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I am on a plane from Orlando to
Louisville as I begin to compose this reflection on
September. At 34,000 feet on a 737 I am reminded how
important our health is as passenger is treated for
stroke symptoms. The crew is taking his blood pressure
and expressing their concern for the lack of expression
on the individuals left side. I pray he is fine.
Health is a fickle facet of our
existence. Whether we are speaking of our individual
physical or mental health, or even our corporate health
we need to routinely check ourselves out.
As I return from the National Pool
and Spa Show in Orlando I am looking into and inspecting
our health as an organization. When I reminisce the
last year and realize what we have accomplished I am
encouraged and optimistic. I believe the health of our
organization is poised for the long haul marathon! Each
day, new evidence arises to substantiate my belief and I
would like to share a sampling of this evidence with
you.
All of you should know that one of
our board members, Dave Duensing is a sought after
educator and is routinely teaching members of parallel
industries about live water features and promoting the
NAPP and it’s role in the water feature industry. Day
by day and event by event we are strengthening our
organization and proving our importance in the
marketplace. To be called upon by the NSPA to educate
its membership is an honor. The fact that one of our
leaders is the educator is a credit to our health and
position in the marketplace. I am proud to serve with
such leaders!
Next week, several of our board members will travel to
Las Vegas to build a water feature for the AQUA Show
(another pool and spa related event) at Mandalay Bay.
We will also staff an exhibit and offer the Level 1
Study Session and Test. In addition, our former
President of the NAPP, Larry Womack is teaching a class
about aquatic and marginal plants and their necessity in
a live water ecosystem. Board Member, Gary Jones will
teach on other biological aspects of the ecosystem and
Board Member, Dave Duensing will share on the design and
construction of live water features.
I share all this to say I am
excited about the health of our organization.
Individually, I feel most healthy when my colleagues say
“you look well today.” In contrast, there is no doubt
that our industrial colleagues and parallel trade
organizations are saying “NAPP you look well today!” As
a member of the Board of Directors I have felt the pulse
of this organization to be strong and deliberate and I
am encouraged when others confirm the life and necessity
of the NAPP. We are steadily gaining influence and
recognition as the leading authority in the live water
feature industry.
Don’t forget, our committees are
ramping up for the next year and we are looking for
members of NAPP to participate in their development.
You will hear a never ending call to action for your
participation! These committees are a breeding ground
for future leadership and Board of Director membership
for the NAPP. Please contact our executive director
Sherry Loudermilk via email at
sherry@nationalpondpro.org or call her at (706)
258-3534 to share your interest in participating.
Finally, our prayers were answered
for the fellow ahead of us in the plane. The paramedics
were waiting at the gate and he actually walked off of
the plane!
Sincerely,
Max Hammond – President
National Association of Pond Professionals
mhammond@nei-lex.com |
