Keeping GCM in focus

This summer I got the opportunity to attend the national conference of the American Society of Business Publication Editors, where about 120 writers and editors of business, trade and specialty publications gathered for education sessions, workshops and networking.

A newbie to this association and its annual conference, I entered with no expectations and left impressed by the quality of educational offerings. I sat in on sessions about how to hone my interviewing skills, rework technical articles and effectively transform editorial content from print to the Web, and gained ideas and tips that I plan on implementing to help me do my job better here at GCM.

I’m not alone. Like superintendents, the staff of more than 100 employees at GCSAA headquarters pursues continued education in their respective careers. From journalists, Web developers, accountants and salespeople to professionals in education, career services, communications, information technology, executive management and more, GCSAA employees represent the vast assortment of disciplines it takes to come together as an association to serve our membership and the superintendent profession, and each of these disciplines encourages, if not requires, continued education. Some of our staff members’ professional organizations furthermore offer certification through continued education.

Sound familiar? No matter the profession, continued education is important, if not crucial, to improving your skills, advancing your career and remaining a competitive and marketable component of your facility or organization. And to safeguard your own livelihood, it can give you an edge over your peers if you’re seeking a promotion or suddenly faced with unemployment.

All this is why I urge you to sign up for GCSAA’s Education Conference and Golf Industry Show this Feb. 2-7 in New Orleans. Every year the conference offers top-notch educational opportunities, and this year is no different. Seminars and sessions are designed to benefit everyone vested in the success of the golf facility — superintendents, owners, managers, architects, club pros, food and beverage managers and more. Topics range from bunker maintenance, bermudagrass greens management and watershed planning to conflict management, financial essentials and practical Spanish for superintendents, among dozens and dozens more.

We’re even giving you a sneak preview of what’s in store this year — your own personal copy of the 2009 Education Conference registration brochure is included with this issue of GCM. Browse through to learn the variety of topics to be presented in New Orleans, including 23 brand-new seminars covering topics like budgeting, how to make your golf course ADA-accessible and how to create your own Web site. Conference registration opens Oct. 1 for GCSAA members.

Whether you’re a relative newcomer to the industry like me or a longtime veteran who’s seen the profession change through generations, education can help us continue to grow and adapt in our ever-changing industries.