Outcomes and outlooks

Several weeks ago, GCSAA hosted the annual Chapter Delegates Meeting at headquarters in Lawrence, Kan. Below is a review of key items that were covered throughout these meetings. Questions, comments, or concerns can be directed towards me or your chapter delegate.

Otherwise, it is a busy time for chapters in the Mid-Atlantic region as annual meetings and fall educational conferences are in full swing. Take a look below the delegates recap to see events and opportunities coming up around the region. Hope to see you soon!

Delegates Meetings Review

• Political Action Committee - GCSAA is investigating the possibility of resurrecting a GCSAA Political Action Committee (PAC) to further its advocacy efforts. GCSAA stressed that if a PAC were started the money distributed would be to aid champions of policies that advance GCSAA’s priorities from the GCSAA Priority Issue Agenda, not a particular person or party.  Staff will provide additional educational materials to each chapter before year end to help gauge the level of interest. 
• Rounds 4 Research Auction - The delegates celebrated the success of the top 4 chapter fundraisers in the 2016 R4R Auction. Chapters are encouraged to find a champion – a delegate, the president, chapter executive – someone who will spearhead the initiative in their chapter. 2017 Auction will be April 1-9. Chapters just need to recruit the rounds to donate – GCSAA administers the rest of the program. Call or email Mischia Wright, Associate Director, EIFG at 800-472-7878 or mwright@gcsaa.org.
• Member Engagement Through Committees and Task Groups - Delegates learned more about GCSAA’s committee and task group process.  We are asking you to spread the word that GCSAA is looking for volunteers. The Call for Volunteers for 2017 will open on November 1. More information will be available on the GCSAA website or call our office at 800-472-7878.
• Membership Growth – GCSAA has a renewed focus on membership growth and value.  We need your help at the local level as we are working to achieve a set goal of 20,000 members by 2020. Delegates were presented with several different membership growth initiatives, including ideas to partner with affiliated chapters. Delegates heard about, and asked questions concerning, potential bylaws definition changes surrounding the ISM and EM classifications aimed at being more inclusive and introducing others to golf employment opportunities.
• Department of Labor Overtime Rule - December 1, 2016 is the deadline when the new Department of Labor overtime pay rule goes into effect. The final rule will raise the exempt salary threshold indicating eligibility from $455/week to $913 ($47,476 per year). All golf facilities should come into compliance with this significant jump in the salary threshold in the next 6 months. GCSAA has provided a webinar and other important resources to help you get ready for the change.
• BMP Planning Guide and Template - Delegates heard about GCSAA’s 50 by 2020 BMP initiative. This aims to have all 50 states with a golf centric BMP program in place by 2020. GCSAA unveiled portions of its new BMP Planning Guide and online template which can be utilized by the chapters creating the state level BMPs programs. We will need your help at the local level as key constituents within your state and chapter will play a vital role in this initiative.

Upcoming Events

• West Virginia GCSA Fall Conference: Oct. 31 - Nov. 2, Lakeview Golf Resort and Spa
• First Green Event: Nov. 2, Westminster National Golf Course, MD
• Eastern Shore AGCS Fall Conference: Nov. 1-3, Princess Royale Resort Hotel, Ocean City, MD
• Tidewater Turfgrass Association Meeting: Nov. 3, James River Country Club
• Philadelphia AGCS Annual Meeting: Nov. 7, Fieldstone Golf Club
• Mid-Atlantic AGCS Annual Championship: Nov. 7, Cattail Creek Country Club
• VGCSA Assistants Forum: Nov. 9, Independence Golf Club
• Greater Washington GCSA Meeting: Nov. 15, Evergreen Golf Club
• Penn State Turf Conference: Nov. 15-17, State College, PA
• VGCSA Conference/Annual Meeting: Dec. 5-6, Colonial Williamsburg
• Mid-Atlantic GCSA Annual Meeting: Dec. 7, Baltimore Country Club