Creating awareness for golf's best manangement practices

Ohio's green industry descended upon Columbus, Ohio, last week to advocate on behalf of the industry and meet with Ohio state senators, representatives, and influential policy makers. Industries represented included nursery, landscape, irrigation, pest management, lawn care, agriculture, and turfgrass, with associations from each profession partnering to put on the event.
Senate President Pro Tempore Bob Peterson provided opening remarks for the day's events, who was followed by Karl Genhardt, deputy director of the Ohio EPA speaking on water quality and quantity issues throughout the state. Senator Bob Hackett also presented to the group on issues impacting the state's green industry.

Senate President Pro Tempore Bob Peterson with opening remarks.

During the day's events, I teamed with Westfield Group Country Club superintendent and GCSAA Director Mark Jordan, CGCS, as we met with lawmakers, their staff, and officials from the EPA. We used our time with the aforementioned individuals to educate, and create awareness of GCSAA's Best Management Practices Template and Guide which will be utilized at a state level to incorporate BMP documents for all 50 states. We were able to discuss the process of developing GCSAA's Best Management Practices Guide and Template, and receive feedback as we begin the initial stages of developing Ohio's BMP document. Our discussions with these influential groups will help us complete the statewide BMP document with the proper regulatory considerations in place, and allow us to receive timely feedback during the developmental process.

Senator Bob Hackett receiving the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Legislator of the Year Award.

Following the day's meeting with legislators, a reception was held at the Ohio Statehouse Rotunda. This reception allowed industry professionals to meet with legislators in a more relaxed environment and follow up on conversations held earlier in the day. This provided me a great opportunity to build upon relationships and reconnect with legislators which were developed during my first Statehouse visit, along with Zach Wike, Beavercreek Golf Club assistant superintendent, and Jason Mahl, Moraine Country Club superintendent, in early 2016.

Michigan GCSA continues to look to future

Rounding out January's travel, Steve Randall, GCSAA's director of chapter outreach, and I facilitated a strategic planning session with the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association board of directors. Along with chapter executive director, Adam Ikamas, CGCS, eleven of the twelve MiGCSA board members were in attendance which made for a successful session.

Similar to previous chapter strategic planning meetings, the discussion began with members determining what they were hoping to achieve during the session. With suggestions ranging from ways to better serve the MiGCSA members, to discussions on larger future goals, the meeting created a platform for future success. The mission and vision statement were also addressed, with board members providing valuable input on both statements. Ultimately, the vision statement was altered to reflect the chapter’s long-term goals.

The group then moved into the SCOR (strengths, challenges, opportunities and risks) analysis from which we were able to set clear goals and action items for the chapter. These goals and action items will help the chapter achieve short-term success, while also laying the foundation to achieve larger success in the near future. The action items developed by the group were put in place to act as necessary steps as the chapter continually evolves. These preliminary steps will allow the chapter to continue to elevate the industry and its membership while allowing the chapter to establish future goals which are relative to their overall vision.

I want to thank Adam, Steve and the entire MiGCSA board for their dedication to the industry and their association, as well as making the trip to East Lansing for the day. The event not only allowed me to gain valuable experience but also helped forge solid relationships which are the backbone of this great industry. I look forward to working with the MiGCSA on executing the goals which were established from the session.