EARTH SHAPING NEWS Published Quarterly by the Golf Course Builders Association of America
The Founders: Jim Kirchdorfer, Bob Vincent, Dick Jewet, Harry Lambeth, Dave Canavan, Jim Shipe, Bob Chakalus, Harold Bishop, Parker Shelling
Inside Issue the
5
President’s Perspective
6
Executive Director Notes
13 Human Resources 14 Allied Updates 20 Movers & Shapers 29 New Members 29 GCBAA Meetings Calendar
SPRING EDITION
GCBAA Staff and Meetings Committee Member, Jon Truttmann, Hunter Industries, interviewing Past President Perry Dye and O’Brien McGarey to capture GCBAA History
GCBAA PLANS ANNUAL SUMMER MEETING AND 50TH
Anniversary Celebration
L
ast summer, the GCBAA Board of Directors postponed the 2020 Summer Meeting scheduled at The Inn, Biltmore Estate located outside Asheville, North Carolina. Carefully monitoring the reopening of many counties and states and lessening restrictions related to gatherings, the board is now confident a safe and enjoyable event can occur. Pent-up demand has challenged the Meetings Committee to modify the format of the upcoming meeting; however, we are all optimistic this forthcoming gathering will be one for the history of GCBAA. In addition to gathering for the first time for many of our members, this event will host the organization's 50th Anniversary celebration. The last celebration of the Association's Anniversary was held on the 40th year in Buckhead, Georgia, in conjunction with the PGA Championship. Guests of honor were founding GCBAA member Jim Kirchdorfer, Sr. Jim shared the history of how the organization began with a group of nine individuals meeting in Washington D.C. at the National Press Club. They discussed their belief that supporting the future growth of golf course construction would be an honorable profession and formed the Golf Course Builders of America. Notable accomplishments leading up to the 40th year of the organization include the establishment of the organization bylaws and mission statement, allied representation with the support of Don Rossi, the hiring of the first full-time association Executive Director Phil Arnold, the creation of the Certification Program, Sticks for Kids Program, Newsletter,
and Annual Summer Meeting. Many agree one of the most critical times for the organization began in the late 1980s when the organization was at a crossroads of priorities. Every organization reaches a point where it must adjust to the market and industry. Under the leadership of President Perry Dye, several priorities shifted, and moving into the 1990s just before a significant boom in the industry, the association was in a position to succeed. Thanks to Perry Dye and countless board members and volunteers, the organization moved into the next 30 years with a diversified membership offering that can be celebrated this year and into the next 50 years! Please plan to join fellow members and friends at the August 3-5, 2021 Summer Meeting. Registration packets have been mailed to all members, and information is updated on the gcbaa.org website. You will see the opportunities for builders to join in a round table discussion shaping the organization's future, followed by an opening celebration! On Wednesday, the education offering balances industry updates with current trends to help you and your business with plenty of time for networking and comradery. With many things to celebrate, Wednesday evening's "Buy from Within" reception & Awards and Auction Dinner will be an unforgettable event. Thursday guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the Biltmore Estate with endless activities for family and friends. Finally, an optional closing reception will close out the event. We hope to see you in the Blue Ridge Mountains!