by
Shane Conroy
| Feb 18, 2021
As temperatures dropped and snow accumulation rose, and although we continue to wait for the release of George R. R. Martin's sixth novel in A Song of Ice and Fire, The Winds of Winter, it certainly felt like it was made available in the Great Lakes region this week.
Even with winter looking to extend its stay, spring will be here before we know it and play on the golf course will resume. As golf course superintendents make any final adjustments to their agronomic plans and focus on bringing in new team members, please take advantage of GCSAA resources to assist you as you prepare for 2021.
Labor and recruiting can be a challenge. Whether you’re looking for an equipment manager, an assistant or seasonal help, please utilize GCSAA’s recruiting brochure and Office is Waiting video to connect with potential team members.
Regulatory and environmental compliance may not be the most exciting area of the superintendent’s position, however it is key to running a successful facility. GCSAA has put together a compliance center to assist you as you navigate the various OSHA, EPA and federal laws, as well as outlines key issues and connects you one-on-one with staff while offering free compliance counseling, information and resources.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be readily available to employees who work with plant protectant products. The SDS may be kept in a binder or on a computer as long as the employees have immediate access to the information without leaving their work area when needed. If you need information or access to SDS, please access GCSAA’s Tools page. Information on your site-specific compliance and SDS can be implemented into your facility best management practices (BMP) guide. Now that each of the 50 states has as its own BMP document, superintendents can download their state specific BMP and tailor it to meet the needs of their facility. Please contact me for info on how to get started on your facility BMP.
Conversions and measurements are second nature to golf course superintendents. As superintendents navigate projects and determine costs and quantities, GCSAA’s Calculators for Superintendents page is an excellent resource for superintendents can be a great training tool for new staff members.
Finally, new this year is the GCSAA Now mobile app. The app gives members GCSAA news and information in the palm of your hands, allows you to download documents, interact with fellow members and update your membership info to name a few. The GCSAA Now app can be downloaded here.
As you continue through the winds of winter, and make your final preparations for the 2021 season, it’s perfectly reasonable to look forward to the seventh novel and have a dream of spring.