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Orlando 2008 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show |
GIS higlights
Education: From seminars to sessions
GCSAA National Championship and Golf Classic
Meet the Candidates
Orbiting Orlando
Central Florida’s vacation mecca has plenty to offer attendees at GCSAA’s conference and show.
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Orange County Convention Center Photos courtesy of Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau |
It’s no surprise that each year 50 million visitors descend on the balmy, central Florida gem that is Orlando, site of the 2008 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show. The city boasts a wealth of world-famous theme parks, water parks, high-class dining, miles of retail shops, a bustling nightlife, business accommodations and nearly 100 other attractions that understandably draw a range of tourists and business travelers every year.
Most out-of-town visitors will arrive at Orlando International Airport, 15 minutes from the city’s prime tourism area and the Orange County Convention Center. Also a short drive away is the venerable Kennedy Space Center, where visitors can tour launch facilities, see IMAX films and more. Also along the state’s eastern shore, just south of Kennedy Space Center, is Port Canaveral and Florida’s famous east coast beaches.
Orlando is best known for its many theme parks. Walt Disney World Resort not only features four theme parks, it also includes two water parks, two dozen on-site hotels, the Downtown Disney shopping and entertainment district, countless dining options, golf courses and many other recreational amenities. There is also the sprawling Universal Orlando Resort, with its two theme parks: Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
The multitude of additional theme parks and attractions in and around Orlando include SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Cypress Gardens, Cirque Du Soleil, Gatorland, Orlando Science Center, the Richard Petty Driving Experience, SkyVenture Orlando and Discovery Cove.
Almost 200 top-rated golf courses dot the Orlando landscape, not to mention a number of world-renowned golf instruction schools. Other sports and recreation complexes offer horseback riding, hang gliding, water skiing, scuba diving, canoeing past marine wildlife and boating sea excursions. Sports fans can cheer on the area’s NBA team, the Orlando Magic, or a Predators arena-football game. Orlando is also home to the Atlanta Braves’ spring training games, the Capital One Bowl, the Champs Sports Bowl and the Walt Disney World Florida Classic.
An added bonus is Orlando’s superb weather, which accommodates the many popular outdoor activities. Warm, tropical breezes grace the region year-round, and the average high temperatures for February in Orlando fall in the mid-70s.
Time for the show
The Orange County Convention Center sits on International Drive, a winding boulevard with 113,000 hotel rooms in more than 100 hotels, and more than 200 dining options covering a vast array of cuisines — from fast-food and pizza to the high-end eateries of such famous chefs as Wolfgang Puck and Roy Yamaguchi.
The second largest convention center in the country, Orange County Convention Center boasts 2.1 million square feet of exhibition space, two 92,000-square-foot general assembly areas, three full-service restaurants, eight food courts, four business centers and wireless mobility throughout the complex.
Five of Orlando’s most famed theme parks can be found along or adjacent to International Drive, in addition to nearly 500 designer, brand-name and outlet stores, three entertainment mega-complexes and three stadium-style movie cinemas.
Transportation is a cinch with the I-Ride Trolley service, which has more than 100 stops along International Drive. A single cash fare per ride is $1.00; senior cash fare is 25 cents; and kids ride free. I-Ride trolleys run 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Nights are an explosion of activity with the city’s vast selection of nightclubs, sports bars, dinner shows and comedy clubs. Visitors can choose from Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede and Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Show to Universal’s CityWalk’s variety of options, including Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Bob Marley’s and Hard Rock Live.
However you and your family spend your free time in Orlando, the Golf Industry Show’s host city is sure to guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Home, sweet Orlando home
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Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center has already hosted GCSAA’s conference and show five times since 1990. |
Orlando feels just about like home to the GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show — the city and its Orange County Convention Center have already hosted five conference and shows since 1990 — but the 2008 edition will be anything but old hat.
Education takes center stage with 21 new seminars (not to mention more than 100 additional popular offerings), covering the latest in course maintenance, business management and professional development strategies. New topics range from stress management to current human resources practices to conflict management.
Speaking of business, this year GCSAA and one of its Golf Industry Show presenting partners, the Club Managers Association of America, will join forces for the Career Forum, 1-3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31. Panelists from both associations will talk to superintendents about the general manager profession.
Another new event, the Assistant Superintendent Session and Reception, 2-5 p.m. on Thursday, will shine the spotlight on the profession’s newest recruits. A panel of well-known superintendents will share their strategies for career success and answer questions before the assistants mingle at a networking reception.
And just so everyone feels more at home in Orlando, the show will also offer networking parks. Presented in partnership with Golf Industry Travel, these parks will be located throughout the trade show floor and feature comfortable seating, Internet kiosks, product locators and concession vendors.
As the Golf Industry Show draws near, more events, appearances and activities will be announced. Visit www.golfindustryshow.com for the most up-to-date schedule of events.
Motivation, teamwork, networking await attendees of the 2008 GIS.
The 2008 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show is back in Orlando, a favorite destination for many association members. With so many programs and educational opportunities, the golf industry is gearing up for a big week.
Before the week gets too busy, take time to stop in at the Welcoming Reception and reconnect with colleagues from across the country, around the world and even those who are nearby but may be hard to connect with unless you’re away from the office.
The Welcoming Reception will take place Wednesday, Jan 30, 5:15-6:45 p.m., poolside at the Rosen Centre Hotel. It is presented in partnership with Bayer Environmental Science.
Opening Session
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2008 Old Tom Morris Award winner Greg Norman, “The Great White Shark,” will accept his award at the Opening Session. This year, the Opening Session will be presented in a TV talk-show format, with The Golf Channel’s Adam Barr serving as host. |
Watch where you step at the 2008 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show — you may just cross the path of a Shark.
The Opening Session, presented in partnership with Bayer Environmental Science, will tee off at 9 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 31. Accepting the Old Tom Morris Award will be Greg Norman, “The Great White Shark.” Norman, a dominant player in golf for much of the 1980s and 90s, is now a dominant player in the golf business world. With a major design company, a successful clothing brand, a turfgrass company, a wine label and a production company, there doesn’t seem to be anything in business this Australian can’t do. And don’t forget about Norman’s prominent role in the world of golf course management as the chairman of the Advisory Council for The Environmental Institute for Golf.
The Opening Session will be presented in a talk-show format this year, hosted by Adam Barr from The Golf Channel. The entire Opening Session will have the look and feel of a talk show, with Barr posing questions to the guests, including GCSAA’s Distinguished Service Award winners as well as the Leo Feser Award winner.
Golf Industry Show General Session
What does it take to be a leader?
There is a leader in all of us, and at the Golf Industry Show General Session, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 1, attendees will learn how to become better leaders in the workplace and elsewhere. “The Mark of a Leader” is an unforgettable presentation that features inspiring stories about the world’s greatest leaders and brands, and the principles that have made them successful.
Attendees will be inspired to think about their roles and priorities as leaders and to improve their leadership skills. You’ll be challenged to take a hard look at your team and understand what is working and what is holding the crew back from success. “The Mark of a Leader” program has gained critical acclaim from some of the most prestigious corporations and associations, so don’t miss this chance to learn from these experts.
Team Day
Friday Feb. 1 will also be Team Day at the Golf Industry Show. There will be multiple opportunities to join with other members of the golf course, facility and club management teams and work together. From the aforementioned “The Mark of a Leader” program during the Golf Industry Show General Session, to the Disney Institute program, “Service Excellence: Taking the Golf Experience to the Next Level” from 9:45-11:15 a.m., co-workers can attend the same meetings and take those experiences back home to their facilities.
After those programs, test what you learned about teamwork by visiting the Team Solutions Center and tackling the Pit Crew Challenge, which will pit teams of three to five against the clock in a simulated stock car experience. Besides being a good time for your team, the Pit Crew Challenge also will demonstrate how management teams get the most out of individuals when they work in unison with their counterparts.
Solutions on the menu at GIS
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The 2008 Golf Industry Show will feature approximately 1,000 exhibitors and more than 300,000 net square feet of |
How do you sum up the value of what attendees will find at the 2008 Golf Industry Show? One word: solutions. As soon as you step onto the trade show floor, featuring approximately 1,100 exhibitors and more than 300,000 square feet of exhibit space, you’ll see solutions around every corner.
The Orange County Convention Center in Orlando is the place to be in 2008 as more than 25,000 golf industry professionals come together under one roof. This is the best opportunity to network, conduct business and find answers with the latest products and services in the profession.
At the Golf Industry Show, superintendents, facility owners and managers will be able to walk the show floor together and learn from other professionals in the industry about the latest advances designed to help you succeed and grow your business in today’s competitive environment. Navigating the trade show will be easy, as exhibitors will be segmented by product category (see show floor map/layout on Pages 86-87).
Solution Centers
No matter what course or facility solutions you’re looking for, the Golf Industry Show will provide them. Many of these solutions will be waiting for you at the five solution centers. Each center will provide a myriad of offerings, demonstrations and case studies by industry experts, and will be focused on a particular area of golf course, facility or club management. You’ll walk away with tips and techniques for best practices as well as handouts and resources to take home and apply at your facility.
Here’s a look at the solution centers you’ll find:
· As the ‘town center’ on the trade show floor, the Team Solutions Center will use a unique approach to demonstrate the importance of teamwork in facility success: the TrackTime Driving Schools’ Pit Crew Challenge. This is an action-oriented test of team-building skills. Activities will revolve around teams of three to five attendees who will have to beat the clock and their own best times in a simulated NASCAR pit crew experience. You can check your favorite team’s standing on the giant electronic leader board provided by Magnolia Golf Group, and seating will be provided by SGA. The Clubhouse Solutions Center is designed to help attendees maximize their trade show experience by providing one-stop shopping to identify and locate products, services and companies focused on the clubhouse. Here, attendees will find quick answers to real problems through a live networking discussion forum. Questions will be drawn from current business challenges pertaining to areas under the clubhouse roof. Also housed in this solution center will be the Club Managers Association of America’s Member Central. CMAA staff will be available to answer association questions, disburse information and literature, and assist all attendees in navigating the show floor.
· The Environmental Solutions Center will feature information demonstrating how golf facilities provide environmental benefits to communities. “On the course” education will be presented in conjunction with highlights from GCSAA’s Golf Course Environmental Profile surveys, research, resources from The Environmental Institute for Golf and other information. Visit this solution center to learn more about what you can do to develop education programs, respond to environmental questions and enhance your outreach and communication efforts. In addition, join your peers during scheduled appearances for a cup of coffee and to get more detailed information from those who have implemented successful environmental projects at their facilities.
· The Golf Course Solutions Center will once again feature a special construction project on the trade show floor. The Golf Course Builders Association, the American Society of Golf Course Architects, GCSAA and the Irrigation Association will join together to construct a teeing ground. Plan to stop by often, as both new tee area construction and tee area renovation will take place during the course of the show. The activities will highlight teamwork as well as address topics and issues important to superintendents, owners/operators, general managers/chief operating officers, architects and builders. Some of the marquee names in the golf industry will complement the teeing ground construction project with presentations focusing on solutions to successful tee area maintenance, design, drainage and more.
· Take a break to play the game and test the latest equipment available by visiting the indoor golf studio in the Range and Outdoor Facility Solutions Center. This area will feature individual practice cages where you can demo the latest clubs and simulators from leading manufacturers such as Srixon, AccuSport and Interactive Sports Technologies. You can practice your short game on a putting green provided by Golf Greens “Fore” U. You’ll also find displays of fun and creative ways for your facility to produce additional revenue, such as a trade-in network, the Starting New at Golf (SNAG) program from The First Tee, the Special Olympics Capture the Flag event and information about club fitting from the National Club Fitter’s Association.
New Product Showcase
If you’re looking for the latest innovations, don’t miss the New Product Showcase. Running the length of the 40-foot main aisle at the center of the trade show floor, the New Product Showcase will introduce you to some of the most recent products in the industry. This is the spot to see exhibitors unveiling their latest technologies for golf course, facility and club management solutions.
Networking Parks
Located throughout the show floor, four networking parks will feature Internet kiosks and a product-locator kiosk. With small seating areas, and food and beverages available for purchase, they are the perfect place to relax and conduct short networking meetings without leaving the trade show floor.
Media Center
The Golf Industry Show Media Center will offer members of the media, chapter newsletter editors, media/public relations officials and exhibitors a place to conduct interviews and news conferences, collect exhibitor information and construct articles for publication. The Media Center is located on the trade show floor in booth number 4003.
Silent Auction
Online bidding opens Monday, Jan. 7, for the 2008 Golf Industry Show Silent Auction. The auction, presented by The Environmental Institute for Golf, the National Golf Course Owners Association Foundation, the American Society of Golf Course Architects, the Club Foundation and the Golf Course Builders Association of America Foundation, is held completely online, allowing interested bidders throughout the world an opportunity to participate.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get great deals on equipment, course accessories, irrigation products and many other items for your facility — or something fun for yourself. Visit http://auction.golfindustryshow.com to view the items available and to place your bid.
Be sure to visit the Silent Auction area located on the trade show floor at booth number 2209. Computers will be available to accommodate bidding, along with staff members to assist in the bidding process. For more information, contact The Environmental Institute for Golf at 800-472-7878.
Trade show hours
Thursday, Jan. 31
8-11 a.m. (Distributor Preview)
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 1
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 2
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Show enhancements
You might notice a difference in your show badge and the portals as you enter the show floor and the ballroom at the Orange County Convention Center — all of which make RFID possible. Radio frequency identification (RFID) uses radio waves to automatically identify people or objects. Information is stored on a microchip in your badge, attached to an antenna that transmits the identification information to a reader.
The information gathered will be used by show management to analyze traffic and timing. The data gathered by this new technology will help improve show floor layout and the positioning of services and signage.
Take the Solutions Challenge
Have fun navigating the show floor while finding the solutions you seek by participating in the Solutions Challenge. Each sponsoring exhibitor will present a golf course, club or facility management issue and possible solutions. At each of the 21 stops, participants will solve the problem presented, collect a stamp and then submit their completed scorecard at the Solutions Challenge score booth to be eligible for prize drawings. Each sponsoring exhibitor will offer a prize, plus a grand prize will be provided by Golf Industry Travel and Interval International. Each participant also will receive a print of Greg Norman illustrated by David Pursell, vice president of marketing for Agrium Advanced Technologies.
Participating companies include: Advan, Arysta, Eagle-Pitcher, Ewing Irrigation, GreenCare International, Hunter Industries, Husqvarna, Kirby Markers, Milliken and Co., Mitchell Products, Otterbine Barebo, Profile Products, SePro, Simplot, Speed Roller, Sustane Natural Fertilizers, West Tech Systems, Western Nonwovens Inc. and Western Pozzolan.
Highlights
Where to go, what to do
Located throughout Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, GCSAA’s attendee resources are designed to meet your specific needs, and provide services and tools to enrich your conference and show experience.
For assistance in achieving your professional goals, visit the Career Action Center to benefit from a wide variety of career-boosting tools. Search or apply for available positions using GCSAA’s free online job search and résumé posting tools, or improve your job search skills with résumé critiquing services. GCSAA’s Career Services staff also will host 30-minute Career Hot Topics and Communications Hot Topics presentations and discussions.
Take advantage of a once-a-year opportunity and stop by the Merchandise Store and Bookstore to browse through the large selection of books, apparel and accessories. Materials for conference seminars, classic golf course management titles, book-signing events and popular styles of polos, wind shirts, jackets and more will all be available.
For individualized information about your GCSAA membership, the Member/Chapter Services area will have the answers. GCSAA staff will be on-hand to discuss how you can make the most of the education, programs, resources and networking opportunities available with association membership. Here, you can participate in interactive demonstrations, preview GCSAA’s Weathercast service, learn about certification, get connected with your local chapter and much more.
To rest your feet or meet up with colleagues without leaving the trade show floor, take a break at one of four Networking Parks placed throughout the trade show. The parks, which are presented in partnership with Golf Industry Travel, will feature Internet kiosks, product locators and concession vendors.
Be sure to stop by the Silent Auction, where you can save big for your facility by bidding on an array of items — from aeration and irrigation equipment to mowers, topdressers, memorabilia and more. Online bidding opens Jan. 7, continues through the show and closes Monday, Feb. 4. Preview items at http://auction.golfindustryshow.com.
Check e-mail, stay in touch with family and co-workers, or check out company and product Web sites at GCSAA’s Internet Café, presented in partnership with DuPont Professional Products.
International attendees can benefit from the International Resource Center, where a multilingual interpreter will be available. Also an ideal spot for meeting up with peers and enjoying refreshments, the International Resource Center is presented in partnership with Phillip Jennings Turf Farms and Syngenta Professional Products.
No lack of opportunities for students
GCSAA’s Collegiate Turf Bowl will again top the agenda for the many turf students who attend the education conference. It will be the 14th annual competition, and the last six have been won by undergraduates from Iowa State University.
Challengers from colleges around the country will step into the spotlight Feb. 1 at the Orange County Convention Center. Facilitated by Leah Brilman, Ph.D., of the Turfgrass Breeders Association, the Turf Bowl features four-person teams vying in areas of mathematics, turfgrass growth and development, and the identification of soils, diseases, weeds, insects and turfgrass species. The exam will also focus on the business and financial management side of the superintendent profession and include a business management case study.
Later that same day, Keith J. Karnok, Ph.D., of the department of crop and soil sciences at the University of Georgia, will present “Are You Ready to Be a Professional?” at the annual student seminar. This program will cover the basic components of becoming a professional, including active listening techniques; telephone, cell phone, voice mail and e-mail communications; business etiquette; résumé preparation and interview advice.
The traditional Student/Superintendent Employment Fair and Networking Reception will be held later that evening for those seeking jobs or looking to fill open positions at their facilities. It’s a great opportunity for students to meet superintendents and discuss potential internships, crew positions and assistant superintendent positions. The Turf Bowl winners also will be announced during the reception.
CGCS luncheon, seminar planned
The GCSAA Certification Luncheon and Business Meeting, 12:30-2 p.m. on Feb. 1, presented in partnership with Syngenta Professional Products, will honor certified superintendents and extend special recognition to the newly certified class of 2007 and those celebrating 25 years of certified status. GCSAA CEO Steve Mona, CAE, will be guest awards presenter.
The certification exam will be administered 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30. Examinees must be approved certification applicants by Jan. 2 to take the test.
Those who are interested in pursuing certification and learning about the process will want to attend the “Preparing Your Way to Certification” seminar, offered twice on Wednesday: 8 a.m.-Noon and 1-5 p.m. It will be taught by Cleve E. Cleveland, CGCS, CPA, owner of Newark Valley (N.Y.) Golf Club; William H. Maynard, CGCS at Milburn Golf and Country Club in Overland Park, Kan.; and Penny Mitchell, GCSAA’s senior manager of certification. This seminar will cover the ins and outs of the new certification process, including how to use the Professional Development Resource and how to build your portfolio. Cleveland and Maynard also will cover testing objectives and offer sample questions.
Prayer breakfast
Start your day with an inspirational presentation while you enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries. A prayer breakfast, open to all faiths, will be held 7:30-8:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 2 during the Golf Industry Show. This traditional event will offer encouragement and a morale boost before you face the full day ahead.
Chapter leaders to share ideas
Some great events await chapter executives and editors in Orlando. These sessions offer chapter leaders the opportunity to learn new ideas, concepts and techniques to strengthen their chapters’ effectiveness and their own professional development.
The Chapter Executives Session and Networking Lunch will take place Thursday, Jan. 31, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The session will kick off with a discussion regarding GCSAA’s marketing and outreach efforts, as well as GCSAA’s new logo and uniformity opportunities. Following the lunch, there will be a demonstration of GCSAA’s redesigned Web site with a focus on some of the services, tools and resources available to members.
The Chapter Editors Session, 9-11 a.m. on Feb. 1, will allow editors to share their ideas for enhancing chapters’ print and electronic publications. Editors should bring a copy of their publications and be prepared to discuss with attendees the triumphs and challenges they face.
21 seminars to debut in Orlando
Education offerings total more than 120, up nearly 20 percent.
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GCSAA relies on the support of industry partners to bring members quality education, including new seminar topics, for the 2008 conference. |
The 2008 GCSAA Education Conference will boast not only 21 new seminars this year, but also a nearly 20 percent increase in the total number of offerings from 2007. Whether you’re looking for educational opportunities to enhance your professional skills or agronomic strategies, GCSAA has half-day, six-hour, one-day, one-and-a-half-day and two-day seminars waiting for you next month in Orlando. Educational seminars are made possible by GCSAA’s industry partners.
Competency categories
The conference seminars are organized into five competency categories. Simply assess your current skills with the Professional Development Resource tool available in the education section at www.gcsaa.org, then select the seminars that match your needs from the following competencies:
Resource utilization: Covers the spectrum of resources that ensure a successful golf course operation. These resources include staff, equipment, materials, technology and the golf course itself, including grounds and facilities.
Operations management: Covers the management of financial, regulatory and operational systems that provide information, stability and the resource allocation essential to the function of the golf facility. This includes day-to-day practices such as mowing, fertilizing, turf protectant application and irrigation.
Communication: Covers the range of communication skills and methods necessary to communicate effectively with constituents concerning golf course operations, scientific information, management concerns and administrative procedures.
Leadership: Covers the skills that identify superintendents as leaders and the proficiencies that enable them to establish a work climate that supports high levels of teamwork and professionalism among their staffs.
Personal skills: Covers the proficiencies to assist in planning a career, personal development, management of personal finances, investments, time and stress management, and the importance of balancing work and family life.
Education points
Education points are awarded for completed conference seminars based on contact hours of education. These points are required to apply for or renew Class A membership and certification.
Half-day seminar registrants are eligible for .35 points; six-hour seminars are worth .55 points; one-day seminar attendees earn .7 points; one-and-a-half day participants receive 1.05 points; and two-day seminar attendees earn 1.4 points. Also, full-conference registrants receive an additional 1.5 education points.
New seminars for 2008
Monday, Jan. 28
· Physical Properties and What They Mean to You
· Maximizing the Pro/Superintendent Relationship: Are We Really That Different?
Tuesday, Jan. 29
· Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle With a Hectic Schedule
· Turf Insecticide Mode of Action and Resistance Management
· Stress Management: Managing Stress to Improve Productivity
Wednesday, Jan. 30
· Cool-season Turfgrass Nutrition, Fertilizers and Programming
· HR Practice — Alignment for People Performance
· Managing Bentgrass Golf Greens in Heat Stress Environments
· Making the Most of Water While Not Spending a Fortune
· Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers: Warm-season Grasses With and Without Overseeding.
· Renovating/Upgrading an Irrigation System
· Thinking Your Way Through Problem Solving in Turfgrass Management and More
· Watershed Planning
· Creating a Financial Plan and Then Selling It
· Utilizing Seeded Warm-season Grasses
· Maximizing Turfgrass Disease Control with Proper Application Strategies
· New Weapons for Old Weeds
Thursday, Jan. 31
· Managing Your Manager, Committees and Boards
· Uncovering the Business Value of Environmental Stewardship
Friday, Feb. 1
· Conflict Management
Saturday, Feb. 2
· Using Your Computer — Internet Lab
2008 education on the front burner
Things are heating up for the 2008 GCSAA Education Conference, with Career and Communications Hot Topics replacing the Career Success Workshops of previous years and a number of other topical subjects on the sessions and forums agenda for Orlando.
In response to superintendents, the Hot Topics presentations will address a number of issues golf course management professionals are facing these days, from managing people, dealing with immigrant workers and hiring and firing the right (legal) way, to learning how to communicate and forge working relationships with the media.
A special highlight among the Career Hot Topics will be the presentation “Creative People Management,” by Anthony Williams, a two-time ELGA winner. His presentation will include tips on delegation, team-building and meeting tough goals.
Several sessions and forums will also reflect industry trends, such as the rising presence of turf equipment technicians and the interaction between superintendents and their assistants. Others are timeless favorites, such as the ever popular Innovative Superintendent sessions, the USGA Green Section Program and the always-interesting standbys like Public Golf and Coffee Talk with the Experts.
A complete list of the educational fare in Orlando is available at www.gcsaa.org/gis.
Communications and career hot topics
Communications Hot Topics at the Career Action Center
Presenter: Max Utsler, Ph.D., associate professor of mass communications at the University of Kansas
Thursday, Jan. 31
The Basics of Newsletter/Article Writing: 12:15-12:45 p.m.
The Basics of Article Content: 1-1:30 p.m.
The Basics of Developing Relationships with the Media: 1:45-2:15 p.m.
Ask a Communications Professional (In the Interview Room): 2:30-3 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 1
The Basics of Media Interviewing: 11:30 a.m. - Noon
The Basics of Public Speaking: 12:15-12:45 p.m.
The Basics of Newsletter/Article Writing: 2:30-3 p.m.
Introduction to New Media (In the Media Center): 4-4:30 p.m.
Career Hot Topics at the Career Action Center
Thursday, Jan. 31
How to Market Yourself and Your Golf Facility: 11:30 a.m. - Noon
Presenter: John R. Johnson, J2 Golf Marketing
More Than a Résumé: 2:30-3 p.m.
Presenter: Carol Rau, Career Advantage
How to Hire and How to Fire: 3:15-3:45 p.m.
Presenter: Scott Hudson, Esq., Hudson Law Firm
Immigrant Workers: 4-4:30 p.m.
Presenter: Scott Hudson, Esq., Hudson Law Firm
Managing a Spanish-speaking Crew: 4:45-5:15 p.m.
Presenter: Rafael Barajas, CGCS, Hacienda GC
What About 50?: 5:30-6 p.m.
Presenter: Sandy Clark, CGCS, Barona Creek GC
Friday, Feb. 1
Networking: Essential Tool for Career Success: 10-10:30 a.m.
Presenter: Bruce Williams, CGCS, Los Angeles CC
You’re Going to be Fired: What to Do Next: 10:45-11:15 a.m.
Presenter: David Davies, CGCS, Stonebrae CC
How to Manage Gen. X and Y: 1-1:30 p.m.
Presenter: Mike Muetzel, author of “They’re Not Aloof ... Just Generation X”
Mentor Your Assistant for (Golf Facility) Success: 1:45-2:15 p.m.
Presenter: Dan Schuknecht, Talons of Tuscany
Creative People Management: 3:15-3:45 p.m.
Presenter: Anthony Williams, CGCS, Stone Mountain GC
Things I Wish I’d Learned in Turf School: 4-4:30 p.m.
Presenter: Chris Carson, Echo Lake CC
A Sampling of Sessions and Forums
Quality of Cut — A Turf Equipment Technician’s View
Wednesday, Jan. 30: 2-4 p.m.
This interactive program will be presented by turf equipment technicians with more than 50 years of combined experience. They will cover quality of cut issues and how to diagnose and correct them, as well as the do’s and don’ts of cutting unit setup. They’ll also reveal some tricks of the trade in cutting unit maintenance.
Multi-Course Companies: What You Always Wanted to Know
Wednesday, Jan. 30: 3:30-5 p.m.
A panel discussion led by executives within this niche of the industry will address a variety of topics, including multi-course company goals, organizational structures, em-ployment and advancement opportunities, as well as the philosophy of buying and selling properties. This session, presented in partnership with NGCOA, is valuable for both those currently employed by a multi-course company and those interested in learning more about them.
Innovative Superintendent Breakfasts and Sessions
Thursday and Friday, Jan. 31 & Feb. 1: 6:00-8:20 a.m.
It’s hard to beat a hot buffet buffet breakfast, provided once again in partnership with BASF Corp., and the best peer-to-peer education that the education conference has to offer. These sessions always feature a great lineup of superintendents willing to share novel ideas and techniques to enhance the golf course management profession.
Session I will cover such topics as hosting a golf course open house, building a Web site, modifying the physical properties of greens, and a couple of interesting bits titled “You Build It, They Will Save” and “You Do WHAT with Your Stimpmeter?”
The subject matter in Session II explores "self-inflicted" motivation, animal control, greenhouse use, sand bunker renovation and using vegetable oils to replace diesel fuel.
In The Moment … The State of Public Golf
Thursday, Jan. 31: 1-2:30 p.m.
This panelist presentation will offer an opportunity for those in, or curious about, the arenas of public/municipal golf to discuss challenges and issues relevant to their facilities.
Chaired by Mark Ruff, CGCS, the session features:
· What to Do When Your Budget has Gone Bust — Thomas Lavrenz, city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
· Promoting Public Golf and Balancing Golfer Expectations with Maintenance Costs — Dennis Lyon, CGCS, city of Aurora, Colo.
· The Municipal Superintendent: What is it REALLY Like? — Sean McHugh, CGCS, Shawnee Hills Golf Course, Bedford, Ohio.
Assistant Superintendent Session and Reception
Thursday, Jan. 31: 2-5 p.m.
This afternoon’s lineup will be something new in 2008, as a panel of reputable superintendents will explain career strategies they’ve used for success and relate tips for making the transition from assistant to superintendent — regardless of the facility type. Also on the program, presented in partnership with Syngenta and The Toro Co., will be some innovative practices from fellow assistants, with a question-and-answer period and a networking reception to follow.
The superintendent panelists will include Bob Farren, CGCS; Jon Jennings, CGCS; John Miller, CGCS; and David Phipps. The assistant superintendent panelists will be John Ekstrom, Michael Heustis, Tavis Horton and Jeff Wichman.
USGA Green Section Program
Taking Care of Business: Opportunities to Enhance Facility and Professional Growth
Friday, Feb. 1: 9:45-11:45 a.m.
Panelists from the Green Section’s array of regional agronomists, along with representatives of facility management, will explore the business of golf, ranging from the ins and outs of customer service and making the course available to all, to the positives of teamwork, and successful operating strategies. This program also will feature the presentation of the 2008 Green Section Award.
Coffee Talk with the Experts — The Latest and Greatest in Turf Management
Saturday, Feb. 2: 8:30-11 a.m.
Presented in partnership with John Deere Credit, this session will be chaired by James Murphy, Ph.D., and feature a panel of experts discussing these leading agronomic topics:
· Weed Management —Fred Yelverton, Ph.D.
· Nutrient Management: New Philosophies, Technologies and Regulations — Kevin Frank, Ph.D.
· Biostimulants: Promises, Promises, But Do They Deliver? — Keith Karnok, Ph.D.
· Turf Disease Management: Are You Using All of the Tools in Your Toolbox? — Bruce Clarke, Ph.D.
· What We Now Know About Poa Trivialis — Zac Reicher, Ph.D.
Orlando stages golf event for an unprecedented fifth time.
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The Tom Watson-designed Independence Course at Ginn Reunion Resort will host the GCSAA National Championship during the association’s annual golf tournament. Photo by John R. Johnson/golfphotos.com |
GCSAA’s 58th annual golf championships return to familiar ground Jan. 25-29 when Orlando hosts the association’s National Championship and Golf Classic for the fifth time since 1982. But the playing fields themselves will be a bit different — three of the five venues weren’t on the rotation when the event was last played at the popular vacation and convention site in 2005.
Presented in partnership with The Toro Co. for the 14th year in a row, GCSAA’s premier golf event again will feature a full field of nearly 500 golfers under a new format established three years ago.
The National Championship, a 54-hole stroke-play competition, will be held again at Ginn Reunion Resort, but on a new track: the Tom Watson-designed Independence Course, site of the LPGA’s Ginn Open last spring, is an anomaly as central Florida courses go, with dramatic elevation changes throughout its 7,154-yard layout. The venue also sports a course rating of 74.7 from the championship tees and a slope of 140.
GCSAA’s defending champion is Jason Regan of Selma (Ala.) Country Club, who outlasted perennial tournament contender Paul Jett, CGCS at Pinehurst (N.C.) No. 2, and Robert Harper of The Club at Emerald Hills in Hollywood, Fla., in last year’s event at the Pete Dye Challenge Course at Mission Hills Country Club in Palm Springs, Calif.
Kris Chambrot, a member of GCSAA for five years, oversees the maintenance at Ginn Reunion Resort, with one of his assistants, six-year GCSAA member Alan Fitzpatrick, heading the work on the Independence Course.
The 2008 GCSAA Golf Classic, which features the Four-Ball competition and two rounds of gross and net play in several flights, returns to two of its 2005 venues in Orlando: Orange County National’s Crooked Cat and Panther Lake courses. Carl Benedict, the Class A director of golf course maintenance and a 14-year member of GCSAA, says the two layouts have undergone some changes in the past three years, but nothing major. Both can play in the 7,400-yard range from the tips and have course ratings of 76.
New to the Golf Classic will be the North/South courses and the New Course at Grand Cypress Golf Club. Jack Nicklaus signature designs, the North/South layout comprises two of the club’s three nine-hole courses and the New Course features a Scottish look with double greens, pot bunkers and gorse-covered mounds.
Longtime GCSAA member (23 years) Tom Alex is the head of golf course maintenance at Grand Cypress; while Todd Walsworth, an 18-year GCSAA member, is superintendent at the New Course, and Reese Patterson is superintendent at the North/South layouts.
The Florida GCSA and Midwest Association of GCS will defend their Chapter Team titles in the gross and net divisions, respectively. Last year’s Four-Ball winners were Jason Green of San Jose (Calif.) CC and William Herbert of Montecito CC in Santa Barbara, Calif., Net I; and Ernie Miller of Recreation Centers of Sun City West (Ariz.) and Scott Axon, CGCS at Happy Hollow Club in Omaha, Neb., Net II.
Play begins Jan. 27, after two days of practice rounds and ancillary functions, with the first round of the National Championship and the Four-Ball competition. The Golf Classic runs Jan. 28-29. The 19th hole, site of post-round receptions, will be open following all three days of competition at the host hotel, the Caribe Royale Orlando.
Members to elect board, vote on dues increase
The GCSAA Annual Meeting and Election will be held 2:30-4:30 p.m.,
on Friday, Feb. 1, in the Grand Ballroom of the Rosen Centre.
Members wishing to vote individually and proxy holders will be required to check in at the GCSAA registration office on Monday, Jan. 28, from 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m., or on Tuesday or Wednesday, Jan. 29-30, from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Chapter delegates will not be required to check in prior to the annual meeting, but are encouraged to attend the Chapter Delegates Breakfast on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 6:30-7:30 a.m.
In addition to the election of officers and directors, voting members also will be considering a proposed dues increase.
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For President
David S. Downing II, CGCS
David S. Downing II, CGCS, was promoted to vice president of operations and construction for Signature Golf Group in Myrtle Beach, S.C., in September 2007. Previously, he served as superintendent at The Rivers Edge Golf Club in Shallote, N.C.; director of golf operations at Pearl Golf Links in Sunset Beach, N.C.; senior vice president of operations for Avestra; and director of golf course operations at both Barefoot Resort & Golf in North Myrtle Beach, S.C., and at Wild Wing Plantation in Conway, S.C. He was also superintendent at Las Vegas (Nev.) Country Club; the TPC of Connecticut in Cromwell, Conn.; Kennett Square (Pa.) Golf and Country Club; and Williamsport (Pa.) Country Club. He has a two-year turf certificate from Penn State University in University Park.
A GCSAA member for 28 years and a member of the board since 2002, Downing currently serves as GCSAA’s vice president, and is chairman of the Conference and Show Resource Group and vice chairman of the Chapter Relations Committee.
Downing is a member and past president of the Carolinas GCSA. He is also a member of the USGA Green Section Committee and has served on the golf course management advisory committee at Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
Statement
It has been a pleasure to serve the members of this association as a director, secretary/treasurer and vice president. I would like to thank the board of directors of the Carolinas GCSA for nominating me for the office of president. It is an honor and a thrill to be asked to run. I have the full support of my employer and family to take this next step, and I am ready to serve the members of GCSAA.
Over the past few years, I have talked a lot about change and being prepared for it. In that time, we as a board have examined the future of the profession and how we can best position the members of GCSAA to succeed. We have spent considerable time focusing on the success of the facility. It is so logical: If facilities do well, then our members will do well; we as an association will do well; our vendors and suppliers will do well; and allied associations in golf will do well. Quite simply, it takes successful teams to achieve the goals of each individual facility. We need to be the leaders of this philosophy. With our dedication and expertise across a range of disciplines, GCSAA members are well positioned to help drive that success.
This will require change. Two years ago, I wrote that we as superintendents need to be part of the solution to help grow the game of golf. This remains true. There is competition in the marketplace for the time it takes to play golf — from work, family, other sports and activities. Overcoming that competition is an immense challenge. But all challenges present opportunity, and we as an association can lead the way. I am excited about those opportunities and the chance to help shape directions for our members to succeed.
Finally, in Rick Warren’s book, “The Purpose Driven Life,” the first few words are, “It’s not about me.” I agree totally with that statement. We are here to serve each other and to try and do what is right for others. Serving this membership is a way for me to be a good steward. God has blessed our family by giving us the opportunities to live in different areas of this great country because of my career as a golf course superintendent. It is a great profession, and hopefully I can continue to serve each member of this profession and association. I would like to challenge every member to get involved and begin to serve.
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For Vice President
Mark D. Kuhns, CGCS
Mark D. Kuhns, CGCS, has been the director of grounds at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J., since 1999. Previously, he served as superintendent at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club; Laurel Valley Golf Club in Ligonier, Pa.; and Ligonier (Pa.) Country Club. He has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science from Penn State University in University Park.
A 27-year member of GCSAA and a member of the board since 2003, Kuhns currently serves as GCSAA’s secretary/treasurer and is vice chairman of the Chapter Relations Committee and the Conference and Show Resource Group.
Kuhns is a member of the GCSA of New Jersey and a past president of the Mountain & Valley GCSA. He is a board member of the O.J. Noer Turfgrass Research Foundation, a sustaining member of the New Jersey Turfgrass Association, secretary/treasurer of Pennsylvania Turfgrass Research Inc., past director and current partner for growth of the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council, and a member of the Tri-State Turfgrass Research Foundation and the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation.
Statement
What a wonderful honor and experience it has been to serve my friends and fellow members on the board of GCSAA for more than five years. The time has passed quickly, and the accomplishments have been numerous. I have had the privilege to serve with an extremely bright and dedicated group of individuals on the board. All of these gentlemen have had a major role in shaping the future of our profession and initiating many positive changes for GCSAA.
We have managed to keep our heads above water and flourish in many ways despite the troubled situations that exist in our world today. Wild fluctuations in the stock market, natural disasters, terrorism and a decline in rounds played are prime examples of the many external factors that influence the growth and vitality of GCSAA. Despite the negative influence of these and other factors, the board and staff have managed to control spending and maintain an adequate reserve fund while continuing to provide our members with the finest educational and professional programs.
We have made great strides these past five years. Transparency has been a key element in maintaining our open relationship with our chapters and members in general.
Moving our board meetings to various cities across the United States and holding our strategic planning sessions with various chapter, allied organization and industry leaders have proved valuable in our decision-making process for future programs and initiatives.
Our Golf Industry Show has grown into a true gathering of the leaders who most influence the success of the golf facility, and thus the game of golf. I am very pleased with the direction we have taken in building strong relationships with many associations directly involved in developing and advancing the game of golf. GCSAA has clearly played a key role in developing these relationships and charting a successful path to the future for all involved.
Our recent initiatives have included developing a strong relationship with The Golf Channel and utilizing our resources to fund a strong public relations campaign to highlight the value of facilities having a GCSAA member superintendent. We have also partnered with the LPGA to provide them with an experienced agronomist to assist and support superintendents in providing consistently excellent conditions for the Tour players. GCSAA member recognition is and always will be the key element in building a bright future for our members. We will be constantly looking at ways to better serve our members and cultivating better ways for superintendents to be recognized for the major role they play in the growth and vitality of the game.
Our staff in Lawrence, under the leadership of Steve Mona, has done an outstanding job of supporting the board and developing a strong association that is the envy of other associations across the country. Our governance model has proved to be the template for other associations to follow. Our member satisfaction is high, and this is in large part due to the way our staff understands the needs of our members and responds to these needs in a timely manner.
It has truly been an honor to serve all of you. I sincerely thank all of you for your input and support over the years. My wife, Janet, and children, Elizabeth, Stephen and Kristen, have been with me all the way on this long journey. Baltusrol continues to show strong support and is looking forward to my future GCSAA involvement. I also want to thank the many chapters that have supported my service over the years, especially my home chapter, the GCSA of New Jersey. I look forward to continued service to GCSAA.
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For Secretary/Treasurer
James R. Fitzroy, CGCS
James R. Fitzroy, CGCS, is the director at Wollaston Recreational Facility/Presidents Golf Course in North Quincy, Mass., and has been at that facility since 1975. Previously, he was superintendent at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, Mass., and Cazenovia (N.Y.) Country Club. He has an associate’s degree in turf management from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, and a bachelor’s degree in park administration from UMass.
A 41-year member of GCSAA, Fitzroy has served on the board of directors since 2005. He is currently chairman of the Government Relations and Tournament committees.
Fitzroy is a member and past president of the GCSA of New England and also holds membership in the Golf Course Managers Association of Cape Cod and the Rhode Island GCSA. He is a former member of the executive committee of the Massachusetts Golf Association and currently serves on that organization’s course rating team. He also serves on the plant science advisory committee for the Norfolk County Agricultural High School and UMass’ turf research building committee.
Statement
It is an honor to be nominated for the position of secretary/treasurer of GCSAA by my peers within the GCSA of New England, the Golf Course Managers Association of Cape Cod and the Rhode Island GCSA. I appreciate their support and confidence. GCSAA has been a vital part of my career. GCSAA has provided the vehicle of certification and has been a source of continuing education. It has been a privilege to serve GCSAA on the committee level, as a chapter delegate from the GCSA of New England and for the last three years as a director.
It is often said that growth occurs when you step out of your comfort zone. 2007 has certainly been a year in which we, as a board, have stretched our level of comfort to help GCSAA grow and thrive for our members. First, in order to keep the commitment and promise of the Professional Development Initiative, we voted a more than three-fold increase in our branding efforts. Our advertisements can be seen on The Golf Channel and in conjunction with LPGA events on ESPN. In addition, GCSAA will be featured on the Web sites of both the LPGA and The Golf Channel. Advertisements promoting the value of the Class A GCSAA superintendent have and will appear in numerous print venues that are geared toward employers and influential golfers.
The addition of an agronomist to serve the LPGA was the second major step out of our comfort zone. This position, whole-heartedly embraced by the LPGA, affords our association the opportunity to showcase the value of a GCSAA member to the success of any golf course. The agronomist will be coordinating activities at LPGA Tour sites as well as demonstrating the value of our association to the entire golf industry.
Another step taken this year to strengthen our association was a special board meeting in late June to review and refine our use of indicators as a management tool. I firmly believe the governance system is the most effective way for a volunteer board to guide and direct GCSAA programs and policies. However, we need to periodically review those indicators. The results of our meeting distilled these indicators to a manageable number. We were able to set goals that were achievable and appropriate, and allow us to focus staff efforts and resources on areas to help our association grow and thrive.
Serving the members of GCSAA as a director has certainly been a high point in my career. I am committed to continuing my efforts to improve our association and profession. This commitment comes with the understanding that I will have to make difficult decisions. I fully understand the obligation to represent our members with dignity and professionalism. It is my goal to help lead GCSAA to a point where we are recognized as the leading organization in golf.
I would like to thank the Norfolk County Commissioners; my wife, Maureen; and the players at the Presidents Golf Course for their continued support of my efforts to serve GCSAA.
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For Secretary/Treasurer
Robert M. Randquist, CGCS
Robert M. Randquist, CGCS, has been the director of golf course and grounds at Boca Rio Golf Club in Boca Raton, Fla., since 1998. Previously he was the superintendent at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla., and Quail Creek Golf and Country Club in Oklahoma City. He has a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from the University of Oklahoma in Norman.
A GCSAA member for 31 years, Randquist has served on the board since 2005. He is currently the chairman of the Certification and Strategic Communications committees and is also vice chairman of the Tournament Committee.
Randquist is a member of the Palm Beach GCSA and a past president of the Oklahoma GCSA. He is also a member of the Florida Turfgrass Association and the USGA Green Section Committee.
Statement
Thank you for allowing me to serve as a GCSAA director for the past three years. It has been a wonderful and satisfying experience to be involved in the process of making decisions that influence the contributions superintendents continue to make to the game of golf. Working together with the members, committees, staff and the board of directors of GCSAA has strengthened my conviction that members of our profession are mostly people who see their work in the golf industry as an honorable commitment and calling, and not just a position or a job. The camaraderie, benevolence and commitment to excellence that golf course superintendents and assistant superintendents regularly demonstrate are rarely seen in other professions. I feel very fortunate to be a part of an extremely caring and dedicated group of professionals.
I would like to thank the Florida GCSA and its board of directors for nominating me as a candidate for the office of secretary/treasurer of GCSAA. I deeply appreciate the valuable input and support the board, members and staff of the FGCSA have provided for me during my tenure as a GCSAA director. I am also grateful for the support of the members and board of the Palm Beach GCSA. They have consistently provided great feedback and opinions regarding issues that affect GCSAA and its members.
Past GCSAA boards, officers and members have laid a solid foundation for our current leadership to build on. Their efforts have led to significantly improved recognition of superintendents and the importance of our work in making the game of golf enjoyable, and the business of golf successful. Our members are better educated, more skilled, more appreciated and more highly compensated than they have ever been. Though much has been accomplished, it is still vitally important that we continue to improve in each of these areas. I am committed to the belief that GCSAA must continue to provide the high-quality educational, technical and support resources necessary to help superintendents and assistant superintendents improve their skills and abilities. GCSAA will only be successful when its individual members and chapters are successful. The implementation of the PDI program and its strengthening of Class A membership standards, continued emphasis on and refinement of our certification program, and our increased marketing and branding efforts on behalf of all of our members have made this an exciting, yet challenging time to serve as a GCSAA director or officer. We face other challenging issues regarding declines in membership numbers and participation, improving GCSAA/chapter relationships and the necessity of keeping our Golf Industry Show a valuable and relevant resource for our members. I am confident that together we can resolve these issues and continue to build on the solid foundation laid by our predecessors.
Thanks also to my wife, LaVada; my daughters, Jennifer and Laura; and my employer, Boca Rio Golf Club, for strongly endorsing and supporting my continued service to our professional organization.
Thank you for considering my qualifications for the office of GCSAA secretary/treasurer. I appreciate your support of my continuing effort to serve GCSAA and its members.
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For Director
Patrick R. Finlen, CGCS
Patrick R. Finlen, CGCS, has been director of golf maintenance operations at The Olympic Club in San Francisco since 2002. Previously, he served as director of golf course maintenance at Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Course in Seaside, Calif.; golf course and grounds manager at Quivira Lake & Country Club in Lake Quivira, Kan.; and superintendent at Cypress Point Country Club in Virginia Beach, Va. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Mo.
A GCSAA member for 23 years, Finlen has been a member of the board since 2006 and currently serves as chairman of the Environmental Programs and Membership committees and vice chairman of the Strategic Communications Committee.
Finlen is a member and past president of the California GCSA, GCSA of Northern California and Heart of America GCSA, and also belongs to the California Alliance for Golf, the USGA and the Northern California Golf Association.
Statement
Once again, it is an honor to be nominated as a candidate for director of GCSAA. I very much appreciate the trust and support the membership has given me these past two years. My passion for the game of golf, our association and for the golf course superintendent profession has only grown during my tenure as a member of the board of directors.
I have been a superintendent for 23 years and have worked at many different types of facilities, from daily fee to semi-private and now a private club. I have worked in three distinct regions of the United States: in the Midwest in Kansas City; on the East Coast in Virginia Beach, Va.; on the West Coast in the Monterey area and now in San Francisco.
While the resources at each facility have varied greatly, it has always been my goal to succeed by maximizing the results to their fullest extent with the given resources. That same goal and desire to succeed have driven me to participate in and to become a leader of the chapters to which I belong, as well as to serve on a number of GCSAA committees, resource groups and as a board member for the past two years.
Although many issues come before the board, there are those that have a distinct impact upon the long-term direction of the association and its members. It is these issues that I believe will dictate not only the success of the association, but also the advancement of the status of the golf course superintendent, regardless of facility type.
One issue that continues to be of the utmost importance to me is our relationship with our chapters and how we administer our programs to them. Providing relevant and timely education plays a major role in the success of the superintendent. As part of continuing the success of our chapters and the careers of superintendents, we have begun the concept of field staffing. This concept has been widely accepted, and the results have been positive. I support field staffing and firmly believe that it should evolve into regional offices/staffing in the future. This will allow us to gradually diminish and eventually eliminate the long-held dividing line between our members, chapters and headquarters.
We have worked hard to position today’s superintendent to be recognized as a leader at his or her facility. While superintendents have made many advances and their recognition has never been higher, golf is in a mode of change. We need to be cognizant of that change and ensure that tomorrow’s superintendent will have the proper tools readily available to advance within an ever-changing environment.
The success of superintendents has and should continue to be facilitated by GCSAA and its chapters. That can only be done through leadership at the board level with a clear and consistent message. I welcome the opportunity to play a part in creating and implementing that message. My decision to run again for the board of directors is one that has been predicated upon years of being a part of GCSAA and my local chapters. I want to continue that involvement, and I respectfully thank you for your consideration.
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For Director
John J. O’Keefe, CGCS
John J. O’Keefe, CGCS, has been the director of golf course management at Preakness Hills Country Club in Wayne, N.J., since 1986. Previously, he was superintendent at Westchester Hills Golf Club in White Plains, N.Y. He received an associate’s degree in turfgrass management from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.
A member of GCSAA for 28 years, O’Keefe is currently a member of the Membership Committee and has previously served as a member of the Career Development, Certification and Chapter Relations committees. O’Keefe is a member and past president of the Metropolitan GCSA and the GCSA of New Jersey, and also is a member of the Hudson Valley GCSA. He also is a member and past president of the Tri-State Turfgrass Research Foundation and a past member of the Metropolitan Golf Association Green Committee and the Massachusetts Turf Research Building Committee.
Statement
I am thrilled to be nominated for the 2008 GCSAA Board of Directors. With the encouragement from many of my fellow superintendents, both in my local area as well as across the country, I am committed and excited to pursue this new challenge in my career.
I am proud and thankful to receive the nomination of my peers in the GCSA of New Jersey, Metropolitan GCSA, Hudson Valley GCSA, Long Island GCSA and Finger Lakes GCSA. The boards of these organizations have shown great faith in me, and for this I am truly honored. In my 21st year of serving in various capacities in several chapters, I feel that I have much to offer GCSAA and our membership. I feel that my tenures as president of the MetGCSA, the GCSANJ and the Tri-State Turfgrass Research Foundation have given me the confidence and experience to succeed on a national level.
GCSAA has great programs to continue the high standards of our field. I am sure those of you who have taken advantage of the educational opportunities and other professional development services and resources will agree with me that our association is second to none when it comes to the valuable programs that it offers our membership. No matter how great our programs, seminars, conferences and literature are, they cannot serve the membership without the membership. As you may know, our ranks represent approximately 54 percent of the golf facilities in the country. I feel we have to continue to build our reputation not only to those outside our field, but to our own potential members as well. Superintendents shouldn’t debate whether or not they can afford to join our organization; they should be encouraged to realize that they can’t afford not to be part of our great network. As our membership builds, it should be easy to maintain the affordability of the cost of our services. As our numbers grow, we become more valuable to our affiliate sponsors, allowing us to provide more services to our membership.
Superintendents should encourage their assistants to become members. This enables them to take part in our amazing opportunities, therefore making them more valuable team members. Our assistants are our future leaders and we should support their professional growth through mentoring. I would not be in the position that I am in today if I had not had positive role models throughout my career. These mentors showed me the importance of professional ethics and conduct. As my mentors taught me, I hope that my efforts to instill these same principles of professionalism in others are effective.
Our association will be more successful with the further development of our chapter field staffing program. This is a great idea that goes a long way toward strengthening our chapters. We have started out with two field staff members, and I see no limits to the benefits of expanding this network.
With the faithful support of the Board of Governors, membership and staff of Preakness Hills Country Club; as well as my wife, Margaret; and daughters, Adrienne and Maureen, I am committed to serving the GCSAA membership. The most important part of our association is its members, and I will use my experience and hard work to be dedicated to serving our membership with pride and integrity.
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For Director
Sanford G. Queen, CGCS
Sanford G. Queen, CGCS, has been the manager of golf course operations for the city of Overland Park (Kan.) since 1984. Previously, he served as superintendent for the city of Overland Park.
A GCSAA member for 30 years, Queen has served on the board since 2006 and currently serves as chairman of the Assistant Superintendent and Education committees and vice chairman of the Membership Committee.
Queen is a member and past president of the Heart of America GCSA and a member of the Kansas Turfgrass Association and The First Tee of Greater Kansas City.
Statement
Thank you for the privilege of serving you these past two years as a director of GCSAA. Not only has it been an honor to serve you, it has been an extremely rewarding experience personally as well. I am proud of being a superintendent and part of a profession that is passionate about what we do, cares about others and is a group of men and women of the highest integrity who are committed to tirelessly serving the golfer and the game.
GCSAA plays an important role in serving its members and its chapters and positioning the superintendent as the key to the economic success of the facility. I have taken my position on your board very seriously and have worked hard at every opportunity to serve you well. I have had the opportunity to visit with, listen to and learn from many members. Those relationships with members and their trust in what GCSAA stands for is my motivation to represent you in the most professional and effective way possible. As a director, I have chaired Career Development, Education and Assistant Superintendent committees and have served with many talented and gifted superintendents who are dedicated to serving GCSAA and sincerely representing the membership.
If I am fortunate enough to have your support for another term as director, I have several goals I would like to champion and work toward implementing. The first would be to increase the recognition of the superintendent by investing dollars in strategic television and print campaigns. I would like to develop cooperative programs with chapters to better leverage our dollars and increase our return on investment. I strongly believe chapters must play a significant role in the success of this endeavor. Secondly, as a professional organization and as individual superintendents, we must play a major role in growing the game. I believe in our diversity initiatives and am personally committed to the promotion of juniors, seniors, women and minorities in golf. We must introduce new players to the game by offering creative ideas in course setup, practice and learning areas and by partnering with our golf professionals. This is a great opportunity for us to clearly position superintendents as key components in the economic vitality of our facilities. Thirdly, I am passionate about membership growth, retention and market penetration because of what GCSAA has given me and has meant to the game of golf.
I will commit to you to serve with your best interests in mind at all times and to spend our dues wisely and in such a way that will deepen your trust of leadership. I will work diligently to represent you in a way that will continue to bring honor and recognition to our profession.
My 33 years in public golf have prepared me well for this time and place to serve you, the members of GCSAA. I ask for your support for the privilege of serving you for two more years as a director on the board of GCSAA.
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