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Introduction
GCSAA has established a fund to assist its affiliated chapters in communicating with key constituents, primarily golfers and employers. The fund was created to help chapters to engage in communications that will complement GCSAA’s efforts to communicate the value of GCSAA membership within the national association and its chapters. By creating awareness, the goal is to build greater understanding which leads to action. That action is manifested in increasing salaries, growing opportunities for career success/advancement and support membership of in GCSAA and its chapters. The support, in addition to providing dues, includes access to continuing education and networking resources.
GCSAA’s national outreach campaign conveys the following key messages:
Employers believe GCSAA Class A Members and GCSAA represent:
- Qualified professionals (stewards of the environment, golf course managers, facility leaders).
- Keys to the customer’s golf experience and revenue generation at a facility.
- Business managers and mitigators of both expenses and risk.
Avid/Influential golfers believe GCSAA and its members deliver:
- Enjoyment of the game.
- Quality playing conditions.
- The golfers “third place” away from the pressures of work and home.
While GCSAA dedicates considerable resources to national outreach, those efforts alone are not enough to achieve desired results. GCSAA outreach efforts must be complemented by similar activities executed by chapters and members. These “grass roots” actions are vital and necessary.
Criteria
GCSAA chapters can apply for an outreach grant by completing the information below. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis by members of the GCSAA Strategic Communications Committee and GCSAA staff. The following criteria will be used:
- The chapter must start activation of its outreach activities in the 2008 calendar year.
- The outreach activities shall address the key messages and be directed to the employer and avid golfer audiences as noted above.
- Funds must be directed to future programs and not retroactively to past efforts.
- Priority will be given to chapters that provide matching or support funding.
- Chapters will be asked to provide a report of the program so that GCSAA can create a database of case studies and best management practices.
- GCSAA reserves the right to request return of funds if not used according to means as detailed on application.
- The application must be signed by the chapter president and one other officer or staff member.
- Funds will not be granted to supplement current staff salary, however they can be directed to pay for freelance or intern stipends.
- Examples of activities might include stipends for media relations personnel to write news releases, articles for non-chapter publications, securing interviews with members; sponsorship packages for exposure on television, radio, publications, internet, etc.; Creation of a “public/employer” oriented Web site.
- Chapters must provide the information requested on the attached form.
For More Information
Contact Jeff Bollig, GCSAA Director of Communications at 800-472-7878, ext. 4430 or jbollig@gcsaa.org |
