Page 6 - GM Spring 2023

uVIEWPOINTuPIERRE VEZEAU, AGS
It’s been an honour
It is hard to believe this will be my last
CGSA presidential message and it is surprising how fast a year goes by. Having said that, what a wonderful way to finish my responsibilities as president with our first in-person conference since 2020 being held in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia.
I hope that many of you have already made plans to attend the Canadian Golf Course Management Conference, taking place February 22-24. I look forward to seeing you there. I know the staff and conference committee have been working hard to make this event one to remember. From the comprehensive education program to the social networking events, it’s one you won’t want to miss.
2022 proved to be yet another interesting year. It was to begin with an in-person conference, however, the second wave of COVID had other plans and we successfully transitioned to a virtual conference for the second year in a row. I give credit to CGSA staff and conference committee, as they were able to make this switch quite late in the game.
In the fall, we were able to reinstate our National Fall Field Day to one location. It was important to get back to the regular event as members appreciate the break after a long season, the time to network with colleagues and a chance to experience some great courses.
One highlight for this year was the new partnership between the CGSA and BCGSA. This agreement will see the CGSA provide administration services for the BCGSA as well as the additiontoCGSA’sstaffcomplement with the hiring of a BCGSA Manager and CGSA Communications Manager. Congratulations and welcome to Miranda Robinson, the successful applicant for this position! We look forward to working with you.
Another highlight, for me personally, was informing this year’s John B. Steel award winner, Brian Youell, MS, AGS. I knew who Brian wasfromindustryevents,butbythe end of our conversation, I would not hesitate to pick up the phone and reach out to him anytime, which truly speaks volumes of his character. Not only is Brian one of the most devoted and respected colleagues in the turf industry, he has overcome many challenges over the years all while continuing to give back to the industry and his community. Congratulations Brian, well deserved!
Pierre Vezeau, AGS
CGSA PRESIDENT PRÉSIDENT DE L’ACSG
Board of Directors | 2022-2023
Pierre Vezeau, AGS, President Cooke Municipal Golf Course, SK pvezeau@citypa.com
John C. Scott, AGS, Past President Summerlea Golf & Country Club, QC john.scott@summerlea.com
Dustin Zdan, AGS, Vice President Blackhawk Golf Club, AB dustin@playblackhawk.com
John McLinden, Secretary Treasurer and Ontario Director Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto, ON john.mclinden@ladiesgolfclub.com
Cameron Kusiek, Alberta Director Carnmoney Golf Club, AB cameronk@carnmoney.com
Matthew Blackburn, Atlantic Director Chester Golf Club, NS matt-blackburn@hotmail.com
Ken Bruneski, AGS, British Columbia Director
Braydon Gilbert, AGS, Manitoba Director St. Charles Country Club, MB braydon.gilbert@stcharlescountryclub.ca
Luc Ladoceur, Quebec Director Le Club Laval-sur-le-Lac, QC terrain@clsll.ca
Tyler McComas, Saskatchewan Director Dakota Dunes Golf Links, SK superintendent@dakotadunes.ca
6 • CGSA • GreenMaster