Page 42 - GBC spring 2018 eng

The Parting Shot
As I write this message, it is the eve of a New Year! I am sitting by the re (it’s -37 C outside) re ecting on the past year and I’m excited for all that 2018 will bring!
Where do I start! Maybe a look back at 2017 will help explain my enthusiasm. The 2017 Golf Business Canada Conference & Trade Show was rated as one of the all-time best with record attendance! As we celebrated our 25th anniversary during our gala dinner, we were lucky to have all the past Presidents in attendance (see photo above) with the exception of Larry Ungerman, whom we sadly miss.
The theme of the association’s 25th anniversary resonated through- out the three day event that was held in Ottawa in celebration of Canada’s 150th. Thank you to all the sponsors and suppliers. Their nancial contributions whether through the support of a particular event, by donating prizing or by exhibiting at the trade show, is critical to the success of the conference.
Who would have thought that one of the breakout sessions would be, “Marijuana in the workplace”? It was so popular that we dedicated our feature in this issue on what we, as small business owners, need to know in order to prepare for the upcoming change in the legalization of marijuana. That’s what I love about this conference, it helps to
Full Steam Ahead
42 Golf Business Canada
keep me current on all issues that can affect my business. I could probably dedicate this entire article to the conference but there are so many other things to cover.
Your NGCOA Canada Board of Directors has been very busy! The board is made up of 17 golf industry volunteers who meet several times per year. Our meetings are lled with updates on current issues and strategy building to help enhance your lives as owners and operators and give direction to the NGCOA Canada staff to support the value of your membership.
Earlier in 2017, your board agreed to a strategic partnership between the NGCOA Canada and the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA). One of the outcomes of this partnership is this magazine that you are reading that combines Golf Business Canada and GreenMaster.
The partnership also opened up the NGCOA Canada’s Golfmax Purchasing Program to CGSA members. I think these strategic partnerships are crucial to the sustainability of our industry and I was thrilled to be part of this decision.
The NGCOA Canada is also directly engaged in supporting ClubLink’s right to develop Glen Abbey, given that the Oakville Town Council has arbitrarily imposed a Heritage Designation in an effort to prevent any development and that this case may be precedent setting on other golf course owners’ rights to repurpose their own properties.
In December, I took part in the annual NGCOA Canada Staff Attack where, each year the staff gathers to take stock of where they are at and what needs to get done in the next six months, in order to achieve the strategic plan created by the Board.
They use this time to get educated and discuss all the current issues that are affecting the golf industry in an effort to better serve the membership. I was impressed to see how engaged and hard working the staff is.
In closing, I hope everybody will enjoy reading this new magazine format. Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Steve Spratt
Co-owner, Falcon Ridge Golf Club, ON President, NGCOA Canada steve@falconridgegolf.ca
Message From The President – Steve Spratt