Michigan courses discuss Fair Labor Standards Act

The Michigan Golf Course Owners Association recently held a seminar to discuss the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA was enacted in 1938, but, with proposed changes scheduled to take place later this year, the act has come under question recently. Much of the day's discussion impacted owners, however, many of the issues pertain to superintendents and include:

• I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Forms - I-9 forms must be filled out and filed for every employee who works at the golf course, including all of those on the grounds crew. These forms should remain on file for a minimum of three years after the conclusion of employment for each employee. 
• Non-Exempt vs. Exempt Employees - Non-exempt employees may be paid on an hourly basis, must earn at least minimum wage, and must be paid overtime for all hours over 40 worked in one work week. Exempt employees are generally salaried employees (many superintendents and assistants fall in this category), must be paid at least $455/week (proposed change would see this salary number jump to $921/week) and meet the job duties of one of the white collar exemptions.
• Payroll Records - Along with I-9 forms, payroll records must be retained for a minimum of three years following the end of the year to which they relate.
• Posting Requirements - All employers are required to post the FLSA minimum wage provision in an area where their employees congregate, such as the break room or lunch room. FLSA posting's vary by statues so please check the posters page to find out which postings you need to display in your facility. Postings typically change year-to-year, so instead of purchasing the large laminate posters, the forms can be printed on 8" x 11" sheets of paper and re-hung when changes occur.
• Preventative Measures:
• Regularly review time records for accuracy. Make sure any changes made to hours worked have both the supervisor's and employee in question's approval. 
• Develop accurate job descriptions. Job descriptions are important. Be sure the description is written based on the job itself, and the not the person currently performing the job. It is also important, under the 'Duties and Responsibilities' area of the description to add: 'Additional duties assigned by the supervisor'. 

This only covers a brief snapshot of the entire FLSA, as the act covers additional information. I would encourage you to visit the DOL's FLSA website for more information on the FLSA, and to review the proposed changes which may directly impact your facility and employees.

Chapter Leaders/Executives Symposium

The Chapter Leaders/Executive Symposium wrapped up last week at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kansas. The symposium features chapter members and executives from 25 affiliated chapters scattered across the nation. The goal of the symposium is to provide leadership training, offer development to chapters and discuss components necessary for chapter success. It also allows GCSAA an opportunity to communicate services and programs available to GCSAA chapters and members.

GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans kicked off the event with a passionate presentation on working as a team to create successful events. Rhett highlighted the importance of individuals and the roles they play when planning events. He also stressed chapters must know the member's needs and expectations they have when attending, or deciding to attend these events. Chapters must work together within their organizations to make sure these needs and expectations are being exceeded.

Following Rhett's presentation, Bill Hamilton, CGCS, and Irene Cline from the Sierra Nevada chapter gave a presentation on an outreach event put on in an under-served area of their chapter. Bill and Irene focused the education portion of the event on issues which were directly facing the area where the event was taking place. They also spoke on how holding events in similar areas can create a sense of community and encourage members to become more involved. Brian Laurent of the Miami Valley GCSA, Central Ohio GCSA and Greater Cincinnati GCSA gave an informational presentation on selecting and implementing a new website to communicate with chapter members.

Updates were also given by GCSAA staff on: marketing campaigns, the upcoming redesigned GCSAA website, Chapter Outreach Grants, National Golf Day, Grassroots Ambassadors, Rounds 4 Research, social media etiquette and upcoming Golf Industry Shows. Both days concluded with attendees breaking in to roundtable based on region and topics.

The second day began with Steve Randall, GCSAA's director of chapter outreach, giving a spirited presentation on leadership and how the outreach program has evolved over the past 10 years. Steve stressed the importance of communication and challenged everyone in the room to become a better communicator, leader and person.

The day-and-a-half event was full of education, ideas and training opportunities which can be used at each chapter, regardless of size or location. The event also allowed each participant to network with peers and develop both professional and personal relationships.