2017 Chapter Leaders Gather for Annual Symposium

2017 Chapter Leader/Executive Symposium Keynote Speaker Paul Long

Forty-three leaders from 27 affiliated chapters strengthened their leadership skills at the 2017 Chapter Leader/Executive Symposium, March 14-15 at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kan. The symposium is funded, in part, by the Williams Leadership Endowment Fund through the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG).

This annual event allows chapters to send a volunteer leader and association staff. The program is intended to strengthen each chapter’s leadership team, build on successes, and learn new concepts and ideas to support chapter effectiveness. Attendees participate in sessions focused on a broad segment of volunteer and association management topics with plenty of time to network with their peers from around the country. GCSAA staff also highlighted the various ways the association can assist in chapter operations. In addition, the attendees broke off into separate groups focused on issues related to association management and development.

GCSAA CEO J. Rhett Evans opened the session focusing how attendees can “Make a Difference.” Evans paralleled William H. McRaven’s experience as a former United States Navy Admiral involved in special forces operations and the oversight of the Navy Seal program.

“Making a Difference” is about excelling at the little things so you will be ready to succeed when bigger opportunities arise. It is also about needing a good team, moving forward and being your best during dark moments. Improving is about starting the day by completing a task, taking risks and never giving up.

Chapters also had the opportunity to learn from one another.

Randy Robinson from the Iowa GCSA discussed events leading to a banner year in 2016. The chapter implemented a “VIP” or Valued Industry Partner Program with affiliate members, completed and published results from a recent golf course water study and unveiled a new website.

Joseph Haskins from the Mid-Atlantic chapter outlined how their year-long match play championship is a success.

Adam Ikamas of the Michigan GCSA and Brian Laurent of the Miami Valley GCSA discussed member engagement, social media concepts and a strategy for message delivery.

Following programmatic updates on Best Management Practices, Rounds4Research and Government Affairs updates, Shelia Finney, senior director of member programs discussed upcoming GCSAA initiatives, including a new member onboarding program to enhance outreach efforts, membership growth and retention strategies and member access with GCSAA’s new website.

Tuesday’s session concluded with roundtable groups focusing on:

• Holding Creative Education Events
• Student Involvement
• Enhancing Communications and Operations
• Rounds4Research Implementation
• Hosting Quality Golf Events

This session allowed for sharing of Best Management Practices and was well received by attendees.

Wednesday morning, Paul Long, the founder of a concept called “Fundamism” was the keynote speaker and highlighted Fundamism and Leadership. The session was interactive, allowing attendees to rate how they are an effective leader and areas to improve.

He used simple techniques to be accountable to yourself and others. Paul also discussed successful strategies for working with millennials.

GCSAA Chief Operating Officer J.D. Dockstader concluded the education session with highlights on the Golf Industry Show, intel from the member needs assessment and key programs for the success of members.

"To me, it's important to know what the association is doing and bring back that information to my area," said GCSA of New England Chapter Executive Don Hearn, CGCS, retired. "It allows me to provide them with a perspective that I couldn't get just sitting and looking at a website."

Hearn was GCSAA’s 51st President, elected in 1987.

The objectives for the 2017 Chapter Leader/Executive Symposium included:

• Gain practical skills and knowledge to help you successfully lead your facility and your chapter
• Explore the challenges and changes impacting today’s association operating environment
• Build an ongoing professional network of peers and share best practices and innovative ideas
• Receive updates on programs and initiatives that are of interest to chapters from GCSAA

So - what's next?

I'm scribing this post just hours from heading to the GCSAA Golf Championships and Conference and Show in Orlando. My parents were spot on when I was a child. They reminded me the more experienced we become, the quicker time passes.

January was a blur. I was in the office five business days during the month, but what a great way to start off the year! After attending the Michigan GCSA Annual Meeting and Past President's dinner, I was able to also speak and attend annual meetings in Iowa and Minnesota. The month concluded speaking at the Ontario GCSA conference in gorgeous Niagara Falls, Ontario, facilitating a three-day retreat with the Minnesota GCSA and facilitating a strategic planning session with Shane Conroy and the Michigan chapter.

The gorgeous Niagara Falls, Ontario

But as my parents also taught me: You must have something to look forward to. By looking ahead, it provides energy for the days and months to come.

From the chapter outreach perspective, facilitating strategic planning sessions continues to be a priority. Right after conference and show, Kevin Doyle and I will be working with the Northeastern and Hudson Valley chapters in New York.

If these sessions are similar to those in Minnesota and Michigan, it's a foreshadowing of progress and engagement. Chapters are looking at the long-term opportunities for success. At times those long-term opportunities need short-term planning and vision. Through these efforts, we continue to show value to our members and chapters. That is the essence of our outreach efforts.

Iowa GCSA President Chauncey Barry presenting at Iowa GCSA Annual Meeting

At conference and show, our new BMP initiative was unveiled. We thank the representatives from states and chapters who attended Thursday's BMP session. We will continue to answer questions and be there to help with the implementation. Fifty states by 2020 is the goal.

I can't stress enough that the vision of our department to accomplish "we." That's between our members, chapters, GCSAA, and affiliate and allied groups. We are using a team approach and we welcome your questions or concerns.

I look forward to seeing many of you down the road soon. Please reach out to me or any of our field staff representatives. We are here to serve, with the emphasis on we.

Bring on 2017!

For some, 2017 can't get here fast enough. One thing is certain: it will arrive regardless!

Without a plan, 2017 could be a difficult, long year. None of us can predict the weather. It may be hot, dry, cool, or mild. Whatever is in store, you need a plan and must have options to implement.

Within GCSAA's chapter outreach department, this holds true as well. We are excited to announce our 2017 department plan to members and chapters. Our plan reflects GCSAA initiatives and provides measurable metrics. Let's take a look:

50 by 2020 best management practices implementation

This is a key organizational initiative. The goal is to have all 50 states with a workable BMP program by 2020. GCSAA will be launching more information at conference and show, including a template states/chapters can use to help develop and implement a BMP plan.

Various states and chapters already have this plan in place.

Working with chapters to develop a steering committee, get key stakeholders identified, enter data and produce a BMP manual are key steps to the process. Our team will be working with chapters and states every step of the way.

Why BMPs? The voluntary implementation of BMPs are important to golf course operations. Having sound policies in place are important, especially when questions of drought, use of inputs and water quality (to name a few) come into play.

Recruitment/retention efforts

Members are the lifeblood of any organization. Strong membership numbers ensure GCSAA and chapters have a strong voice on advocacy issues, diversified opportunities with members and value to industry partners.

For 2017, we are looking to build membership to over 18,000 members. Building Class C, students and equipment managers is a focus. However, having robust member numbers in all categories is important. There is also an enhanced effort to focus on Class A members and work with Class B members who are close to reaching Class A status.

Strategic planning sessions

Working with chapters on their future and plans is important. Our team facilitates strategic planning sessions as a chapter service. There were 17 sessions conducted in 2016 alone.

In 2017, there will be a continued focus to assist chapters with this process. We hope to see chapters add new programs and services that are relevant to its members while maintaining existing programs that add value.

If you, as a member or on behalf of your chapter, have any questions about this process or would like to discuss these sessions in more detail, please contact me.

Board outreach visits

In 2015, the chapter outreach team began working with GCSAA board members (who are not officers) to schedule visits to various chapters and expand our outreach. These meetings have been well received.

These will continue in 2017. The priority of these visits is for a GCSAA board member to meet members at facilities, provide an update on GCSAA initiatives to the chapter and to speak with students if time and circumstances allow.

Mission focused

Ultimately, all of our focus areas are key to our mission. That is: to serve members, advance the profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf.

With this plan in place, we are excited and looking forward to the opportunities 2017 will present. We hope you will have a good 2017 as well.

Nebraska Golf Summit brings local allied groups together

Continuing with our field staff and board outreach efforts, GCSAA board member John Walker and I visited Nebraska and participated in the 2016 Nebraska Golf Summit. Roughly 100 representatives of the golf industry, including superintendents, golf professionals, club managers and representatives from the Nebraska Golf Association were on hand.

The Nebraska GCSA held its board an annual meeting during the event. John Walker and I presented and focused on GCSAA initiatives and adding value. The chapter presented its Superintendent of the Year award to Craig Ferguson of Lochland CC in Hastings for his years of service to the profession.

Henry DeLozier opened the event discussing "Your Legacy." The presentation was focused on what and how you do things will impact today, tomorrow and the future. One of the more powerful quotes reflected on how you will be remembered, as some people don't care or worry about their legacy.

"That will be their legacy," DeLozier noted. "If you are not worried about making things better in the future that's how you will be defined," he said.

Ron Whitten of Golf Digest concluded the event and provided a unique look into golf course architecture. He pointed out the difference between "left-brained" and "right-brained" architects. The right-brained architect is more concerned about the flow of the land...golf course maintenance issues are not as much of a factor. The left-brain architect is more calculated and binary in design. Everything has a specific purpose.

Whitten also noted when right-brained architects become left-brained and vice versa, much of what they are designing doesn't fit. It was a very entertaining and informative presentation. Whitten was part of the architecture team for Erin Hills GC in Wisconsin, which will host the 2017 U.S. Open.

The Summit was an excellent event. The next day, Mr. Walker and I visited students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and conducted three site visits at area courses.

Turf students at UNL are excited and ready to attend GIS and compete in the turf bowl. The students we spoke with have a solid plan to enter the golf course management profession. They have their internships set and understand you may need to leave the area to get a position you desire. NGCSA past president Chad Giebelhaus also joined us during the meeting. As a UNL graduate, he offered insight to what he's seen in the industry and how students can take advantage of opportunities.

Mr. Walker discussed his career and how he made sure he went outside his normal boundaries to find a solid position in the field. The students appreciated the visit.

Our three site visits included: Pioneers GC and Holmes GC in Lincoln and Johnny Goodman GC in Omaha.

Matt Noble is the superintendent at Pioneers, a City of Lincoln facility that serves the southwest quadrant of town. We were able to tour the golf course and meet some of his staff. A player friendly golf course that he keeps in excellent condition with a small staff and budget. Matt has shown an interest to get more involved with NGCSA and GCSAA functions. He does have a young family and is very well respected.

Casey Crittenden, CGCS oversees Holmes GC and is the acting supervisor for superintendents at the City of Lincoln courses. Casey has been active in chapter functions and speaks very highly for what GCSAA has done for his career. Since Casey assumed the position in Lincoln a few years ago, courses are starting to turn a profit and golfers are enjoying excellent conditions.

In fact, Nebraska as a whole notes a positive uptick in revenues and number of rounds over the past three years.

Our final stop was in Omaha at the Johnny Goodman GC. It is one of Omaha's eight city courses. George Barth is the golf course superintendent. Johnny Goodman GC is arguably the busiest Omaha golf course and most profitable.

The biggest challenge is working with other golf management staff regarding price points. There is the desire to continue discount pricing although the tee sheet is full. George asked if there are thoughts or ideas on how to work with this situation.

John and I enjoyed a whirlwind 2-1/2 days in Nebraska, met many individuals and are excited about the attitude and ambition of golf in the state. The chapter is committed to working on developing a Best Management Practices template by the end of 2018. Steve Merkel, CGCS, director of golf course agronomy at Landscapes Unlimited spoke during the NGCSA Annual Meeting on the importance of getting BMPs developed. They are working to have a committee formed for the project after the 2017 Golf Industry Show.

I hope everyone has a great holiday season. GCSAA is working for you. Please contact me if you have any questions.

GCSAA Board Member John Walker With Pioneers GC Superintendent Matt Noble

GCSAA Board Member John Walker Presents During the NGCSA Board and Annual Meeting

Field staff teams with GCSAA board for chapter outreach

This month, I had the opportunity to team up with GCSAA board member John Fulling as we visited members in Northeast Iowa.

Over the past two years, GCSAA field staffers have worked with GCSAA board members who are not officers to tag team visits to various chapters across the country. This year, I teamed up with John Fulling and we participated in the Iowa GCSA State Meeting in Riverside, located near Iowa City.

One hundred and fifty attendees were on hand for the event, which featured a chapter update meeting followed by golf and a social.

During the chapter update meeting, Mr. Fulling provided an update on GCSAA initiatives and how the chapter and national organization are working together.

In addition to the chapter function, John and I joined Iowa GCSA President Chauncey Barry at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. We were able to spend two hours with golf course management students.

This event was well received. Both John and Chauncey were able to share their experience on the rewards of the golf course superintendent profession. Both discussed ways and ideas students can become engaged at an early age and work to get the job they deserve.

There were 16 students attending. Kirkwood CC has a very large campus and numerous programs for students. As part of the golf course management program, the students maintain a putting green. In addition, a golf hole will be added as part of the long-range plan. This gives students hands-on experience.

John and I also visited a couple of facilities. The major facility visit was to the Jones Golf Course in Cedar Rapids. The Jones course has been closed since September when flooding hit the Cedar Rapids area. We were able to see, firsthand, the effects of the flood.

There continues to be discussion on the future of the course. The land is susceptible to regular flooding. Chad Bildstein is the course superintendent. He and his crew have done an exceptional job under difficult conditions.

I will have a second board outreach visit, this time with board member John Walker in Nebraska November 20-22. We will be a part of the Nebraska Golf Summit and will also look to meet students, members and non-members in the area.

Our outreach efforts are to maintain contact with those in the field. We would be happy to set up visits for the future. Please reach out to me if you have an interest. We hope the remainder of the 2016 season goes well.

GCSAA Board Member John Fulling Presents to the Iowa GCSA in Riverside

John Fulling (left) and Jones GC Superintendent Chad Bildstein - notice flood damage behind them

Chapter Outreach team details future to assist members

The Chapter Outreach department held its annual department meeting offsite in St. Augustine, Fla., recently. This meeting has been held the past three years at the site of the upcoming conference and show. However, since all staff in the department had attended an event in Orlando, we moved this to St. Augustine, where staff toured the World Golf Hall of Fame and was introduced to some of the World Golf Foundation staff.

Here are the highlights of the meeting:

Chapter Delegates Meeting – Main agenda items were highlighted. Staff will be expected to facilitate small group discussion and assist with various duties. We discussed membership recruitment, the development of a political action committee, the proposed dues increase and member engagement updates which will be a focus of the meeting.

GCSAA's “Working for Me” Campaign – Field staff from the region of the monthly winner will follow up with the facility winning the promotion. It would be ideal to have the field staff representative there to provide lunch or another concept to the facility. This would provide an opportunity for GCSAA's field staff to be present and show the value of membership.

Best Management Practices (BMP) Rollout/Ideas – Fifty states by 2020 is the vision and message provided. The concept is already being pre-launched as field staffers update chapters and attendees during meetings. Relationships that our department developed will be key in helping achieve 50 by 2020.

Board Outreach Template – Emily Bradford, our senior manager of executive operations, has developed a template for GCSAA's board of directors' outreach visits. The template helps fill in the blanks and streamlines the agenda for the visit. All department team members are onboard with the template and will be used for remaining official board outreach visits.

Department Metrics – The team will be proposing revised metrics to be implemented in 2017. Some of the metrics, including A, B, C, and EM membership recruitment, Rounds 4 Research participation and chapter donations to the Environmental Institute for Golf will remain. However, a chapter engagement process (which indicates where chapters participate in GCSAA services/programs) is being proposed, as are tracking the number of chapter/individual member and non-member visits and total overall contacts per month. More detail will be provided in the coming weeks.

Chapter Assessment Tool – Questions are being revised for the chapter assessment tool. This is a “dashboard” concept to see where chapters are effective and how our team can assist chapters in areas of need. This tool has been distributed every three years as the affiliation agreement cycle was structured. It has proven to be effective in pinpointing areas chapters would like help in and for our outreach team to focus.

SCOR Analysis – Each year we have conducted a strengths, challenges, opportunities and risks exercise. It has been fascinating to see how the items in the SCOR have evolved over the past three years. Here are the main items unveiled in the SCOR and a homework assignment that is due late next week.

Strengths (top areas noted):

• Relationships established in the regions
• Strong team, diverse personalities and abilities
• Provide a face and personality for the association
• Gaining recognition among the golf industry/allied groups

Homework assignment:How can we leverage GCSAA through the chapter outreach department with various allied groups (for example the GCBAA have invited field staffers to speak at their regional events).

Challenges (top areas noted)

• Changing environment
• Reaching non-members with GCSAA Value
• Balance – Are we spending too much time in one or two programmatic areas?

Homework assignment: How can we reflect proper balance, both from a working standpoint and with travel and other demands put on the position?

Opportunities (top areas noted)

• Leveraging our messaging to members/golfers
• Leveraging industry recognition
• Government affairs and messaging

Homework assignment: Thoughts or story ideas for GCM/Communications team that can continue to leverage what GCSAA provides?

Risks (top areas noted)

• Decline in membership
• Forgetting who we are and offer
• Messaging getting redundant/stale

Homework assignment: How can we influence enhancing our identity and prevent industry decline

Ultimately, the meeting continues to help GCSAA prioritize focus areas. We appreciate your input and feedback. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Steve Randall

Staying patient in the heat of summer

Over the past month, I've been able to visit various facilities in the Central Plains region. Many members are going through the difficult summer stretch. Stifling heat, humidity, too much rain — or lack thereof — are ongoing battles in July and August.

Upon my visits, I've asked superintendents what they do to stay fresh and ready for the daily grind.

Here are a few examples:

• Taking a quick two-day break to attend a couple Major League Baseball games
• Fishing, both alone and with friends
• A quick two-day getaway with family
• Visiting friends in the industry to play golf, but staying away from the discussions of work
• Recharging by taking a couple of professional development classes online
• Becoming more active in chapter and industry activities
• Possibly becoming a GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may have unique ways and ideas to get away from the grind. I'd love to hear about those and possibly feature those in a future post. The most important part is to stay balanced.

A recent Forbes magazine article suggests that a key to balance may not be reducing the amount of work, but how you go about your daily activities. Here's a snippet:

To find reasonable harmony between work and life...focus less on reducing the hours worked and more on controlling when and how to work to more seamlessly mesh work with personal activities.  On the personal front, keep life rather simple by focusing time and energy on family, friends and hobbies...eliminate or outsource (nearly guilt-free) activities that might be rightfully referred to as chores.

That can be more easily said than done. If you host a large event, or even a major club function at your facility keeping things simple sounds great, but is a challenge. Ultimately it's up to you to find that balance.

This is where your chapter and peers can be of assistance. I'm also happy to share stories on what successful superintendents do to stay on top of their game. The cycle continues. The days are getting shorter but your responsibilities continue. All the best the remainder of the summer!

Steve Randall
Director, Chapter Outreach
800/472-7878