Spring is trying to come. Mid-Atlantic is a little cold. Above the Mason-Dixon line has been struggling with winter-like weather and temperatures. Eastern Pennsylvania into New Jersey and New York have experienced some winter damage. Several chapters in the Mid-Atlantic region that I cover, as well as New Jersey, have sent letters to their membership about the winter damage, especially to the greens. Clubs and courses are sending messages to their members about the winter damage. The damage is occurring to Poa annua greens. A lot of the damage is due to crown hydration, when the grass starts to grow and then a freeze occurs. To help improve conditions, it is not uncommon to see greens recovered with tarps to promote growth and warmth. My course, Northampton Country Club, has battled winter damage. Damage can be seen in low-lying areas and greens where water collects. To help recovery, five greens were re-tarped. 

Last week, I attended my second Chapter Leader/Chapter Executive Symposium in Lawrence, Kan. The event is held each spring to help provide chapters with leadership training, development and chapter support. The event is a great networking opportunity. If any chapter has not partaken, I highly recommend putting it on your calendar for next year. The event occurs in March of each year and runs for a day and a half. Attendees have the opportunity to connect and learn about what is happening at GCSAA and hear from team leaders. Each year, a keynote speaker provides education on an area of leadership that can be taken back to the chapters. This year's symposium hosted Mark Norman, president of Differentiate Group. The presentation was called Understanding Leadership in Changing Times. I appreciated that Mark helped with communication skills. The presentation was excellent and allowed for large and small group learning. 


Chapter Leader/Executive Symposium is a great place to learn about Chapter Resources. Many of the services that GCSAA provides for chapters come at no cost. A great program is strategic planning/board orientation program. GCSAA staff can facilitate a board orientation or strategic planning session at no cost to the chapter with topics including governance, financials, teamwork and anything specific to your chapter.

GCSAA is also here to help with advocacy on all levels. Any questions you may have or help you may need, GCSAA will connect with you. Throughout the year, GCSAA has grants to help you. Please be on the lookout for many great opportunities that come up.

Lastly, the field staff is here for you. Any questions or concerns, we are here for you. Field staff can connect you to the right people or departments. If you ever have an idea or thought, please let us know. I had a member reach out to me about a book he wrote and if he could put it in the GCSAA bookstore. So many great opportunities. 

Of particular relevance right now, field staff are here to help get your facility BMPs up and running. We are regularly running workshops and working with the environment department to help you