Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Time to vote

Maybe it's the upcoming presidential election, maybe it's the fact many feel board service is a time-honored tradition or maybe they want to be more involved in the decision-making. Whichever the case, it's great to see more GCSAA members running for board service at their local chapter level.

As annual meetings ramp up across the region, almost all of those which have taken place thus far have had more members running for director positions than there are positions available. While this may sound problematic, as ultimately there can only be so many individuals on the board per chapter bylaws, it's really quite encouraging to the industry as more members are looking to get involved in their local chapters. We have seen it time and time again, members who want to give their time for board service typically make up a strong board, and it's the board who directly contributes to the success of the chapter.

As board members continue to keep the connection between GCSAA and their local chapters strong, it's encouraging to see chapter meetings with more members in attendance and new faces coming to each event. Again, this is a testament to the board for creating stronger chapter events, and an equal testament to the members who attend and receive value from these great meetings.

I encourage each of you to attend an upcoming meeting in your area, especially with many annual meetings are just around the corner, your attendance is always appreciated. A list of upcoming events in the region include:

  • Central Illinois GCSA: December 5 – Annual Meeting – Crestwicke CC – Bloomington, Ill.
  • Central Ohio GCSA: November 17 – Annual Meeting – Winking Lizard – Columbus, Ohio
  • Greater Cincinnati GCSA: November 9 – Fall Education Meeting - Maketewah Country Club – Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Kentuckiana: November 8 – Assistants Meeting – Louisville CC
  • Midwest Association of GCS: December 7 - Turf Clinic & Annual Meeting - Medinah CC - Medinah, Ill.
  • Michigan GCSA: November 28 – Michigan Golf Business Conference – Soaring Eagle Resort – Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
  • Miami Valley GCSA: November 14 – Association Round Tables – Dayton CC – Dayton, Ohio
  • Northern Ohio GCSA: November 16 – Annual Meeting – Lake Forest CC – Hudson, Ohio
  • Northwest Ohio GCSA: November 12 – Annual Dinner - Maumee Bay Resort & Conference Center – Oregon, Ohio
  • Tri-State GCSA: November 2 – Annual Meeting – Rolling Hills CC – Newburgh, Ind.
  • Wisconsin GCSA: November 5 – Annual Couples Dinner – City Club – Milwaukee, Wis.
  • Buckeye Golf Association Annual Meeting: November 2-3 – Shisler Conference Center – Wooster, Ohio

Friday, October 7, 2016

SIGCSA fundraiser receives support from neighbors

140 Southern Illinois GCSA members, guests and members from the Mississippi Valley GCSA descended upon Spencer T. Olin Golf Course for the annual SIGCSA fundraiser. Given the recent passing of longtime GCSAA supporter Arnold Palmer, the event was appropriately played at Spencer T. Olin Golf Course, which is an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course and one Mr. Palmer visited frequently during construction and grow-in. The day began with a moment of silence out of respect for the legendary golfer and great supporter of our industry.

The SIGCSA fundraiser was appropriately played at an Arnold Palmer-designed course.

The event was a huge success, helping raise money for local scholarships and turfgrass research. A huge thank you goes out to 20-year GCSAA member Tim Johnson and his staff for preparing a wonderful golf course.

SIGCSA President Mike Jones, CGCS, awards 50 lbs. of grass seed as part of the fundraiser raffle.

Earlier this year, Steve Randall and I facilitated a strategic planning meeting with both the Southern Illinois GCSA and Mississippi Valley GCSA chapters. One of the outcomes from the meeting was to continue the promotion of cross-chapter participation. Due to the leadership of both chapters, the event was promoted through both associations, with the Quad-State Turfgrass Association stepping up and also supporting the SIGCSA fundraiser.

This cross-chapter participation is what sums up our industry so well, everyone coming together for the greater good of the profession. It's also great to see chapter leaders taking the extra effort to ensure chapter events are successful and offer value to the members. A big thanks goes out to SIGCSA executive director John Keuper and president Mike Jones, CGCS, as well as MVGCSA executive director Chuck Gast and president Mike Null, the work of these gentlemen ensured a terrific event!