Michigan GCSA includes both superintendents and equipment managers at Northern Management Meeting

The Michigan GCSA Northern Spring Management meeting took place at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan. The event was hosted by Treetops superintendent, 16-year GCSAA class A member and Grassroots Ambassador Doug Hoeh. The featured education included Dr. Paul Koch from the University of Wisconsin discussing snow mold trials and applications, Brian Mavis of Mavis Consulting, Ltd. discussing his recent research regarding solid tine aerification, and Dr. Kevin Frank from Michigan State University providing an update on the turfgrass research taking place at MSU.

GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans was also featured and presented on the importance of individuals being connected within the industry, as well as to their chapter and GCSAA. He dove into the benefits of people coming together for a common interest and how this can impact positive changes in both our personal and professional lives. Rhett used real-life examples of entities working together to accomplish feats in which they would have been unable to complete as an individual. During the presentation, Rhett challenged attendees to get involved in both GCSAA and the MiGCSA to continue to move the industry forward.

Rhett Evans addressing the MiGCSA members during the Northern Spring Management Meeting.

This event did not only feature education for superintendents, a full-day’s education was also provided to equipment managers. Just over 15 equipment managers were on hand for the event, which featured four presentations focusing on various topics. Doug Veine of Bernhard Co. spoke on the importance of proper cutting units, Mike Honeycheek of J.W. Turf discussed transmission diagnosing & troubleshooting, Dean Morrison of Jacobsen spoke on Tier-4 technology updates, and John Garlets of Spartan Distributors presented on quality of cut on reel and rotary mowers.

During the event, Rhett, John Fulling, CGCS, and myself were able to speak with the equipment managers. During our discussions, Rhett gave a brief background on the equipment manager classification within GCSAA and detailed the educational and professional opportunities that exist with GCSAA membership. Rhett also spoke on the important role equipment managers play in any golf operation and how GCSAA is committed to serving equipment managers, and everyone within the association will continue to work on their behalf. John Fulling, CGCS, provided input from the board’s perspective and a superintendent’s perspective. John reiterated Rhett’s comments on the importance of having a skilled equipment manager on staff at any golf course, and how superintendents rely on equipment managers throughout the season. Additionally, John detailed how GCSAA is working with suppliers and industry representatives to provide current and pertinent information to the equipment mangers which will continue to add value to their role at golf facilities. I was also able to speak with the equipment managers to provide information regarding my role within GCSAA. I explained how I can be a resource for them moving forward, as well as ways they can personally help shape the equipment manager classification by getting involved and providing member feedback. I would like to thank the over 70 MiGCSA members who were in attendance, as well as Rhett and John for attending and contributing the to the event’s success. A HUGE thank you goes out to the MiGCSA education committee for all their hard work and for continuing to provide valuable events throughout the state for all members.

Tri-State GCSA brings equipment managers and superintendents together

The Tri-State GCSA held its first ever combined superintendent/equipment manager meeting this past month. The event was held at Victoria National Golf Club in Newburgh, Ind. and was hosted by 13-year GCSAA class A member Kyle Callahan. The event saw over 40 total members participate, of which, more than 15 were equipment managers, which was a great turnout for one of the smaller chapters in the country.

The event was split into two education formats: one catering to equipment managers, the other to superintendents. There was some crossover between the education, with a reel grinding course covering basics offered to superintendents, and an advanced reel grinding course put on for the equipment managers; additional equipment manager education featured updates and diagnostic testing of Tier-4 engines. All presenters provided a wealth of knowledge which many in attendance will be able to take back and implement at their courses.

During the event, I was able to give a brief presentation to the membership and provide a history of GCSAA’s equipment manager classification, and the benefits available to equipment managers through GCSAA membership. I would like to thank Jeff Lechner, a three-year GCSAA class EM member and equipment manager at Evansville Country Club, in Evansville, Ind. Jeff joined me during the presentation and discussed the benefits he has received through the GCSAA equipment manager membership over the past few years. Jeff provided real life experiences and touched on how the ongoing education has given him an advantage with his day-to-day operations.

It was great to see both of these membership classifications come together for a day of education, networking, and fun. The equipment manager and superintendent positions go hand-in-hand at any facility, and their individual success depends upon each other. Thank you to the Tri-State GCSA board for setting up this beneficial event; I look forward to seeing its growth over the coming years.