Paul Swanson is retiring from the Chautauqua Lake Association after 33 years of dedication and hard work. It has been said that he can fix anything and knows everything. Those words could have been said by any one of his workers over the years. He always seemed to know what they were doing no matter what, good or bad. Paul has touched the lives of so many young employees over the years. His knowledge and mentoring cannot be replaced.
His dedication and skills are unmatched. He has endured many obstacles over the years and has always overcome the challenges. He has kept the CLA equipment in superb working order; minimizing down time during the summer season by overhauling each piece of equipment every winter. Several of the CLA machines are over 30 years old and still working as if they were new. During the process he has introduced innovative features to every piece of equipment that he has touched.
Paul has lived most of his life in Chautauqua County. He graduated from Jamestown High School. He and his wife, Donna, currently live in Bemus Point. Paul was hired by the CLA in 1982 and has served continuously since then in various management roles concluding his career as General Manager for over two decades.
In 2006 he was awarded NYSFOLA Lake Steward Award for his quick response and leadership during the carp die off. His actions resulted in saving the 4th of July holiday for lake visitors and residents.
Paul is a very caring and dedicated person who not only completed the job but also nurtured dozens of youthful employees throughout their life experiences. He has never sought to be in the spotlight and has shied away from all recognition. Today, we ask that you all please thank him for his admirable service to the Chautauqua Lake Community. We wish him all the best.
From all of us at the CLA and around the Chautauqua Lake community, we thank you!
