Page 46 - GBC ENGLISH spring 2024

Iwould like to wish everyone a successful 2024! I would also like to share what we have accomplished as your board over the past year.
The association is about to launch a benevolent fund to help industry staff facing serious health issues that can have a significant impact on someone’s livelihood. This fund will help lessen the financial drain on families. The first fundraising event took place in BC, with close to $20,000 raised. More details on this program will be shared in 2024.
At the end of 2023, we partnered with the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf. Through the partnership, NGCOA Canada and CGSA members will have the opportunity to show their leadership as environmental stewards through this world- renowned program. See the feature article on page 12 for more information.
On the HR front, our Labour Solutions committee partnered with HR Covered to provide NGCOA Canada members with 1000s of human resource documents for free. Our Careers in Golf video will soon be available to courses for their recruitment purposes and later this year, we are launching a job recruitment website to connect golf courses with job seekers.
Welcome to Golf, an introductory program for adult beginners was also launched in 2023. This is not a teaching
2023: Year in Review
46 Golf Business Canada
program, but rather an initiation to golf to help non-golfers get comfortable navigating your facility. Registration is now open for the 2024 season.
As you may have read in my last message, the Quebec government modified over 100 articles from their existing Expropriation Act. Prior to the final amendments, I had the opportunity to address the government committee to provide our feedback. A few of our recommendations were adopted that will help golf courses should an expropriation situation happen. We will keep working on the issue in Quebec and monitor the situation nationally.
I have always been proud of our association but discovered this past year that the NGCOA Canada is one of the most renowned associations worldwide. For a ‘voluntary’ association with close to 1500 members (represents a penetration rate of just over 70%) and a consistent retention rate of 98%, we are the envy of many other associations.
Here are a few more highlights from the past year: •The association returned over
$1 million to members using the Golfmax program, that’s in addition to the millions of dollars in off-invoice savings.
• Our sold-out national conference in my hometown of Montreal. It was such an amazing experience and honour to Chair this event. I still have shivers when I reflect on that first day up on stage opening the conference.
Being part of such an active board of directors is incredibly rewarding. The success of these programs is a result of the staff’s hard work, but most importantly because of your participation. I thank you all for your support.
Have a great winter and I hope to see you soon for a few laughs and maybe a glass of wine.
Sincerely,
Daniel Pilon, Owner
Club de Golf St-Zotique, QC
The Parting Shot
Message From The NGCOA Canada President • Daniel Pilon