Supporting the Executive Committee, we have a very diverse Board Of Directors that include Pool Builders, Service Companies, Manufacturer’s Representatives, Distributors, Retailers and ancillary businesses such as Insurance providers etc. This allows us to support every member and their interests.

The Metro Chapter Board meetings are conducted like corporate board meetings with proper parlimentary procedures, such as motions and discussion. Votes are always taken on critical action items.

The real work of the board is conducted through our committees such as our G.R.A.C. Government Relation Advisory Committee. This committee is involved in all new laws and codes being proposed by the government that affect our industry. This is a busy committee as you can imagine because of the new Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act).

The Education Committee works with distributors to provide different programs from business tracts for company owners to how-to service programs for employees. Our Promotion & Membership Committee is constantly soliciting new programs to save members money. Our Communication and Website Committee is used to provide information about our programs and events to our membership. Our Website (www.metrochapter.com) is now in construction. Watch for a new more complete webpage with many new features. The Ethics Committee helps members with complaints against them and may arbitrate and hopefully help settle issues between customer and members without involving litigation costs. The expenses and revenue collected from events are managed by the Finance Committee. Our Auction Committee runs an online auction once every two years providing vendors a chance to promote new products and members a chance to purchase them at a discount to try them.

Don’t miss our yearly Holiday Party. This year will be the Metro Chapters 30^th Anniversary. Our parties are hosted at the Clinton Inn in Tennafly, New Jersey. This is a beautiful old fashioned catering hall and hotel. Rooms are available to stay overnight. The food is beyond expectation, our cocktail hour is spectacular and is a must-attend event. Come and network with vendors, manufacturers and other dealers from New York and New Jersey.

Our Design Awards has been suspended this year due to the financial burdens placed on our sponsors. We appreciate their support and invite them to join us and break bread at our anniversary/holiday party. Look for our Design Awards in 2009.

One important program is called "Meet the Inspectors." At this meeting we assist the code officials with understanding the new requirements for new pool construction so everyone is on the same page. We hear their questions and issues and they listen to ours.

The Metro Board meets once a month on the second Tuesday of the month usually at 6:30 pm.  The locations vary from month to month and are posted on our website.

We invite all members to attend a meeting and see what is going on behind the scenes. Be part of your future instead of affected by it! We also welcome all members to consider joining our chapter governance as a committee member or as a future board member. If you are interested please contact Lynne Cantor at (800) 876-6387 for a copy of "How To Be A Board/Committee Member" packet.