Over the last few years, the GCSAA Board of Directors has made a conscious effort to engage in more outreach in the field by attending chapter events across the country. Recently, Mark Jordan, CGCS at Westfield Group Country Club and a 5th-year Director of GCSAA, visited the Pittsburgh area to interact and speak with folks attending the annual GPGCSA 2-day education event.

The conference was filled with speakers covering topics such as plant biology, drone technology, precision turf management, BMPs, nutrition management, and more. Mark delivered a great talk about golf maintenance safety, covering everything from basic safety training to more detailed safety concerns that everyone may not think to address within their own safety program.

On day two of the conference, Mark presented a GCSAA update that included information about GCSAA’s BMP initiative, government affairs work, upcoming opportunities at GIS, and GCSAA’s Political Action Committee (PAC). Likewise, I had the opportunity to speak to the group about BMPs within the state and across the country, illustrating some case studies that help lend motivation to BMP implementation.

The GPGCSA is a great host for this 2-day seminar, and this year was no different. The education and networking opportunities were solid, and I believe attendees left feeling like they had received value in the event. Thanks to Mark for visiting the Mid-Atlantic region and GPGCSA.