Looking back and moving forward

As we head into a new year, I want to take a few minutes and reflect on some accomplishments in 2013. During this past year GCSAA was able to fill the remainder of the field staff positions. Chase Rogan joined the team in the Mid-Atlantic Region and Ron Wright became the field staff representative in the Southeast. These additions has allowed GCSAA to deliver a consistent message to all of its members, and receive direct feedback from members in the United States and Ontario, Canada.

Rounds for Research had a very successful year, raising over $150,000 to help chapters fund research, education, scholarships and advocacy efforts. In 2014, our goal is to have at least 10 rounds donated from each chapter and dramatically increase the amount GCSAA gives back to chapters. There has also been a rise in donations from individual members to the EIFG, making it easier for GCSAA to approach major donors and show them how important the EIFG is to its membership. It would be great if every member could donate a little to the EIFG in 2014.

On a personal note, I was able to help a number of chapters in the great lakes region and help set direction for the future by directing them through the strategic planning process. I was also able to help many individual superintendents who reached out to me to assist them with their membership questions; it is always satisfying when you can work with golf course superintendents and help them resolve issues. I hope that everyone has a very enjoyable holiday Season and I look forward to seeing you all in 2014!

December Events

Here in the Great Lakes Region, cold weather and snow have come in reminding us that Mother Nature is still in charge. Many superintendents and their staffs are finishing up blowing out irrigation systems and trying to get their snow mold protection out. Once those jobs are completed the work turns to winter projects and preparing the equipment for the upcoming season. Education season is also starting and with it the chance for superintendents to do some networking with colleagues and get updated on the latest trends in the industry. I will be hosting a booth at the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Conference and Show in Columbus, Ohio, from December 3-5 and attending the Wisconsin Golf Turf Symposium December 10-11. This is a great opportunity for superintendents to get pesticide applicator points, as well as GCSAA education credits. These credits will help you in your endeavors to maintain or obtain you GCSAA class A status as well as count toward obtaining or renewing your certification.

I look forward to talking with superintendents and industry partners at these events and seeing how GCSAA can better serve it members. This holiday season please remember those who have been affected by recent tornadoes and storms here in the Great Lakes Region. Natural disasters like these bring out the best in golf course superintendents as they band together to help their fellow superintendents and those in their communities.