by
Katrin Wolfe
| Jan 17, 2022
January 13, 2022 marked the second day of the Virginia legislative session. January 13 also marked the day Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association (VGCSA) visited Richmond, Va., to spread the good work of golf superintendents and introduce themselves to their local delegates and senators. I was fortunate to join the VGCSA at their annual lobby day.
VGCSA has annually visited the state's capital to lobby for the golf course management industry. However, due to the COVID pandemic, the public access to the Virginia legislature had not been provided for the past two years. Constitutes could only access their public leaders via virtual options. Being able to put a face to an organization helps create bridges for future regulations or help.
The VGCSA was excited to enter the Virginia State Capitol to advocate for their industry. The board and their executives came attired in the traditional blue blazers and a small green gift bag which has been their staple to all lobby days. The gift bags contained a green golf ball, association business information, and a Burt's Bees chapstick to demonstrate golf courses commitment to pollinators.
The day started at
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP where we were Robert Bohannon, the lobbyist for the VGCSA, joined the board for an introduction. He walked everyone through the new legislation session and provided information on each delegate and senator for all individuals in attendance. The group split off to meet with the goal of saying hello to all of the legislators. Each member of the legislation was provided a gift bag. Many of the board members were fortunate enough to speak with their local representatives and take a picture.
Following a morning in the Virginia General Assembly. The VGSCA visited the Virginia State Capitol to see either the Senate or House start their sessions for the day. The VGSCA was introduced on both floors.
The day was rounded up with a working lunch VGCSA Board Meeting. Robert Bohannon provided a debriefing. Good news is thus far there are no major legislation filed affecting the golf course management field. The VGCSA discussed the 2022 season and some of their events planned for 2022. The VGCSA is excited to host a hospitality event at the convention center in San Diego with the Mid-Atlantic chapter. The 2022 session looks exciting with a lot of new ideas. Excited to see the future.