Michigan
The four GCSAA-affiliated chapters in Michigan are coordinating a vote to form one statewide chapter. The Greater Detroit GCSA will be voting on the proposal in late July. Depending upon the outcome of that vote, the remaining three chapters may vote to merge and form the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA), which will be up and running Jan. 1, 2008.
Ultimately, the group hopes to form one state chapter with four districts. The four existing chapters (Northern Michigan TMA, Western Michigan GCSA, Mid-Michigan Turf Association and Greater Detroit GCSA) will be districts, but will not be affiliated with GCSAA.
The formation of one state chapter will improve member services immensely. Professional association management will be hired to manage the day-to-day operations of the state chapter. Meanwhile, the four districts will coordinate local activities, and will remain essential in working with engaged members who will ultimately serve on committees and boards at both the local and state levels. Sponsors will work through one state chapter instead of four separate entities.
There will be solidarity and strength in numbers regarding legislative and advocacy issues. A strong state chapter will play an important role with other golf and allied organizations in the state. Essential services, including educational opportunities, can be managed at the state level – again with professional staff able to provide oversight.
A 2/3 majority of voters from each chapter will be needed to approve the merger. Members across the state, specifically the board members of the MiGCSA, are excited about the future!
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania GCSA (PGCSA) board has turned to using the technology of webcasting to meet during the busy summer months. The board is comprised of two individuals from each of the seven state chapters. The PGCSA will provide communications of their activities via a website. This will give everyone the opportunity to see the workings and accomplishments of the PGCSA directly.
Overall, the PGCSA is in the process of identifying its mission, vision and goals. In addition, the structure of the PGCSA, and the future of how the PGCSA will work with the existing chapters, is being determined.
I will be visiting members from the Greater Pittsburgh GCSA, Mountain & Valley GCSA, Philadelphia Association of GCS, Central Pennsylvania GCSA and Pocono TGA chapters directly over the next two months. I am looking forward to visiting various member and nonmember facilities from July through mid August!
Other Regions
I have been asked to attend the California GCSA annual meeting in November. In addition to the annual meeting, I will staff a GCSAA booth at the trade show and discuss the GCSAA Field Staff program, while providing updates in roundtable fashion on other questions regarding the GCSAA.
It is certainly a busy time for field staff! We hope you are having a successful season thus far.
If you have any questions, please contact us. We are here for you, our membership!
Steve Randall
Chapter Liaison, Association Management
