In the winter, many attend for ice fishing, snowmobiling, snow-shoeing -- activities that hearty upper-Midwesterners enjoy. This year, there's no snow, but that didn't stop the crew from enjoying themselves.
The event began on a Sunday evening. The meeting is held in a large multi-room cabin, with meeting space, pool table, TVs and a full kitchen. Board members were asked to make a lasagna or crock pot food item. Everyone is also responsible for cleanup. Periodically, staff from Cragun's would empty the garbage or provide small amenities, but ultimately it was the responsibility of the board members to keep conditions tidy.
Following Sunday's pot luck, members made a short drive to the pro shop at the Legacy Courses at Cragun's. Winter golf is popular in Minnesota . . . winter golf that is indoors, in which you play on a simulator. I'm sure many of you have seen simulators. There are many courses to choose from.
The group got down to business Monday. Chapter executive Jack Mackenzie provided an advocacy and outreach update. Jack was a busy guy. Not only did we have the meeting Monday, but he traveled to St. Paul to represent the chapter, which is very active promoting golf and its benefits to multiple state agencies.
We also conducted a strategic planning session. This is the second retreat in the past three years. It was great to see the accomplishments of the chapter during that time. Outreach to members has been a huge achievement. Action items from this session included the development of a member/affiliate survey, on-going discussions with the University of Minnesota, financial planning, improving communications and tools, to name a few.
Many on the board participated in various social events the remainder of the day. As we reconvened Tuesday, the group held a regular board meeting and made committee assignments for 2015.
At the chapter level, serving members is key. The board will communicate the accomplishments of the session to its membership.
Making sure your board is on the same page is critical. Sometimes working with others in a relaxed setting outside the normal board room environment can be extremely valuable. If you are a chapter leader and considering a retreat, please contact me or anyone from the Minnesota GCSAA board/staff to learn more about the benefits the event provides.
Minnesota chapter executive Jack Mackenzie provides an advocacy update to the board.
Minnesota GCSA board members are ready for the regular board meeting. Strategic planning and various group activities were also part of the retreat.
Although the Brainerd area has had very little snow thus far this year, conditions were difficult getting home following the event.
