The Michiana GCSA board of directors met recently with myself and Leann Cooper, GCSAA's senior manager of chapter services, to hold a strategic planning session for the chapter. The board's commitment to ensuring the future success of the chapter was showcased as they took time out of their schedules to conduct this important and effective meeting.
Most strategic planning meetings begin by the members affirming why said chapter exists and what it helps to accomplish moving forward. This is then reiterated, and adjusted if necessary, by conducting a SCOR (strength, challenges, opportunities and risks) analysis. The Michiana board was highly engaged during the session and identified areas to improve member services moving forward and created additional opportunities to support members as the chapter continues to expand.
The Michiana GCSA has always prided themselves on offering timely and relevant education to its members throughout the season, and this continued to be one of the main focuses from the meeting. The board will continue to focus its efforts on creating sound events in which members will receive direct benefit. The Michiana group will continue to build on the Spring Education Event which will set the precedent for the event calendar.
Creating additional member programs and services through direct partnerships with vendors and manufacturers will also be a focus for the Michiana GCSA. Utilizing these important relationships will not only give the vendors and manufacturers more flexibility and opportunity to support the industry and chapter members, it will also give all members the chance to become involved in services and programs created by the Michiana GCSA.
Success in any association largely depends on member activity and participation. The leaders of the Michiana GCSA have taken the necessary steps to create an environment where members are not only encouraged to become involved, but will see increased value from their chapter membership. With a sound agenda in place, and initiatives set which will benefit the members directly, it's easy to see why the Michiana GCSA continues to develop quality members, events and programs. I want to personally thank the Michiana GCSA board for their time and commitment to the industry and association.
