Page 6 - GBC Fall 2018 Eng

The First Tee
Message From The Publisher • Jeff Calderwood
Given his high pro le and long tenure as an MP, the Speaker had plenty of interesting insights into the complex world of governing a democratic country, some of the political realities that must be addressed, and various procedural issues that affect legislative decision- making. Our board thoroughly enjoyed the unique experience and gained insights that put our government relations strategies into better perspective.
It’s a rare event for an industry like ours to get that kind of high-level attention from Parliament. However, my meeting with the Speaker on National Golf Day had established the relationship and the credibility of our Canadian golf industry. He is now a supporter of ours and understands that we are a vital contributor to Canadian society in many ways.
Our cover story in this issue of Golf Business Canada pro les that rst National Golf Day, and the success it was. As a rst time event in Canada, you will enjoy reading about the objectives, our key messages, the relationship to the same event in the USA, and some related opinions. I was Chair for the development and execution of this National Golf Day and I am pleased to report that we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from MPs, the media, and golf industry stakeholders.
My meetings during the event included Leader of the Opposition, Andrew Scheer’s Senior Policy Advisor; Leader of the Green Party, Elizabeth May; Minister of Small Business & Tourism, Bardish Chagger, among others. In all cases, our golf industry messaging was very much appreciated and we can expect ongoing support from each Parliamentarian that I met with.
Our other NGCOA Canada delegates reported similar success. President Steve Spratt, Vice-President Lesley McMahon, and Quebec Chapter President Daniel Pilon, were each in separate groups of golf delegates that included Golf
Canada, PGA of Canada, Canadian Golf Superintendents Association, and the Canadian Society of Club Managers. You’ll see commentary from each in this issue of Golf Business Canada.
Other business articles in this issue include better leveraging of non-alcoholic beverage strategies, growing your custom tting business, protecting against theft and vandalism, rounds played reporting and economic trends that in uence your golf business success. Plus, some strong editorial from the turf department in the attached edition of GreenMaster.
Enjoy this issue, all the best for the balance of your golf season, and don’t forget to register for the Golf Business Canada Conference & Trade Show, November 15-17, at the Hyatt Regency Calgary. You never know who might drop in!
Jeff Calderwood, CEO NGCOA Canada jcalderwood@ngcoa.ca
As I write this article, I have just returned from our NGCOA Canada summer board meetings in Halifax. Among all of our regular business, we had a special guest drop in to address the board and join us for lunch, the Honourable Geoff Regan, Speaker of the House of Commons and MP for Halifax West.
NATIONAL GOLF DAY A SUCCESS
Jeff with the Honourable Geoff Regan, Speaker of the House of Commons and MP for Halifax West on National Golf Day.
6 Golf Business Canada
Photo: © Photograph Neil Valois, Impact Public Affairs