PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
W
ith the golf season coming to a close, I hope that everyone is taking time to enjoy the nice fall weather before winter grips Ontario. The summer months were busy for the board. Representatives from OGSA and NAGA Ontario met with Conservative MPP, Ted Arnott (Critic, Environment and Climate Change) to discuss both the proposed increase to minimum wage, the public meeting requirement and the surrounding red tape in Regulation 63/09 of the Pesticides Act. Mr. Arnott has a very good understanding of By Cory Janzen our industry and had some great suggestions for us moving forward. OGSA President Significant change will be difficult and likely require a Conservative majority in next year’s election however the OGSA will continue to work with the Provincial Government on issues important to our members. We are also aware of the proposed changes to the pesticide licensing system. The MOECC has not provided us with much information about the changes but we have expressed our interest in being consulted on any potential changes in writing. In the spirit of two-way communication (the theme of this month’s ONCourse issue), I want to encourage members to register for the 2018 Conference. This conference is your chance to share your experiences with the OGSA Board, industry leaders and fellow members, and stay current in the field. Conference Chair, Jason Boyce and Executive Director, Sally Ross are putting the finishing touches on the event, which is once again, in Niagara Falls. The education program is excellent and there is outstanding value as the registration includes several meals and networking events. We have made some minor tweaks to an already great experience and we are confident it will be the best show yet – please join us! As usual, we are looking for volunteers to write articles for ONCourse and serve on our Board and Committees. I know that we are all busy, but getting involved in the association is very rewarding and educational. Please contact Sally or any of the Board members if you are interested – you will be glad you did. Reflecting back on this year as President, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of the Board members, Sally, and her staff. I am always impressed by the professionalism and hard work that everyone demonstrates, and this really has made it a rewarding year! Lastly, thank you to all OGSA members – we are grateful that you see value in what we do. See you at the Conference! ■
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60
th
Anniversary
Editor Sally Ross manager@ogsa.ca Publisher Terry Davey terry@blenheim.ca Advertising & Administrative Manager Diane Davey diane@blenheim.ca Tel: 289-337-4305 Production & Design Patrick Kilborn patrick@blenheim.ca
ONCourse is published four times a year (November / March / June / August) by Blenheim INK for:
Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Sally Ross, Executive Manager Guelph Turfgrass Institute 328 Victoria Road South Guelph, ON N1L 0H2 Tel: 519-767-3341 Toll Free: 877-824-6472 Fax: 519-766-1704 Email: manager@ogsa.ca www.ogsa.ca
Published by Blenheim INK Administration Office: 503-5340 Lakeshore Road Burlington, ON L7L 7A8 www.blenheim.ca NOVEMBER 2017 | ONCourse 3