112 delegates representing 93 chapters meet in virtual 2020 platform

For the first time since the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s chapter delegates began meeting annually in 1993, members in 2020 met via virtual platform October 20-21. The continuing COVID-19 global pandemic forced GCSAA’s leaders to make the decision to hold a virtual meeting in July.

The annual event brings delegates together from GCSAA’s 98 chapters to discuss initiatives, provide insight on moving the association forward, and to begin discussions on electing board members and officers at the February 2021 annual meeting.

Highlights of the meeting included a presentation from Ed Several, Executive Vice President of Events and Conferences for EnsembleIQ.  Ed and his company are producing a highly interactive virtual platform and trade show for the 2021 Golf Industry Show February 2-4, 2021. 

Members were impressed with the interactive features and use of the platform.  For more information, visit the Golf Industry Show website.

Members also heard from President John R. Fulling, CGCS and CEO Rhett Evans.  Both discussed GCSAA’s influence in the world of golf, facing difficult times during a global pandemic. GCSAA continues to showcase the organization and its members as the global leaders in golf course management.

During the year, GCSAA has been at the forefront on issues keeping golf and maintenance open.  GCSAA worked with all national golf organizations on the Back2Golf initiatives, providing guidance on keeping facilities open and making golf an enjoyable recreational activity.

A member dues discussion also took place. GCSAA follows a dues increase process created in 2006 from input and approval from chapter delegates. The process is tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and equates to smaller and more frequent increases in dues rather than infrequent, but larger increases. This year’s proposal is the following:

• 3.3% increase in CPI since 2019
• $15 increase for A and B ($415) and $10 increase for C ($215)
• Approval rate for dues increases has ranged from 87% - 96%

The delegates offered their thoughts on the dues increase to the board during small group breakouts. The GCSAA Board of Directors will consider delegate feedback as they discuss the proposal. Delegates are encouraged to communicate the proposed dues increase with their membership and provide chapter feedback to GCSAA.

Wednesday’s Town Hall Session allowed delegates the chance to ask questions of the GCSAA Board.  The interactive session focused on processes with the annual meeting and allowed further discussion on items discussed during the two-day event.

Candidate breakout sessions concluded activities.  The delegates were awarded ample time to interact and ask questions of the candidates. Those running for the GCSAA Board in 2021 are:

• For President – Mark F. Jordan, CGCS
• For Vice President – Kevin P. Breen, CGCS
• For Secretary/Treasurer – Kevin P. Sunderman, CGCS; Jeff L. White, CGCS
• For Director (electing three) – T.A. Barker, CGCS; Paul L. Carter, CGCS; Jon M. Christenson; Christopher A. Reverie; Marc E. Weston, CGCS

There are three open positions for director. The terms of Barker, Carter and White are expiring. All three director positions will be for two-year terms. If White is not voted in as Secretary/Treasurer, his name may be submitted as a candidate from the floor. Sunderman is in the middle of his two-year term as director. If he is unsuccessful in his bid for Secretary/Treasurer he will remain on the board as a director. If Sunderman is elected Secretary/Treasurer a one-year director position will be voted on by the delegates to fill his remaining term.