Bring on the New Year!

The year in review; on to 2015!

Looking back to 2014, I want to thank everyone for their support of GCSAA and our chapter outreach efforts! This has been an exceptional year, and I'd like to reflect on a few accomplishments, both in the region and nationwide.

Thank you to the many chapters for which we were able to facilitate strategic planning sessions. I have had the opportunity to help facilitate 12 sessions over the course of the year, which averages out to one per month. In addition, we have various sessions scheduled for 2015. If your chapter is considering a session, please contact our office. We have seen numerous benefits from these sessions, including:

• enhanced education programs
• financial plans
• communications plans
• updated mission/vision/goals
• newly created outreach programs
• membership recruitment/retention programs

And many more!  

The year also offered a great opportunity to work with two chapters that conducted their first-ever golf summits. The Iowa and Nebraska GCSAs should be applauded for working with various allied groups to bring industry representatives and avid golfers together.

I would also like to thank our chapter outreach team, our staff and the board of directors for their leadership and influence. It's hard to believe, looking back to when I started nine years ago, that a pilot program would evolve into a program with nine regions and 10 full-time staff. Our vision is to accomplish the "we" between chapters, members, the GCSAA and our allied partners.  Let us know how we can help.

In 2015, we have a full agenda. Communicating the recently outlined proposal on member standards and member classifications will have our full attention. It is our goal to reach as many members as possible to ensure your questions are answered. If you have any questions about the proposal, please contact me. We will continue to gather feedback throughout the year and will discuss the proposal in detail with chapter delegates in October.

Continuing our efforts with Rounds4Research, communicating our Golf Course Environmental Profile surveys, conducting sessions for chapter executives and editors at conference and show, and holding our March symposium are all key focuses in the near future. With GR/advocacy being critically important to the day-to-day success of our members, we will continue to work with Chava McKeel and her team to ensure you are up to date. The outreach team is in place to support the initiatives from all departments.

Take a moment to make sure your plans for 2015 are set.  In the meantime, thank you for your support and have a great holiday season!

Time to give thanks

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Can a person ask for anything better than family, friends, activities, great food and football? Well, making sure I see Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving special is ice cream on top of my pumpkin pie!

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:

1. Separate membership classification for equipment managers
2. Enhanced education and professional development
3. Enhanced networking opportunities
4. 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:

1. Increased membership
2. New industry partnerships
3. Better unity at a golf facility between a superintendent and an equipment manager, both internally and externally
4. The International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association (IGCEMA) supports GCSAA in this endeavor.
5. 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

The new classifications of membership that are being proposed include:

• Class A golf course superintendent
• Class B golf course superintendent
• Assistant superintendent
• Equipment manager
• Member

These proposed classification changes will not be voted on until 2016 at the earliest.

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.

It is important to reach out to us with any questions or information. We are happy to assist. Have a great holiday season!

The inaugural Nebraska Golf Summit is here!

On Monday, Nov. 10, more than 100 golfers, owners, managers, superintendents, professionals and golf enthusiasts will visit Hillcrest Country Club in Lincoln for a first in the state: the Nebraska Golf Summit. This event is designed to bring individuals together to discuss the landscape of the industry, and attendees will hear information on the state of the game, growth of the game, environmental advancements and participate in a Q&A on industry issues.

In March, Iowa hosted a similar event, in which over 150 people were on hand. I can tell you the professionalism in the industry is in great shape.

The PGA of America took over Golf 2.0, which is a growth of the game initiative designed to get more people involved with playing golf.

The USGA was very aggressive in its Play 9 campaign this past summer. This drives the two largest factors limiting growth of the game: Money and time.

GCSAA continues to take the lead on environmental issues, government relations, advocacy and outreach. Your organization is the driving force behind National Golf Day and is active with Golf 20/20.

Don't forget, the Golf Course Environmental Profile Project has launched the water use survey. This is due Nov. 17. The information is critical when working with government agencies and the public. As golf course managers, your professional use of this critical resource must be shared.

I look forward to representing our profession during this event in Nebraska. I welcome any thoughts or comments you have. If you are in the area, consider attending. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The program begins at 9 a.m and concludes with a speaker panel from 2-2:45 p.m.

Fall is here - Delegates meeting prep in full force!

Welcome to fall! Travel and meetings for many in the region ramp up. Here is a quick update of regional events:

September:
This month I will participate in the North Central Turfgrass Foundation fundraiser in Fargo. This also serves as a regional outreach event with the Minnesota GCSA. Last year, following discussions at our retreat and strategic planning session with the MGCSA, it was clear how important it is to reach out to members across the state.

This event serves as a regional outreach effort and will benefit a great cause. I was also fortunate to attend the MGCSA Northern Exposure event in Tower, Minn., in July. These are great functions for member networking, while a great avenue for the chapter to connect with members and non-members.

In addition, our field staff team will attend a group meeting at our Golf Industry Show location in San Antonio later this month. During this event, we will hold strategic sessions on how the field staff team can better serve you and your needs. We will also tour the convention center and be able to provide direct information on the conference and show site, as it has been years since the annual event has been held in San Antonio. Please contact me if you have any questions.

October:
Preparations are on-going for the annual chapter delegates meeting. The event will be held Oct.14-16, in Lawrence, Kan., for the second consecutive year. There are various items on the agenda, including:

• Member standards: Strategic discussions will be held to update the group, and attendees will be asked to weigh in with their comments.
• Member classifications: We will discuss current classes and the potential to add or modify member classifications.
• Member dues
• Town hall: Attendees have the opportunity to discuss with the board whatever is on their minds  regarding GCSAA programs and services.
• Candidate sessions: This is the start of the political season. Candidates for the board will be on hand to discuss their objectives should they become a GCSAA board member.

Please reach out to your delegate for more information. This is a great opportunity to have your voice heard.

I will also be attending various functions across the region and will join Chase Rogan during a strategic planning session with the the Philadelphia chapter.

Please contact me for more information and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Delegates meeting prep/regional roundup

Chapter delegates to attend annual session
Wow! It's already August. At headquarters we have started preparations for our annual delegates meeting. The event kicks off the "campaign" season for our members who are running (or re-running) for the board of directors. In addition, the event allows members to voice their thoughts on upcoming initiatives.

For the 2nd straight year the event will be held in Lawrence. Lawrence was the original host site when the meeting began in the early 1990s. Ultimately, the event outgrew the size of meeting space in Lawrence. With building renovations completed in 2013, the event returned to HQ last year and will again this year, Oct. 14-16.

As we are creating the agenda, delegates will be asked to provide input on a variety of topics. Member classifications, along with member standards, have been topics in recent meetings. As our board of directors continues to evaluate these areas, delegates will be asked to weigh in on this important item.

In early September, delegates will receive a proposed agenda and will be asked to provide input on possible homework items. A virtual notebook will be available roughly two to three weeks before the event.
By Sept. 15, we need all chapters to identify their delegates. Please be engaged in this important process!

Outreach grants announced
GCSAA recently announced chapters receiving outreach grants.  This is a matching-grant program designed to assist chapters with efforts to promote the profession externally, especially to avid/influential golfers and other non-endemic groups. Eleven chapters received grants totaling $25,000:

• Alabama GCSA $5,000
• GCSA of Central California $3,000
• Central Florida GCSA $1,500
• Florida GCSA $2,000
• Heart of America GCSA $1,500
• Hi-Lo Desert GCSA $2,000
• Metropolitan GCSA $2,500
• Michigan GCSA $1,000
• GCSA of New England $2,000
• Philadelphia Association of GCS $3,500
• South Dakota GCSA $1,000

Around the region
Many thanks to the great members of the Minnesota GCSA as I recently attended their "Northern Exposure" event in Tower, which is 90 miles north of Duluth. Nearly 30 were on hand at the Wilderness at Fortune Bay, which is an exceptional facility. Vince Dodge, CGCS, serves as the superintendent. It was a great event and another successful regional outreach effort by the Minnesota GCSA.

Photos of the month

In early July, a microburst with winds clocked at nearly 80 mile per hour hit Lawrence, Kan., causing damage to more than 500 trees, with an estimated $100,000 damage at Alvamar Golf Club. Kent Morgison serves as the superintendent. 

A third-party organization helped clean debris. The crew was racing the clock as the facility only had 12 days to prepare for a Web.com Tour qualifier at the 36-hole facility. Fortunately, the debris was cleaned, while Kent and his crew had both courses in exceptional condition. 

Television crews also were on site as Alvamar assistant superintendent (GCSAA Class C member) Tom North explains the extent of the damage.

A look at the golf industry

This past May, the National Golf Foundation provided up-to-date golf industry information during its annual State of the Industry presentation near Philadelphia. I thought it would be a good idea to summarize the findings. Results may vary from state to state, but this is a good snapshot.

A legislator gets tips at Michigan Golf Day

Overview
The first order of note is that the NGF says golf is not in a steep decline. This may go against what you are hearing and reading in various media outlets. While it's true that golf participants have declined by 19 percent since peaking in 2003, the NGF indicates participation has stabilized, post recession, for the past three years.

Golfers classified as "committed" (those who are regularly playing the game) have stayed steady. Nearly 21 million of the estimated 25 million golfers fit in this category.

While various ideas and concepts have been implemented to introduce more people to golf, the biggest concern for new golfers is becoming comfortable and competent on the golf course. The NGF notes that these two areas are the most significant drivers.

Understanding factors that affect participation are important. Since 2007, golf is not the only activity that has realized a participation decline. Bowling, saltwater fishing and tennis have seen participation declines at or higher than golf. In fact, you could argue that golf is faring pretty well compared to other activities.

Latest data tracking indicates 3-4 million people take up golf each year, with the same number of people exiting the game.

Rounds
The number of rounds played annually is dependent upon numerous factors. While interest in the game is an important metric, so is weather. In fact, much of the slow start to rounds played in 2013 and 2014 can be attributed to late spring starts in many areas of the country. In 2013, rounds were down 4.5 percent through March. In many northern climates, golf courses did not even open until May. In addition, many of these areas have endured a very wet spring and early summer. In fact, many areas of the Central Plains have experienced the wettest start to any year ever recorded.

Golf courses
Arguably, there have been too many facilities and not enough demand since the peak of the industry around 2006-2007. A natural market correction is taking place. In 2013, 157 facilities closed. There are projections of another 150 or so courses closing each year between 2014 and 2017.

While course closures have increased, course openings have decreased. In 2000, 399 golf courses opened -- the peak. In 2013, 14 courses opened. In fact, from 2011 through 2013 (3 years), only 47 courses have opened. Accurate measurements of course openings began in 1985.

At the end of 2013, the NGF notes there were 15,516 facilities. At the peak, there were just over 16,000 facilities in the early 2000s.

Industry spending
Golf equipment sales continued a recovery in 2013 from the biggest dip in 2009. Sales peaks were realized in 2007. 2013 numbers are in line with figures from 2002, when the sales index was started.

The premium golf ball market spending has been holding steady the past several years. A peak was seen in 2006.

Facility budgets
According to NGF tracking, higher-end maintenance facility budgets have been less affected by recession than average lower-end facilities. Higher-end facilities continued to slowly add to their budgets in 2013, while mid and lower-end facilities continued to keep the belts tight.

Purchasing of turf maintenance equipment has dropped since the back half of the recession, however a modest improvement in mid/late 2012 preceded a slight dip last year.

Consumer confidence
The NGF indicates that golf is slowly coming back, but should be further along. The consumer confidence index stands at 80.3 (May 2014). The index bottomed out in early 2009 at 25. An index value of 90 is considered normal for non-recessionary periods.

Consumer spending is showing a slight increase.

Summary
It will be important to support initiatives that keep committed golfers enjoying the game, while finding new and essential methods to introduce new people to the sport. There are various initiatives being implemented across the country. Many are being introduced to schools, and others with adults, specifically women.

We will continue to monitor industry trends and appreciate your feedback.

Mississippi Valley Equipment Technicians meeting

I attended an inaugural meeting of equipment technicians for the Mississippi Valley GCSA Tuesday, May 20. There were more than 30 equipment techs on hand. The purpose of the meeting was to provide a forum for networking and education.

Equipment Techs gather in St. Louis.
IGCEMA’s Stephen Tucker is on the left.

Boyd Montgomery of Toro offered education on Tier 4 equipment compliance, and Stephen Tucker of the IGEMA was also on hand. John Cunningham, CGCS from Bellerive CC in St. Louis, conducted a grassroots effort to get the event off the ground.

Equipment was also on display, provided by local distributors of Toro, John Deere and Jacobsen. Part of the education was for each attendee to answer five questions about the equipment. If they were unsure of their answers, they had to interact with the distributors to solve each problem.

The group is planning a fall event, and they hope to auction a trip to the 2015 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show in San Antonio. IGCEMA has pledged a $350 travel allowance to help offset costs.

We will continue to track the progress this chapter is making. There is discussion to pilot equipment technician education and events to one chapter in each of our nine regions. More to come!

What a run! Here's what's next!

Today is St. Patrick's Day. While there's not a drop of Irish in my blood, the calendar and the weather reminds me spring is here . . . well almost. I know many of you in the northern portion of the region are starting to see signs of thaw. Here in the southern portion of the Central Plains we are seeing dormant grass ready to break out.

It's been a great two months. I've enjoyed meeting members, chapters and providing information throughout the region. In addition, we had our conference and show in Orlando and our recently completed chapter leader/executive symposium in Lawrence. I've traveled to North and South Dakota, Iowa, Maryland and many parts between.

While it's nice to look back, we have plenty of items coming up, and I want to keep you informed.

First, you may have seen or heard information on our Government Relations/Ambassador program. This is a grassroots effort to recruit a dedicated group of members to serve and be engaged in GCSAA's government relations efforts. Those who serve will have the opportunity to learn about legislative and regulatory issues affecting the golf course management profession, stay informed of GCSAA's advocacy activities and participate in the association's efforts.

Field staff will continue to actively promote this effort at your chapter. The ultimate goal is to have one GCSAA member represent each member of congress. We are looking for volunteers within our Central Plains region. If you would like to participate, please respond to this post, or contact our office at (800) 472-7878. We would be happy to provide more information.

Rounds4Research is also kicking into high gear. The first auction will run during the U.S. Open Championship at Pinehurst (concluding June 15), and we are currently securing rounds and preparing for the first auction. We hope to build on last year's success, and we hope your chapter continues to participate. Please, tell your friends! The funds received go back to your chapter to support vital programs (scholarship, research, education, etc.). Take advantage of this crucial item in your toolbox!

There are also two programs I must mention -- deadlines are approaching! Please nominate your equipment manager for GCM's Most Valuable Technician Award. The deadline is March 31, and complete information can be found at gcsaa.org. In addition, chapter outreach grant applications are due April 15. This is a matching-grant program with the chapter and GCSAA. This is a great opportunity for your chapter to receive assistance for a program that promotes our members within the golf industry and to the public.

More information on both programs can be found at GCSAA.org. Feel free to contact GCSAA at (800) 472-7878 for assistance.

I look forward to seeing many of you in the near future!

You make a difference in our industry

Recently returning from Orlando after nine days working our tournament, conference and trade show, I have had the opportunity to reflect on the importance of involvement. For those who attended the Golf Industry Show, I hope you share the opinions of many that the event was beneficial and one of the better shows conducted in recent memory. That stated, we are always open to hear your ideas about how to make this event even better and how to stay current with the needs of our members and the industry at large.

During our chapter executives', editors' and presidents' sessions, we engaged in excellent discussions. We had great Q&A engagement and two-way communication. Through this process, it became evident that your participation is vital to the success of your chapters.

I recently read a column in Associations Now, from ASAE, regarding effective organizations and three important characteristics each share. The first is a strong strategic direction and orientation. It is easy for all of us to worry about day-to-day functions and  focus solely on those. But successful organizations look at their mission and vision and put a plan in place to be current today and in the future.

The second characteristic is a culture of self-assessment and accountability. How can we help your chapter develop performance goals and objectives? Many times this is an internal component that can be transferred to your membership. As our field staff continues to work with chapters and develop strategic plans, it is our goal to ensure your board has internal goals, which will positively reflect on the goals for the chapter.

The third component is a healthy attention to board member recruitment and development. As we travel across the country and discuss recruiting new board members, the greatest challenge seems to be "taking time away from my course" or "not having enough time to serve."  I am a strong advocate for having chapters create a board member expectation document. This outlines the expected amount of monthly time, expected duties, number of board meetings and committee involvement, to name a few. Once the information is broken down, members will realize the time commitment may only be a couple hours (max) per month.

Understanding expectations has been important for my personal service on various boards and committees. Although I travel a great deal, I've realized the importance of giving back and staying involved. The contacts I've made and the professional development have been very beneficial. Ultimately, involvement is up to us.

Upcoming schedule:
The following is a quick "Where's Steve?" update. I appreciate your comments and suggestions, in addition to requesting an update on my travel schedule. I hope to see you in the near future!

• Feb. 20-21: I will be with GCSAA Mid-Atlantic Representative Chase Rogan in Baltimore conducting a strategic planning session with the Eastern Shore GCSA.
• Feb. 25: I will be traveling to North Dakota to speak with members of the Northern Turfgrass Association at its annual show in Fargo.
• Feb. 27: From Fargo I head to Des Moines to speak at the Iowa Golf Summit. I'm excited to be part of this inaugural event. I am honored to speak with Rand Jerris of the USGA, Darrell Crall of the PGA of America, and Bill Withers, professor of communication arts at Wartburg College. I also look forward to participating in the Iowa GCSA board meeting Feb. 28.
• March 4-5: I will be speaking and meeting with the board at the South Dakota GCSA conference in Sioux Falls. Having lived and worked in the state, it is always great to reconnect with members from the region.

I also want to plug our upcoming chapter leaders/executives symposium. This is an annual event and will be held in Lawrence, Kan., March 11-12. Twenty-five chapters are invited to attend. The program will focus on leadership and team development. Participants will discuss tools to improve chapter effectiveness, operations and communications. It is a great education and networking opportunity.

I look forward to seeing many of you during our upcoming travels. And always, if there is any way we can assist, please contact us. Spring is just around the corner!

Field Staff - How can we help you?

Recently, GCSAA received results from its Member Needs Assessment. First, thank you for participating in the survey. We take information received from our members very seriously. We use this information to ensure programs and services of value are offered.

If you are unaware, the field staff program began as a pilot program in 2006. It started with a chapter liaison of organizational development, then expanded with a chapter liaison of association management.  I was fortunate to obtain that position more than seven years ago. The roots of this program are in "chapter effectiveness."

Because of member support, the program has expanded to include nine regions in which a resident field staffer resides. A question I hear from members across the country is, "What does this field staff person do?" Or, "Why haven't I seen my field staff representative at our course?" This article hopes to shed some light on those questions.

We have been able to connect chapters to GCSAA in many areas. Through the connection with their field staff representative, chapters have successfully added assets and resources for their industry partners. Field staff representatives have also visited member and non-member facilities and individuals.

As the program evolves, I would love to hear your ideas and suggestions to enhance the program. While site visits have been conducted, would expanding this concept be an effective way to broaden our membership outreach? There are financial considerations to consider, but if evolving the program to include more direct member interaction is of benefit, let me know.

Without the efforts of everyone at GCSAA, the field staff program could not be effective. This is an organization-wide effort. We take information from the field and apply that to ensuring quality programs and services.

 Let's take a look at the basics of the program. Call it "Field Staff 101" if you wish:

Objectives of the field staff program:
The mission of the field staff program is to: Administer outreach and support to members and affiliated chapters to provide direct services to our members

The vision of the field staff program is to: Accomplish the "we" between chapters, members and the GCSAA

Accomplishing this vision is important. We want to eliminate the "us and them" mentality. We are all together to benefit the industry.

So, how do we accomplish the mission and vision?

• Be a two-way communication vehicle - we only know what we know
• Establish a direct voice for chapters to relay their needs and opinions to GCSAA and golf-related organizations
• Expand the superintendents role as being a leader in the golf community. Support allied organizational efforts, state/regional golf days, events that support the the growth and enhancement of golf

Day-to-day functions of our field staff members:

• Assist chapters with developing and implementing best practices
• Facilitate strategic planning sessions. From sessions conducted in 2013 alone, chapters developed new outreach programs, assistant education sessions, networking events for members, membership recruitment and retention programs, communications plans and much, much more!
• Assist chapters to improve financial standing. This includes working with chapters to identify proper revenue streams, effective cost/benefit analysis efforts and adding programs of value
• Support chapters and research development through Rounds4Research
• Work with chapters and members who have gone through natural disasters. Providing tool kits and communicating the message about the importance of golf to our communities is essential
• Be part of board and membership meetings to provide information on the golf industry. Be a voice to provide resources provided by GCSAA that can be used by members and chapters alike
• Provide communications tools and articles for publication. This includes our regional pages on www.gcsaa.org 
• Enhance the profession through:
• Working with allied organizations to provide communications tools and golf industry information
• Coordinating education and information with chapter executives
• Providing case-study analysis for member retention, recruitment and meeting attendance
• Working with chapters on educational programs and providing educational sessions
• Facilitating communications for government affairs/advocacy issues
• And much more!

This month alone I have facilitated strategic planning sessions, provided information and education at regional turfgrass conferences and been part of board meetings to share best practices and ideas that have worked across the country. This outreach is consistent among all our field staff members.

We are skilled at facilitation and listening to your requests. Working with our chapters and members directly while providing strategic oversight for the program is why we need to hear from you!

Please look for me at the GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show. If you have not met your regional field staff representative, please give them a call. These regional pages are a tool to introduce you to our quality staff and to the programs and services GCSAA offers. Take advantage and have a great start to 2014!