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Highlights
Winners take all in Silent Auction
The Golf Industry Show’s annual Silent Auction gets underway this month, offering participants a chance to fulfill some of their buying needs and save money while being able to bid on items online either from home or at the conference and show in Anaheim.
A preview of auction items is available on the Silent Auction Web site, http://auction.golfindustryshow.com. The bidding begins on Jan. 22 and will continue until noon (Pacific) Saturday, Feb. 24. During the Golf Industry Show, bidders can keep up with the action by using the computers in The Answer Zone, where staff members will be available to help in the bidding process.
And, by registering to bid in the 2007 auction (using the Web address given above), participants will be automatically entered in a drawing for a free trip to the 2008 conference and show in Orlando. The package will include full-pack registration, a one-day seminar, two President’s Celebration tickets and hotel accommodations for five nights.
The auction is presented by The Environmental Institute for Golf, the National Golf Course Owners Association Foundation, The Club Foundation, the Golf Course Builders Association of America and the American Society of Golf Course Architects.
Proceeds from the auction support environmental stewardship programs, including research and education to strengthen the compatibility of the game of golf with the natural environment; player-development programs; grants and scholarships to advance the club management industry; and support to give young people the opportunity to learn golf and the life values the game represents.
Some of the products on the list of Silent Auction items include course accessories such as flags, flag sticks, signage and markers; entertainment/travel packages; equipment; fertilizers and biostimulants; golf cars and utility vehicles; mowers and accessories; plant protectants; pro shop equipment and merchandise; spreaders, seeders and topdressers; and personal items.
The event has proved to be beneficial to both bidders and industry partners. In past auctions, winning bidders on average have saved 40 percent off the retail price of an item. Industry partners who contribute items also earn priority points, gain additional recognition and receive a lead list of all bidders interested in their product.
The Silent Auction site can also be accessed from www.eifg.org, www.golfindustryshow.com and www.gcsaa.org. Additional information is available by contacting The Environmental Institute for Golf at 800-472-7878, ext. 3696.
Where questions have answers
For golf industry professionals attending the 2007 conference and show, “The Answer is Anaheim,” but the place to go with specific questions is The Answer Zone in Hall E of the Anaheim Convention Center.
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Registration and member services come together in The Answer Zone, along with a number of services. On-site registration opens at 6:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 19.
GCSAA staff will be on hand in The Answer Zone to help you navigate your way through the Member Central online membership tool, demo GCSAA Weather Cast, learn about the certification process, find out more about achieving Class A membership, get connected with your local chapter and find information on state and federal legislative activity affecting golf courses.
Take a break
Presented in partnership with Syngenta Professional Products, the International Resource Center provides international attendees an ideal spot to relax, meet up with acquaintances and enjoy refreshments. The center will be staffed with a multilingual interpreter.
The Member Lounge, presented in partnership with Golf Industry Travel, is perfect for gathering with fellow GCSAA members and allied association members. Refreshments will be available.
You can also keep in touch with your facility and family while you are away in The Answer Zone’s Internet Café.
Spotlight on career
The Answer Zone is also home to the new Career Action Center. Formerly known as the Career and Employment Center, the Career Action Center is designed to focus resources for the superintendent’s whole career, not just on searching for a new job. The center will include traditional resources such as online job search and résumé posting and career counseling from GCSAA career services staff, and will feature a series of 30-minute career success and communications workshops.
Election and annual meeting information
The GCSAA Annual Meeting and Election is scheduled for 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23. Individual voting members and proxy holders may check in at the registration office on Monday, Feb. 19 from 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. or on Tuesday or Wednesday, Feb. 20-21 from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Chapter delegates are not required to check in prior to the annual meeting, but are invited to attend the Chapter Delegates Breakfast on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 6:30-7:30 a.m.
The path to certification
Superintendents interested in attaining certified status have two opportunities to learn more through half-day seminars. “Preparing Your Way to Certification” is offered on Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 8 a.m.-noon or 1-5 p.m. Cleve E. Cleveland, CGCS, owner of Newark Valley GC Inc., and William H. Maynard, CGCS at Milburn G&CC, are presenters for the seminar.
A CGCS examination will be given on Wednesday, Feb. 21, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Examinees must be approved certification applicants by Jan. 26, 2007. For more information, contact GCSAA’s certification department at 800-472-7878, ext. 3602 or 4484.
Certified superintendents will be recognized Friday, Feb. 23, from 12:30-2 p.m. at the annual Certification Luncheon and Business Meeting, presented in partnership with Syngenta Professional Products. Club Managers Association of America CEO Jim Singerling will be the guest presenter.
Chapter leaders come together
Chapter executives will share ideas for enhancing operations and serving their members’ goals at the Chapter Executives Session and Lunch, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22.
This session will kick off with a discussion on chapter effectiveness. Catch up with your colleagues during the lunch hour, and then get ready to learn from your peers. Chapter executives will present case studies on ideas and best practices they’ve implemented in their own associations.
Following the presentations you’ll have the opportunity to share your chapter’s ideas in roundtable discussions.
From 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, you can participate in the Chapter Editors Session, which will include discussions on how to enhance your chapter’s printer and/or electronic publications. Bring a copy of your chapter’s publication and be prepared to have plenty of opportunities to share what makes your chapter’s publication a valuable and effective communications tool.
Prayer breakfast
One of the traditional features at conference and show, the Prayer Breakfast, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. The breakfast is open to all faiths and provides a break from the week’s daily activities while also offering encouragement and a morale boost. Complimentary coffee and Danish will be available during the inspirational presentation.
Shop ‘til you drop
Conference and show is your once-a-year chance to browse one of the industry’s largest collections of books, apparel and accessories.
The bookstore will feature materials for conference seminars, classic and brand new titles related to the golf course management industry, and several book-signings with authors. Popular styles and colors of shirts, jackets, ladies’ apparel and select items for children will be on sale in the merchandise store.
Both stores will be open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday in The Answer Zone, Hall E. The bookstore also will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Students learn the ropes
Yes, all the movers and shakers will be in Anaheim for the Golf Industry Show. That doesn’t mean that GCSAA has forgotten about the future members — the turf students.
The action heats up for student members on Friday, Feb. 23, for the 13th Annual Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition. Teams of up to four participants will be challenged to identify soils, turfgrass species, diseases, weeds and insects, and answer questions on mathematics, and growth and development. Prizes will be awarded to the top-scoring team.
Last year, a team from Iowa State University won for the fifth consecutive year. A dynasty? Perhaps. Colleges from around the country — including last year’s second place squad from Purdue — will all be vying to take the trophy away from the Iowa State Cyclones.
Another event students — and maybe even some regular members — will want to attend is the student seminar, “Fundamentals of Investing — How to Make Better Decisions About Your Money.” Keith W. Smith, a financial consultant with A.G. Edwards & Sons Inc., will be hosting.
Finally, the Student/Superintendent Employment Fair and Networking Reception takes place from 5 to 6 p.m. that Friday. Bring a résumé — this is a great place to meet superintendents with needs for interns, crew positions and/or assistant superintendents. The winning team of the Turf Bowl will also be announced here, so there’s an opportunity for the winners to shine in front of future employers.
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