Tuesday, November 24, 2015

A time to give thanks



As the holidays are fast upon us, it is a good opportunity to reflect on the numerous positive occurrences from the past year. 

I know a number of superintendents that have taken on the task of course renovations this past summer. Mother Nature did her best to foil several of these endeavors, but for the most part, the indomitable spirit of our professionals around the state prevailed. Congratulations to all of you who have successfully completed projects of varying degrees. May your golfers appreciate all that you have done to provide them with the best experience of playing golf.

From a chapter perspective, the FGCSA continues to represent their individual members in the most professional manner and has worked diligently to provide the services and programs to help them find success. The FGCSA represented the golf industry well at another effective state golf day this past February and helped deliver the positive message of how the game of golf contributes to the economy, physical health and well-being, and to the environment of Florida. Beyond the state golf day, the FGCSA works attentively throughout the year on behalf of their members. Thank you FGCSA for all that you do for the members in Florida.

Also, as far as local chapters are concerned, the Gulf Coast Chapter, in conjunction with the Alabama Chapter and the Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter, held an excellent event in October in Biloxi, Mississippi, as the Deep South Turf Expo hosted over 700 attendees. These attendees were treated to top-notch education in addition to a well-supported trade show. This inaugural offering exceeded expectations and should serve as a launch to even more successful events in the future. I am sure a heartfelt thank you is well-deserved to the Deep South Expo Board of Directors, Trisha Roberts, Melanie Bonds, and Linda Wells, among many others, who pulled together an excellent event.

From your national association, GCSAA continues to advocate on behalf of our members to ensure that your career goals are achievable and that you continue to have the resources necessary to meet the demands of your job. There are limitless hours spent on behalf of members by volunteers and by GCSAA staff. The board of directors and the individuals who serve as representatives on various task forces and committees as well as delegates deserve recognition for their efforts. Also, we continue to build a strong advocacy base through our GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador program. These boots on the ground help forge relationships with policymakers that can directly impact our profession. Thank you to all that go above and beyond fulfilling the demands of your facility by also representing the industry with enthusiasm and dedication in your service.

Finally, I want to sincerely thank from the Florida region, the Everglades GCSA, the Treasure Coast GCSA and the Central Florida GCSA for their support of the EIFG through their financial contributions to our philanthropic arm over the course of this past year. Your contributions will be put to good use to benefit the industry.  Thank you!

As always, I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the numerous outstanding individuals in Lawrence, Kansas, as well as my field staff counterparts throughout their respective regions of the country. But truly, I want to thank the members of GCSAA for your continued support and the good fortune to serve alongside you as we work to constantly advance the profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf.