Wednesday, November 25, 2015

What does the season mean to you?

As I scribe this blog, it is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.  Without question, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  And for many reasons.

First of all, it's simple.  It is the opportunity for us to show thanks to family, friends, co-workers and those that have made an impact on who we are.

Secondly, the event is spending time with others.  There's no buying presents or having to "party" like New Year's. (Yes, I enjoy the food and the football, as well.)

But Thanksgiving is only the start. During December, many of us will attend services and parties, and recognize others for the great work and accomplishments throughout the year.  At GCSAA, it is a chance to review our goals and objectives for 2015 and work to execute and improve for 2016.

In addition, it's a chance to communicate with our members and staff about their importance to the industry.  I'm grateful to work with an amazing staff and a chapter outreach department that is dedicated to serving our members. Serving you is the essence of  GCSAA's mission statement. During this season, I also thank you as members for your support of your organization.

On another important note, I ask that you take a moment and look toward 2016.  Ask how you can become a better professional.  Look no further than becoming more involved with your chapter, your community, or in an area that you have an interest.

In 2015, instead of making a resolution, I made a single word a focus. That word was "professional."  Be a professional, in good times and in bad.

Looking ahead to 2016, the focus is on commitment.  Being committed to serving our members, becoming more involved with family, the community, and our passion – our profession.

While we look back and give thanks, take a moment to recognize what's important to you and how you can make an impact on our profession.  Enjoy time with family and friends.  We look forward to seeing you out in the field!


Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Chapter delegates meet and engage in discussion

From October 27 through the 28, 90 chapter delegates met in Kansas City and later at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kansas, to discuss various initiatives and listen to candidates vying for a seat on the GCSAA Board of Directors.  Many of the initiatives will come up for a vote at GCSAA's annual meeting in San Diego on Thursday, February 11.

2015-Delegates-MeetingOne of those items is a revised member standards proposal.  In previous posts, we discussed member standards and the changes.  To summarize, Class A eligibility will be a points-based system.  Points are earned through formal education (bachelor's/associate's degrees), years of superintendent experience and approved GCSAA education points.

Under the proposal, Class SM would become Class B.  For Class A renewal, five points over a 5-year period would be required.  Education points would be enhanced  to a minimum of 3.0.  Service points will be based on golf-centric activities.

Delegates also received a breakdown of the work completed by various task groups.  The board has approved a new affiliation agreement.   A task group discussing the affiliation agreement met and revised the document.  A couple of the changes include:
  • Eliminating the three-year renewal of the document.  Instead, the document will be reviewed annually, or as changes are needed.  Task groups will discuss any future changes, which will then be discussed by the board then the chapter delegates.
  • Updated verbiage to reflect current business practices. 
  • Conducted a legal review of the document to ensure both the needs of chapters and GCSAA are met.
In November, the revised document will be sent to chapter officials to be signed and returned by December 31.  The new agreement will be in effect January 1, 2016.

Delegates also heard of various initiatives ongoing at GCSAA, including a revamped schedule with Rounds4Research.  The auction will now be held in April.

A snapshot of various programs and services were shared, including the Member-Get-A-Member campaign, Government Affairs/advocacy and marketing/communications.

Delegates also heard of the upcoming Golf Industry Show schedule and engaged in a lively discussion during the Town Hall Session.

Complete outcomes of the meeting – as well as slide presentations of the event – are being developed and will be available for review.  Please contact me if you have any questions.  Thank you for your service!

Steve Randall
Director, Chapter Outreach