It’s mid-October, and after an extended stretch of warm weather in late September and early October, it’s starting to finally feel like fall across the Great Lakes region. Each of the four seasons bring its own beauty and personality to the golf course each year, but fall was always my favorite. Whether it’s the cool mornings, changing leaves, wrapping up projects, and mostly favorable growing conditions, fall is a great time to be on the golf course. It’s also a great time to step away from the course for a day and support your local chapter.

In the GL region, fall also begins the start of a busy – and fun – event and meeting season. Most chapters in the Great Lakes region host their annual meeting beginning in the fall (they run through March, depending on your local chapter).

These annual meetings are a great way to step back from the course and connect with fellow peers across the profession. Whether sharing the latest best practices or telling stories about the family, one of the premier perks of the job is spending time with others in our great industry.

Attending the annual meeting not only allows you valuable time with friends and colleagues, but you are also supporting your local chapter and its board of directors by doing so. Successful chapters aren’t successful by chance, they are successful because of a dedicated board. These individuals take time away from their families and facilities to serve their fellow GCSAA and local chapter members. They put in many hours planning for the months and years to come, adding member benefits and ensuring the chapter provides as much value as possible to its members. The annual meeting is a great opportunity to say thank you to those who serve, as well as connect with board members coming into their service.

After another demanding season on the golf course, I hope you will take a moment to step away from the course and support your local chapter. Whether it’s at the annual meeting, a family event, or taking in a few hours of education, I’m sure you’ll come back to the course being glad you did. I look forward to seeing you at an event this fall and as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything.