GCSAA Chapter Delegate Meeting
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GCSAA held a virtual Chapter Delegates meeting via Zoom on October 20-21, 2020. There were 112 delegates representing 93 of GCSAA’s 98 affiliated chapters in attendance. The meeting covered topics ranging from, State of GCSAA, State BMP implementation, advocacy efforts and virtual Golf Industry Show. In addition, delegates had the chance to discuss issues and provide input in small virtual group sessions and during a “town hall” session.
State of the GCSAA
CEO J. Rhett Evans gave a report on the state of the GCSAA and the strength of GCSAA members. He discussed how the GCSAA influences the world of golf, facing difficult times during a global pandemic. He stated that the GCSAA continues to showcase the organization and its members as the global leaders in golf course management
● GCSAA Membership numbers remain strong
- ○ 2019 - 18,125
- ○ 2020 - 18,602
- ● Raised over $50,000 for Disaster Relief Funding. This money helped members in natural disasters and COVID-19 challenges.
- ● Collaboration with the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and growth of the First Green program will help bring more students into the industry.
State Best Management Practices (BMPs) Implementation
During the meeting, delegates received an update from Mark Johnson, Associate Director, Environmental Programs on the GCSAA’s goal to have all 50 states with a BMP by 2020. Here are the current numbers:
- ● 40 states currently have a BMP
- ● 10 states are nearing completion
Facility Adoption is beginning to gain momentum in the states that have a current BMP. There are currently 9 GCSAA and 4 self-initiated workshops available for anyone that is interested in doing their own Facility BMP.
Proposed Membership Dues
The GCSAA Board makes a recommendation to the membership on changes to A,B or C membership dues every two years based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI has increased by 3.3% over the past two years and this translates to a proposed $15 dues increase for Class A/B and a $10 increase for Class C. Currently there is no plan to increase the dues of the EM membership category. The new proposed dues would be $415 for Class A/B and $215 for Class C.
Golf Industry Show
Delegates got a chance to get a sneak peak into the virtual 2021 Golf Industry Show. The GIS is slated for February 2-4,2021. Many of the delegates were pleasantly surprised with what the show will be able to offer. Attendees will have the ability to network with colleagues, check out products on the trade show “floor” and will have access to over 80 hours of education during the three-day conference. There are basic and all-access packages built for every budget and the entire facility.
Government Affairs
Chapter delegates learned about the myriad of legislative, regulatory and political issues facing the industry. Delegates heard case studies that demonstrate why “strength in numbers” has a positive impact as GCSAA strives to make sure golf’s voice is heard at all levels of government.
There are currently 98 open spots in the GCSAA GrassRoots Ambassador program. They are still striving to fill all of the 535 members of congress. We are currently looking for someone in NY District 25 (Rochester - Morelle), once this is filled the GCSA of NY will have all Ambassador positions filled. If interested please contact Kevin Doyle (kdoyle@gcsaa.org) .
I thoroughly enjoyed being the 1st Chapter Delegate for the GCSA of NY. This provided a great opportunity to network with other local chapter delegates from around the country. If anyone has more questions about the delegate meeting please contact me via email:
aeick@mohawkgolfclub.com
Respectively submitted,
Andy Eick
Director of Facilities and Agronomy Mohawk Golf Club
