I hope you take a moment to reflect on all things you are thankful for during the busy holiday season. It is an honor to work with you, our members. The work you do on a daily basis is a thankful reminder of the great industry we serve.
Nebraska Golf Summit recap
144 individuals registered for the inaugural Nebraska Golf Summit in Lincoln on Monday, Nov. 10. It was a privilege to speak on behalf of our industry. Presentations from the USGA, PGA and CMAA were part of the day-long event as well. We also had a panel discussion, where it was a free flow of question and answer on a variety of topics. Those included the growth of the game, our environmental initiatives, the Golf Course Environmental Profile Project and more.
There is talk of expanding the event in upcoming years. Having individuals and organizations at the same table representing the industry is a great example of collaboration.
Chapter communication
Our field staff continue to visit chapters and receive intel on outcomes from the chapter delegates meeting. Two major items were discussed: the addition of an equipment managers classification (to be voted on at the annual meeting in San Antonio, Feb. 26, 2015) and a proposed change to membership standards and classifications. Please provide your delegate, our board of directors and/or our staff with you comments and opinions.
Here is more information:
- GCSAA will continue to move forward in exploring opportunities for equipment managers that will create specific value for them, more fully support superintendents and help the success of their facilities. Opportunities currently being researched include:
- Separate membership classification for equipment managers
- Enhanced education and professional development
- Enhanced networking opportunities
- Complimentary "welcome" period to allow equipment managers to learn about and take advantage of the benefits that GCSAA has to offer
- GCSAA recognizes equipment managers as an important component of a successful golf course management team. In fact, a small number of equipment managers already are associate members of GCSAA.
- A membership vote will be called at the 2015 Annual Meeting, where a two-thirds majority will be sought, allowing GCSAA to create a specific classification of membership for equipment managers. It is proposed that all those who work in the equipment manager field will belong to one classification.
- The potential long-term benefit to the association would include:
- Increased membership
- New industry partnerships
- Better unity at a golf facility between a superintendent and an equipment manager, both internally and externally
- The International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association (IGCEMA) supports GCSAA in this endeavor.
- Demonstrated value of a well-educated and highly functioning GCSAA team at a facility
- GCSAA sees grassroots communications from chapters as being vital to the success and growth of equipment manager memberships.
- GCSAA is looking into several possible membership dues models as it relates to pricing structures for an equipment manager classification.
- There would be no dual affiliation requirement for the equipment manager classification.
Proposed change to membership standards
The Board is proposing to:
- Reduce the number of membership classifications defined within the GCSAA bylaws from 13 to five, including the addition of an equipment manager classification
- Change superintendent member (SM) back to Class B to address any confusion that exists relative to the hierarchy of our superintendent classifications
- Class A golf course superintendent
- Class B golf course superintendent
- Assistant superintendent
- Equipment manager
- Member
With the change of focus away from a single member classification (Class A) and the desire to create a more cohesive and inclusive association, the board of directors also seeks to revamp the requirements for Class A eligibility based simply on years of experience and formal education.
