Last week I mentioned CTS and how early registration is open to lock in lower prices. This week, I’ll piggyback on CTS and — if you’re eligible — encourage you to apply for the Melrose Leadership Academy. I chose the Melrose Leadership Academy this week as the application window is currently open — a trend you may see repeated.

5. Melrose Leadership Experience

If you’re unfamiliar with the Melrose Leadership Academy, let’s go into detail:

The history:

The Melrose Leadership Academy was established in 2012 by the late Ken Melrose, retired CEO and chairman of the board of The Toro Co., and is supported by a gift to the GCSAA Foundation from The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation. This program will positively impact each superintendent selected, and ultimately, the game of golf.

The benefits:

Grant recipients will receive the following:

• All Access Registration for the 2023 Conference & Trade Show
• Hotel accommodations
• Networking with GCSAA and The Toro Co. leadership, as well as
  education sessions in business, communication and advocacy
• Round-trip airfare or mileage reimbursement 

Graduates of the Melrose Leadership Academy will:

• Advance their career by participating in tailored educational sessions at the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show
• Engage with highly regarded industry experts
• Network with GCSAA leadership, industry leaders, and certified peers at various receptions and events
• Benefit from personal and professional development educational sessions designed to elevate careers
• Gain a broad understanding of issues facing the golf industry and learn to advocate for their profession
• Earn education points
• Provide enhanced value to their facility

Eligibility requirements:

• Must be a current GCSAA Class A or Class B member and GCSAA Chapter member in good standing
• Must be a Class A or Class B member for five or more years
• Class A or Class B members working for current members of the GCSAA Board of Directors or Foundation Board of Trustees, and children of GCSAA staff members shall not be eligible for the Melrose Leadership Academy
• Past recipients are not eligible
• Attendees of the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in 2022, 2020, 2019, and 2018 are not eligible to apply. Attendees of the 2021 virtual event are eligible

If you haven’t attended CTS in more than five years and your membership is in good standing, apply today! I can’t think of a reason not to get after it. Applications are due by September 15. See you in Orlando!

If you missed any of the previous posts, catch up on them below:

1. GCSAA Association Health Program
2. GCSAA Foundation
3. Awards Anyone?
4. Conference and Tradeshow