Florida

Recently, three Grassroots Ambassadors from southern Florida met with a congressional staff member from the Boca Raton office of Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL). Parker Ferren, Ryan Swilley and Joe Hubbard, CGCS, teamed up to discuss issues vital to the golf industry with Felicia Goldstein, district chief of staff. The trio highlighted the proactive measures taken by superintendents, including using weather stations and moisture meters to better dial-in irrigation systems and conserve water. Labor struggles were also discussed, and the ambassadors stressed the need for reform of the H-2B Visa Program. Goldstein was impressed by the professionalism and expertise demonstrated by all three and expressed interest in a site visit to one of their courses. She encouraged them to continue reaching out to the office as issues important to golf are brought up in Congress. As an avid golfer and follower of the LPGA, Frankel understands the importance of the golf industry to the local economy and may be an ally on critical issues in the future. The ambassadors left feeling very satisfied and eager for future engagements with Frankel.

Delaware

Grassroots Ambassador Jamie Palokas, superintendent at Baywood Greens in Millsboro, Del., recently met with two staff members from the office of Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE). Discussion revolved around the need for reform in the H-2B Visa Program, the GCSAA 50 by 2020 BMP initiative and burdensome federal regulations like WOTUS and NPDES permitting. Palokas said that the staff was "very impressed with our industry being proactive in protecting our environment." The staff members also said that "GCSAA has a very positive image in Washington for being proactive and organized," which is in no small part due to the work of Grassroots Ambassadors throughout the country. Palokas closed the meeting by inviting Coons and his staff to participate in National Golf Day and to also visit Baywood Greens. The staff was intrigued by both opportunities and appreciated Palokas' outreach.

Maryland

On the state level, ambassadors in Maryland recently provided testimony before the Maryland legislature on two bills proposing to ban the use of chlorpyrifos in the state. Those in attendance included Eric David, Tim Kennelly, CGCS, and Mark Allman. Superintendents worked with agriculture and green industry partners to formalize messaging that demonstrated a united front and provided a voice for the benefits of products containing chlorpyrifos. More than 15 Mid-Atlantic superintendents provided oral or written testimony. Both are essential ways of communicating with legislators, providing context and educating them on subjects with which they may not be familiar. As of March 1, the proposed legislation is likely dead as Senate leadership doesn't appear to have the votes required for passage. Hats off to David, Kennelly, Allman and all others superintendents in Maryland who engaged on this contentious issue.