by
Shane Conroy
| Dec 21, 2022
Focusing last week on the Assistant Superintendent Certificate Series (ASCS), this week I thought a natural progression would be to highlight the Equipment Manager Certificate Program (EMCP).
However, before I do, I want to take a step back and highlight the Equipment Manager (EM) membership classification.
22. Equipment Manager (EM) classification
GCSAA members officially voted to expand the membership in 2015 at the annual meeting to introduce an equipment manager classification for membership. GCSAA president at the time, John J. O’Keefe, CGCS, said, “we recognize that equipment managers are an integral part of our membership and a vital part of the successful golf course management team. We hope all facilities will encourage their equipment managers to become a valuable part of the association.”
Fast forward almost eight years later, this membership classification continues to grow and GCSAA has only continued to expand the equipment manager benefits. I’ll focus on a few more specifics in subsequent blog posts, and for now, will highlight the below benefits which only offer a taste of what EM membership has to offer.
5-MINUTE FIX VIDEOS
This collection of 5-Minute Fix Videos offers quick and simple solutions to equipment-related issues. Current videos available cover everything from backlapping, to hydraulic hose repair, cleaning carburetors and many topics in between. EM members can submit a great idea for a 5-Minute Fix Video to add to the video library.
INSIDE THE SHOP VIDEOS
The "Inside the Shop" area at the 2019 Golf Industry Show was an instant success, and host Hector Velazquez presents a monthly Inside the Shop video series with troubleshooting, how-tos and demonstrations concerning many areas of golf course equipment management.
EMCP (which I'll highlight next week).
Finally, the Melrose Equipment Management Experience (which I highlighted in a previous post) supports the professional development needs of GCSAA golf course equipment manager members by providing select individuals the opportunity to attend the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.
The Melrose Equipment Management Experience was established in 2019 by the late Ken Melrose, retired CEO and chairman of the board of The Toro Co., and is supported by a $1-million gift to the GCSAA Foundation from The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation. This program will have a positive impact for each equipment manager selected and ultimately, the game of golf.
Class members will receive the following:
- GCSAA Conference and Trade Show registration
- Education seminars and leadership sessions
- Airfare
- Five-night hotel accommodations
- $200 spending money
EM members are an integral part of any golf course. GCSAA recognizes that fact with the EM membership classification and gives EM a vital voice in the industry. I look forward to only seeing this classification continue to grow and expand benefits.
As always, if you have missed any of the previous posts, you can check them out below: