by
Katrin Wolfe
| Jan 13, 2023
The Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association (VGCSA) started the 2023 by visiting the state's capital. Each year on the second day of the Virginia legislation session, the VGCSA visits Richmond. On January 13, 2023 the tradition continued. The VGCSA sport their blue sports coats and come to the Legislative Building with a small green bag with a golf ball, lip balm, and a business card for the VGCSA website and BMP website. The yearly tradition is recognized through the halls of the Senate and the House. Through out the morning aids and assistants could be hearing in excited tons the superintendents are visiting. Even the Delegates and Senators were excited to see the Superintendents visit.
VGCSA has a great lobbyist Robert Bohannan from Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP. Bohannan and his team were able to set up over 20 meetings with Delegates and Senators. Through out the morning 16 members of the VGCSA and the Board of Directors visited with Delegates and Senators to talk about golf course management, BMPs, and current issues facing superintendents. I was able to join of team of Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents on their scheduled meetings to talk about VGCSA, BMPs, and GCSAA. I assisted Tim Doran of Elizabeth Manor Golf & CC, Jordan Spitler of Princess Anne CC, and Damien Beasley of Boonsbore CC. We meet with several Delegates and Senators through the morning include Senator John Cosgrove Jr, Delegate David Bulova, Delegate Wendell Walk, Delegate and Majority Whip Michael Webert, Delegate Robert Bloxom, and Delegate Rodney Willett. The other VGCSA were busy as well meeting with their state leaders.
Following the morning, the VGCSA visited the Capital Building. The VGCSA was honored by being introduced on both the House and Senate floor. Delegate Iren Shin from Fairfax, VA provided the introduction in the House. Del. Shin also provide VGCSA President Mike Mueller a special shoutout who lives in her district. On the Senate Floor, Senator Jennifer Boysko provided an introduction.