(The following message is shared on behalf of GCSASC Vice President Jason Fuertes, who will transition to the position of association President at this year’s Annual Meeting at Dove Canyon Golf Club on Monday, November 6.)
The 2023 GCSAA Chapter Delegate Meeting was held October 24th and 25th in Kansas City at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kansas. It gives a chance for representatives from each chapter to meet all of the GCSAA board members, staff, other chapter delegates, and the individuals running for the 2024 GCSAA Board of Directors. It provides great insight into the association in such a short amount of time. I was in awe of all the information and discussion; nonetheless, I greatly enjoyed it and am happy to understand what the GCSAA is doing for us as members.
On the first day, CEO Rhett Evans spoke about GCSAA’s “Relentless Focus” on serving its members and meeting the challenges they face. A financial update was also covered, as the GCSAA has a solid financial standing. Rhett Evans also spoke of membership growth (GCSAA has now surpassed 20,000 members), GCSAA show in Phoenix, labor and workforce development, Rounds 4 Research, the Endangered Species Act, and OSHA Heat Stress Standard.
Rounds 4 Research was spoken of highly and has substantially grown in the past couple of years. A few exciting notes about Rounds 4 Research 2023:
- $424,659 given to chapters
- 2,032 Registered Bidders, up 211 from 2022
- 1,547 Rounds donated; up 92 from 2022
- 1,471 Rounds Purchased; up 75 from 2022
- Average round sold $381
- Rounds 4 Research benefits our chapters/research, allowing us to generate resources to fund research and help ensure golf’s future.
On day two, delegates met at Headquarters in Lawrence. One key topic that was really stressed for members was Best Management Practices (BMPs). BMPs for your facility will likely be mandatory in the near future, as the GCSAA is working with the EPA in sustaining a great relationship. The BMPs show your facility’s professional commitment and knowledge. Please be on the lookout for future events where a GCSAA representative will guide you into completing your BMPs for your facility.
Other programs spoken of were the First Green program and Workforce Developments. These programs are introducing students to the game of golf.
The meeting wrapped up with the chance for delegates to hear from and interact with candidates for the 2024 GCSAA Board of Directors. Candidate breakout sessions concluded activities. The delegates were provided ample time to interact and ask questions of the candidates. Those running for the GCSAA Board in 2024 are:
- For president – Jeff L. White, CGCS
- For vice president – T.A. Barker, CGCS
- For secretary/treasurer – Paul L. Carter, CGCS, and Douglas D. Dykstra, CGCS
- For director – Gregory Jones, CGCS, MG; Ryan Kraushofer, CGCS; Christopher Reverie; and Marc E. Weston, CGCS
The Annual Meeting and Election will take place 8-10 a.m. on Feb.1 in Phoenix as part of the 2024 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.
As we wrap up another exciting year, I hope all of you enjoy some time off as things slow down a bit. If you have any questions about the information presented at the delegates meeting, please feel free to reach out to me.
All the best,
Jason Fuertes