2024 Chapter Delegates Meeting highlights
Member volunteers gather for Chapter Delegates Meeting to conduct critical association business
Eighty-eight delegates, including 31 first-time delegates, from 90 GCSAA-affiliated chapters gathered on Oct. 28-29 at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., for the 32nd annual GCSAA Chapter Delegate meeting. The interactive two-day meeting was themed around how the GCSAA board and staff can continue their “pursuit of excellence” in achieving the association’s mission of serving its members, advancing their profession, and improving communities through the enjoyment, growth, and vitality of the game of golf.
A key part of the discussions centered around how to best provide staff with the resources to more effectively deliver the ever-increasing number of programs and services designed to support members in their essential role to golf’s success. In addition, all 2025 Board candidates shared their vision for board service. The slate of candidates will be voted on Feb. 6 at the 2025 Annual Meeting in San Diego. See the full slate.
Through presentations, breakouts, a Town Hall hosted by the GCSAA Board and Q&A sessions, the delegates, board, and staff shared ideas to address key member challenges around workforce development, government regulations, career enhancement, and elevating the profession.
The staff, led by CEO Rhett Evans and GCSAA board led by Vice President T.A. Barker, CGCS, shared the concept of career pathways, which focus on attracting, training and retaining a qualified workforce for golf course maintenance operations. Career pathways offer an entry point for those new to the profession and a progression of training, education, certificates and certifications (including a new greenkeeper certificate) to encourage new people to join the industry and grow. With finding and keeping qualified labor continuing to be a challenge for many members, delegates were briefed on GCSAA’s workforce development initiatives that are introducing young people to the industry and creating career paths for them. GCSAA is also working closely with FFA and Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) to introduce golf course careers.
A key part of the meeting was a deep discussion around a potential member dues increase. GCSAA has continued to boost programs and member value but has reached a point where it is difficult to keep raising the bar without additional support. It was shared that while GCSAA has dramatically increased its offerings and value in the last 18 years, the resources necessary to provide those offerings have not kept pace. After the presentations, the delegates had the opportunity to ask questions and provide input in small group discussions and in a town hall format.
The delegates also received an update on GCSAA’s advocacy efforts on key issues impacting the industry, including proposed chlorothalonil label changes and the Endangered Species Act’s (ESA) impact on pesticide use. They also learned more about how GCSAA is addressing issues at the state level and heard about the work being accomplished by the Grassroots Ambassador program, which just celebrated its 10th anniversary.
GCSAA President Jeff L. White, CGCS, keynoted the first night sharing key accomplishments of the board along with thoughts on his board tenure and the need for those in attendance to continue leading out for the benefit of the industry.
The event began on a somber note as it was announced that Michael Upchurch, the North Texas GCSA delegate, passed away from a medical emergency while traveling to the meeting. The delegates held a moment of silence in his honor and shared stories about his work as a GCSAA member.
As next steps, delegates will be taking the information learned at the meeting and sharing it with the members of their chapter, gaining feedback, and continuing to collaborate with GCSAA staff to answer questions and share insights. This process will help guide delegates as they prepare to vote on behalf of their chapter at the Annual Meeting in San Diego on Feb. 6, 2025.