Greetings! I’ve been fortunate to spend much of 2016 presenting at various regional shows and getting a pulse on the industry as we move into spring and summer.
Fortunately, many regional events are seeing solid attendance. Much of this is attributed to valuable educational programs, networking and placing a vital importance on our industry as we move through the year.
As part of my travels, I heard from Luke Cella, the chapter executive for the Midwest Association in Chicago, who also serves as the staff representative for the Wee One Foundation.
For those unfamiliar with the Wee One, it was started in honor of superintendent Wayne Otto, who contracted pancreatic cancer. Superintendents worked together on behalf of Otto to raise funds for so that he could afford treatments.
Although Otto passed away, the effort to raise funds for others has not. Fundraisers are held across the upper Midwest. In 2016, Wee One will have raised and donated over one million dollars to help golf course superintendents and dependents as expenses rise for cancer treatments.
In addition to that, Cella focused his presentation on associations. In this day and age of technology and social media, is a chapter or association really “needed”?
While today’s technology is effective, can you really send a Facebook post or tweet to explain how the chapter moves the mission forward? Can you truly “unite golf course superintendents” through e-mails and social media posts alone?
Think about that for a second. When there’s an issue with water quality or water use, will commenting on social media alone make the difference?
The old adage, if we don’t have a seat at the table, we’re on the menu, holds true.
What else can your association provide?
In addition to advocacy, know-how and leadership are at the top of the list. Your board and committee members are hard at work to ensure the best interests of the chapter are represented. It is the vision of the chapter to ensure professionalism and representation on your behalf.
At GCSAA, we continue to build on various initiatives. 2016 is a year of execution. There will be legislation that will have an impact on our industry and we will have a seat at the table. We will continue to support Rounds4Research and have moved up the auction to April.
There are numerous ways you can get involved. Consider becoming a Grassroots Ambassador. Consider joining a committee within the chapter. Figure out how you can become a part of the network that moves the industry forward.
Those who serve get much more back. Serving the industry is making a difference today and in the future.
Our chapters are the local networks that drives success. Associations are essential and you can make a difference!
