CGCS at La Rinconada Country Club in Los Gatos, Calif., and fifth-year GCSAA director Kevin Breen recently descended upon the Great Lakes region to visit with chapters and members. As annual meeting season has begun in the Great Lakes region, Kevin and I attended and presented at both the Quad-State Turfgrass Association and Southern Illinois GCSA annual meetings. This was a great opportunity to connect with superintendents and vendors in a personal setting and have open discussions with chapter leaders and members.

For the first stop of the board outreach visit, Kevin Breen, CGCS, and I were welcomed at the Country Club of Paducah in Paducah, Ky., for the Quad-State Turfgrass Association Annual Meeting. This is one of the smaller chapters in the country in terms of the number of members, however they are an engaged group and it was great to be able to have a lively discussion with the QSTA members. The intimate setting allowed Kevin and I to discuss and interact with each member who attended the meeting. Our presentation focused on a variety of GCSAA programs and initiatives, including the new logo, membership classifications, best management practices, government affairs and assistant superintendent (Class C) certificates and EM certificates, to name a few.



I can’t say enough about the energy and engagement from the QSTA members. The presentation quickly turned into a conversation with the members and both Kevin and I received constructive comments from the group. The welcoming and hospitality from 16-year Class A GCSAA member and head golf course superintendent at the Country Club of Paducah, Shannon Watson, and fellow QSTA members was second to none; we greatly appreciated the feedback from the group and our time in Paducah, Ky.   

Our Great Lakes outreach then took us north to Arlington Green Golf Course east of St. Louis, Mo., where Kevin Breen, CGCS. and I spoke at the Southern Illinois GCSA Annual Meeting. Our discussions were similar to the previous day, as we held conversations with SIGCSA members. Focusing on the new logo, Friend of the Golf Course Superintendent and Facility classifications, the First Green, assistant superintendent (Class C) certificates and EM certificates. and work with the FFA, we concentrated on programs which are geared to help with some of the shared concerns in the area. Questions were raised about reaching potential new employees and promoting the facility classification, which generated a spirited dialogue with the group. This was a great opportunity to again speak directly with members in the region.

 

The SIGCSA – as did the QSTA – welcomed us with open arms and I am greatly appreciative for their engagement and involvement at both the local and national levels. Another huge thank you goes out to all the chapter members who came out to support the meeting and to 15-year GCSAA member Kyle Smith for hosting. Additional thank you to Kevin Breen, CGCS, for spending time with me and the members of the Great Lakes region. Throughout the many conversations during the week, there was plenty to take back to the GCSAA board room.