2022 Summer Meeting IN COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO
Looking back to Summer 2021, we were fortunate to have been able to host our Annual Summer Meeting which had been postponed due to the pandemic. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina was an ideal venue and was reviewed as one of the association's best events. In planning the 2022 meeting in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, the CDA Resort did not disappoint!
Beginning on Monday afternoon, August 29, the GCBAA Board arrived and held their Summer Board Meeting and Board Dinner. With Lake Coeur d'Alene as a backdrop, why not take the group and special guests for a dinner cruise? The sunset sail provided amazing photo opportunities and allowed the group to network, share some laughs, and also share their support for a special guest, Danielle Scardino. Danielle and the rest of the West Coast Turf family had a tragic loss of GCBAA Board of Governor John Marman earlier this summer. John was an amazing friend to many within the Association and we continue to support our extended Marman & West Coast Turf family.
GCBAA Board Members, Past Presidents, and Auctioneer Dennis Wagner & spouse Sherri, and GCSAA Conference and Trade Show Manager
Melissa Householder also joined the group.
Tuesday was the arrival day for most of the guests for the week. GCBAA Board Members finished Association business and enjoy a quick round of golf. GCBAA Staff with the help of two special people prepared for the expected 150 registrations and evening reception, dinner, and auction. Dennis and Nancy Seelhoff assisted GCBAA by driving the meeting supplies from the headquarters office in Nebraska to Idaho. They joined us for the week assisting wherever and whenever needed.
Enjoying the epic views from the resort Lakeview Terrace, guests enjoyed a welcome reception before dinner. In an adjusted format, the first night was the traditional Buy From Within Reception and Awards Dinner and Auction. Past President Judd Duininck provided the invocation and current President John McDonald, II welcomed the guests. After dinner, GCBAA Foundation President Ellen Davis presented the latest activities of the Foundation, specifically Sticks for Kids. In summary, the Foundation is extremely pleased with the work over the past 25 years.
Sticks for Kids began as less than a dozen programs around the country supported by
HOSTS
President’s Perspective Executive Director Notes Foundation Update Developers Guide Human Resources Allied Updates GCBAA New Member Highlight Movers & Shapers GCBAA Meetings Calendar 7 8 9 14 15 16 24 26 34 EARTH SHAPING NEWS Published Quarterly by the Golf Course Builders Association of America FALL EDITION Inside Issue the
GCBAA
continue on pg. 2
GCBAA Board of Directors and special guests on the Board Dinner Cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene.
GCBAA members. Throughout its history, GCBAA has grown to have supported nearly 850 sites and instructors who have benefited from receiving quality equipment for youth training. Over 5000 sets of clubs have been distributed and with the latest inventory, the office has been working on making sure every First Tee
in locations that could benefit from Sticks for Kids. A map was displayed showing the locations, and Auctioneer Dennis Wagner and Ellen asked the audience if they would sponsor a location for $1000. Sixty-six programs were adopted! The office has been working with the members and programs and shipping clubs to those adopted programs. There are close to 100 programs that could receive equipment. If you or your company are interested, please contact the GCBAA Staff to adopt a remaining program.
The Fundraising Committee selected a few generous contributions for the guests to outbid one another for. With the successes of past fundraising, the goal for the evening was to secure a minimum of 50 Sticks for Kids adoption sites as well as raise funds for; Dormie Stay and Play Golf Trip sponsored by Rain Bird, GCSAA GCM Marketing Package, Sunbelt Rental & 12-month whiskey subscription, and GCBAA Summer Sunset painting. Not to depart tradition, Dennis generously donated two Wags Grill and Rub.
the golf course, overlooking the Floating Green #14 has almost 360-degree views of the resort. The open floor plan provided the ideal venue for breakfast and trade show along with morning education. Featured speakers were Dave Kaplow, Eco-Management; Paul Glover, Paul Glover Coaching; Russell Sypowicz & Brandon Myers, Lundmark Advertising; Scott Rivera & Timmothy Merath, EPIC Creative; and allied updates from Jeff Brauer, ASGCA; Rhett Evans & Melissa Householder, GCSAA; Kat Welch & Christine Kane, Audubon International.
After lunch, the field of golfers had the chance to warm up and shotgun to start the annual Sticks for Kids Golf Outing held at the resort course. An awards reception and optional closing dinner concluded the Summer Meeting.
Chapter, PGA Jr. League Coach, and LPGA/USGA Girls Golf Instructors have Sticks for Kids to use to encourage youth participation. The auction became an opportunity for GCBAA Members to have a direct impact by supporting this latest initiative. The Foundation is learning that the growth of junior golf is at an all-time high in part from the support of the allied programs listed above. Sticks for Kids compliments this growth by making sure all youth have the opportunity to try the game. Fortunately, many programs offer similar support, and we are seeing a shift from the need for the actual equipment, to other potential needs to keep the momentum and help ensure these youth who try the game, remain.
While the Foundation and GCBAA Board of Directors look at the next mission for the Foundation, we currently maintain an inventory of golf clubs that could support an additional 150 sites. The office has a list of allied programs
The Coeur d'Alene Resort has added to the property a function space that caught the attention of the Meetings Committee during the site visit. The Hagadone Event Center located on
Congratulations to the Caterpillar Earthmover Award Winners posting the highest score; Casey Hames, Kat Welch, & Blake Thomas. Runnerup winners were; Kevin Breen, Jon O'Donnell, Merett & Lonnie Alexander. Winners of the day were Rhett Evans, Lindsay Gahm, Tom & Lisa Works.
As an optional early morning Thursday activity, 3 boats full of brave fishermen and women tried their luck on Lake Coeur d'Alene.
2 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
EARTH
JUSTIN APEL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR justin_apel@gcbaa.org
MYCHELLE THOMPSON PROGRAM & PLANNING MANAGER mychelle_thompson@gcbaa.org
LUNDMARK ADVERTISING & DESIGN DESIGN & LAYOUT www.lundmarkadv.com
Information in this publication may be reproduced for non-profit education purposes. Please include source credit if reproducing. Contact the Executive Director if material is used for any other purpose to obtain written permission. News releases via email or fax are welcomed and encouraged.
Archived issues available at www.gcbaa.org.
3 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
58th St., Suite D
NE 68516
6040 S.
Lincoln,
TEL (402) 476-4444 FAX (402) 476-4489 information@gcbaa.org www.gcbaa.org
SHAPING NEWS ©GOLF COURSE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
SUNBELT RENTALS
CAPILLARY BUNKERS
ECOBUNKER LTD
WESTLAKE PIPE & FITTINGS WATERTRONICS HOTEL ENGINE
TRAVELERS HAVEN
DURA PLASTIC PRODUCTS
H&E EQUIPMENT
SILT SAVER
MAVRIK SALES
HARCO FITTINGS
GOLF HOLE SPONSORS
SPORTZMIX SOLUTIONS –WAUPACA SAND & SOLUTIONS EAGLE GOLF & LANDSCAPE PRODUCTS PEAT INC.
HUNTER INDUSTRIES – $10,000 HOLE IN ONE SPONSOR ON THE FLOATING GREEN WESTLAKE PIPE & FITTINGS CATERPILLAR, INC. B2W SOFTWARE SOX EROSION H&E EQUIPMENT MAVRIK SALES
STICKS FOR KIDS GOLF OUTING SPONSORS
GOLF TROPHIES –EAGLE GOLF & LANDSCAPE PRODUCTS
GOLF TROPHIES –DIRT MOVER – CATERPILLAR, INC.
BEVERAGE CART SPONSOR –ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
GOLF SHIRTS –CAPILLARY BUNKERS
4 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
SUMMER MEETING SPONSORS
Sponsors
Outing
Bags Hotel Room Drop Lanyards & Name Badges
Sponsors
Break
2022
Eagle
Fishing
Registration
Education
Breakfast
Lunch TRADE SHOW BOOTHS
GOLF HOLE PRIZES
CLOSEST-TO-PIN – UNDER 15 HCP, HOLE 14, GREENSCAPES SIX DONATED A BUSHNELL GOLF WINGMAN BLUETOOTH SPEAKER –WINNER: KEVIN O’DONNELL, BERGMAN AMERICAS
CLOSEST-TO-PIN – 15+ HCP, HOLE 14, ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS DONATED ADS SHIRT –
WINNER: KLAUS AHLERS, ASI GOLF INC.
LONG PUTT – UNDER 15 HCP, HOLE 18, LUNDMARK ADVERTISING DONATED GOLF BALLS –WINNER: BLAKE THOMAS, REGENCY WIRE
LONG DRIVE – 15+ HCP, HOLE 9, REGENCY WIRE DONATED A SOLO RANGER GRILL –WINNER: LONNIE LEXANDER, NG TURF, INC.
LONG DRIVE – UNDER 15 HCP, HOLE 9, EPIC CREATIVE DONATED 18 OZ. YETI RAMBLER –WINNER: DARRYL BARTLETT, NMP GOLF CONSTRUCTION
DOOSAN BOBCAT NORTH AMERICA DONATED GOLF BALLS/BAGS TO BE INCLUDED WITH THE ABOVE PRIZES.
FEATHER FLAG SPONSORS
ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
ATLAS TURF AUSA BERGMAN AMERICAS
BEST SAND BETTER BILLY BUNKER BROWN SAND INC.
CAPILLARY BUNKERS CATERPILLAR CLARKE CONSTRUCTION
CMF GLOBAL DLF USA, INC.
DRIVE ON CART PATH
EWING IRRIGATION & LANDSCAPE SUPPLY
FRONTIER GOLF
GCBAA
GCBAA FOUNDATION
GOLF CREATIONS
HARCO FITTINGS
HOTEL ENGINE HUNTER INDUSTRIES HYDREMA US INC. ISCO INDUSTRIES JONES PLAN LANDSCAPES UNLIMITED LLC LEEMCO
LINKS BRIDGES
MCDONALD & SONS, INC. MID-AMERICA GOLF & LANDSCAPE, INC. NIBCO, INC.
NMP GOLF CONSTRUCTION OHIO CAT
PAIGE ELECTRIC PEAT, INC.
PROFILE PRODUCTS LLC
RAIN BIRD CORP – GOLF DIVISION REGENCY WIRE RYANGOLF CORPORATION
SOD SOLUTIONS
SOUTHEASTERN GOLF SOX EROSION SPORTZMIX SOLUTIONS SUNBELT RENTALS TEE-2-GREEN TEE-OFF-STAFFING THE TORO COMPANY TRAVELERS HAVEN TURF & SOIL DIAGNOSTICS UNITED GOLF WADSWORTH GOLF CONSTRUCTION WADSWORTH CHARITIES
WATERTRONICS
WESCO TURF WEST COAST TURF WESTLAKE PIPE & FITTINGS
YELLOW TRANSPORTATION
5 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition Thank you for your generosity and continued support!
SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS
AT SOME OF THE WORLD’S FINEST COURSES
Ashgabat Golf Club, Turkmenistan
Baltusrol Golf Club, NJ
Bethpage State Park (Black), NY
Blackjack National, TX
Boston Golf Club, MA
Calusa Pines, FL
Camargo Club, OH
Castle Pines Golf Club, CO
Caves Valley, MD
Chamber Bay, WA
Dallas National Golf Club, TX
Erin Hills Golf Course, WI
Gozzer Ranch Golf and Lake Club, ID
Hong Kong Golf Club, China
Interlachen, MN
Los Angeles Country Club, CA
Merion Golf Course, PA
Mickelson National Golf Club, Alberta
Milwaukee Country Club, WI
Mirabel Golf Club, AZ
Mission Hills Golf Club, CA
Myopia Hunt Club, MA
National G Links of America, NY
Oak Tree National, OK
Ocean Course, SC
Olympic Club, CA
Pasatiempo, CA
Pine Valley Golf Club, NJ
Pinehurst Resort, NC
Prairie Dunes Country Club, KS
Quaker Ridge Golf Course, NY
Riviera CC, CA
Rock Creek Cattle Company, MT
Shadow Creek, NV
Sleepy Hollow Golf Club, NY
Somerset Hills GC, NJ
Southern Hills CC, OK
The Estancia Club, AZ
The Golf Course at Black Rock, ID
The Quarry at La Quinta, CA
The Roaring Fork Club, CO
Torrey Pines, CA
TPC Sawgrass (Players Stadium), FL
Whistling Straits, WI
6 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition © 2022 Watertronics. All rights reserved.
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
John McDonald II GCBAA PRESIDENT
BOARD MEMBERS
Chris Caccavale
Caterpillar Inc. (Secretary)
Wayne Deker
The Toro Company
Judd Duininck
Duininck Golf (Past President)
Mike Garbs
Advanced Drainage Systems Inc.
Chris Hill Course Crafters LLC
Greg Hufner
Total Turf Services
Matt Lohmann
Wadsworth Golf Construction Company
Jon O’Donnell
Heritage Links (Treasurer)
Manny Pina
Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply
Rick Shriver
HARCO Fittings
Jason Sloan Frontier Golf
Jon Truttmann
Hunter Industries (Vice President)
Tom Works
Landscapes Unlimited, LLC (President-Elect)
What an awesome event our Summer Meeting in Coeur d’Alene was. I catch myself reflecting back on that and all that it had to offer, and I hope you are too! What a fantastic location, venue, and event! Thank you to all those that made the trip and joined us, and we sure missed those that could not be there. Thank you to the GCBAA Meetings Committee and Education Committee for a job well done! I also need to thank Justin and Mychelle for all they do to make these meetings go so smoothly. There are many “behind the scenes” tasks that happen to make these so successful. Moving from the hotel to the Hagadone Event Center was no small task but they pulled it off without a hitch. I’d be remiss if I did not say “Thank you” to my amazing wife for holding down the fort at home and getting Dominic off to a great start as a freshman in high school. While she sure missed being at the meeting, which I did not help by continuing to send her pictures of the view from my room, I’d be lost without her support at home and at the office while I was away conducting GCBAA business. Thank you, Mary Robyn!
After conducting GCBAA business with a Board of Directors Meeting, the GCBAA Board members, spouses, and special guests gathered on the Spirit Boat and enjoyed a dinner cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene. The sites were breathtaking and thankfully no one jumped overboard! We also had a drive-by (I guess in this case a boat by) Rick Lohman and John Lawrence. That was fun.
Tuesday morning, the Board of Directors carried on the tradition of Board Golf. We were able to play the amazing resort course with the “Floating Green”. It is just too bad that my practice round on Tuesday didn’t work in my favor for my golf game on Wednesday. Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed playing both days. While the Opening Reception heated up, literally, it was fantastic networking on the Lakeview Terrace before heading inside to enjoy the dinner and Sticks For Kids Auction.
Wednesday, after taking the boat transportation over to the education, there was breakfast and trade show to take in while gazing out the wall of glass at the Hagadone Event Center…what a venue and what a view! Make sure to visit with our trade show attendees and thank them for being at these events. They help make these things possible. We had some fantastic educational presenters. We are furthering the initiatives I wrote about in the Summer Edition of the Earth Shaping Newsletter. Lundmark Advertising and EPIC Creative joined in to help launch the initiative with the members in attendance. If you are interested in helping us share your story with the golf industry, especially when it provides a solution to a complicated or intricate situation, reach out to Justin and Mychelle. Let us help you tell your story!
We ended Wednesday with the golf outing, optional/ticketed dinner and golf prizes. We had a great turnout by those that were in the tournament and those that just came over for the dinner. A few hardy members ended the week by joining, bright and early Thursday morning, the Fins & Feathers fishing outing. A very big “Thank you” to Heritage Links, Hunter Industries, and SOX Erosion for sponsoring those boats. Whether you were able to stay and enjoy Coeur d’Alene and all it had to offer or left to get back to business, we are very happy to have those that could attend. I would like to extend a huge “Thank you” for all the generous donations, contributions, and sponsorship support that goes into this entire event! It would not be possible without this amazing membership. Hats off to all of you!
It was an honor that we could take a moment of reflection and gratitude for our dear friend, John Marman, who recently passed away. Folks, life is unexpected, shocking, and sometimes heartbreaking. Remember to control what you can control, even in the most unexpected times. Truly enjoy each moment, each day, and remember you have a choice on how you choose to live this life. John lived his life bringing joy to those around him. Many of you are aware that John served on the GCBAA Board of Governors and did so with great integrity and pride. He was an advocate and supporter of GCBAA and the GCBAA Foundation/ Sticks For Kids. He was a friend to many and deeply cared for those around him. We are thankful for the time we had with John and may he rest in peace. Our continued thoughts are with his son Knox, his sister Danielle Scardino, and the rest of the West Coast Turf family.
The GCBAA Executive Board, with special guests Wayne Deker and Jeff Brauer, recently met in Dallas to conduct GCBAA business. However, first, we had the opportunity to enjoy a Dallas Stars hockey game from a suite. Thank you, Judd Duininck with Duininck Golf, for lining up these amazing seats! We even were able to see our friend and fellow member, Robert Fleetwood with Fleetwood Services. The next day, we held our meeting at AT&T Stadium in Jerry Jones’ suite. Thank you, Jon O’Donnell with Heritage Links, for coordinating this meeting space. We were able to watch the installation of the field turf after they had held a Monster Jam event over the weekend. What a neat process!
Stay tuned to your mailboxes, inboxes, the GCBAA website calendar, etc. as there are many upcoming events that you will want to be aware of. By the time this hits your mailboxes, the GCBAA Board of Directors Election will be underway or nearing completion. Our next meeting/education event is the South Florida Regional Meeting at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, this is another great event that you should try to attend, if possible. These are great events and garner a lot of interest. Going into 2023 is the GCSAA Conference & Trade Show/ GCBAA Winter Meeting in Orlando, Florida. If you have not registered or booked rooms for the CTS you should do so soon. We always want as many members of the GCBAA as possible at all events. As always, do not hesitate to reach out to any of the members of the GCBAA Board of Directors and/or the GCBAA Staff. We are here to serve you!
7 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
GCBAA Past, Present and Future Presidents participating in the Board Golf Outing at the Summer Meeting: John McDonald II, McDonald & Sons, Inc.; Pat Karnick, Wadsworth Golf Construction Company; Tom Works, Landscapes Unlimited LLC; and Judd Duininck, Duininck Golf.
Sincerely, John McDonald II
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NOTES
We cannot thank the attendees, sponsors, and staff at The Coeur d'Alene Resort enough for all their hospitality and support to make the 2022 Annual Summer Meeting a tremendous success. We hope you enjoyed the cover story with additional details, but I need to say again our sincere appreciation to Rick and Pam Lohman for helping make this a success.
By the time this reaches your inbox, we will have inked the agreement to let The Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin be our host hotel for 2023. Stay tuned for additional details and know we are moving the timing of the event to our traditional late July/early August window. We understand the time of year is not always ideal for you but keeping it away from the start of the school year helps more spouses and families attend.
was obvious these passengers were disappointed they would have to wait even longer for us to get to board ahead of them.
WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE IN THIS SCENARIO?
We quickly noticed a few key players in this; passenger A1 seemed to be the most annoyed at the situation. Passenger A31 and A31.1. She had an infant that could not have been just a few months old; hence (.1). The gate agent, and the rest of us overheard the airline staff mention a mistake was made and a medical device belonging to one of the passengers still on the plane was mistakenly taken to baggage claim. The passenger refused to deplane without the equipment and the staff was scrambling to retrieve it.
We always have so much going on in the office that keeps us busy, it is difficult to narrow down what to write about in my article. Interestingly enough, the staff was returning from an event and we witnessed something that created a lot of thought and conversation between Mychelle, myself, and our members.
We were on a return trip, and we were to remain on the plane for the connection as we picked up other passengers. For whatever reason, the small group of "through passengers" were asked to switch planes and when we walked over to the new gate assignment, there was a delay in boarding. About a half dozen of us were to stand near the gate attendant desk while 60 A groupers were already lined up. It
As we approached the 30-minute waiting mark, passenger A1 started voicing frustration and engaged in conversations with those around them creating a lot of negative comments and increasing louder voices. Passenger A31.1 must have gotten hungry, and we all know what a hungry infant can sound like. The mood of the entire area was climaxing to extremely tense and awkward levels. You could feel the anger and frustration. Gate agents did their best to calmly keep the group informed, yet we all knew it was out of their control. At around the 50-minute waiting mark, A31 was able to calm the baby by rocking her back and forth; soon thereafter the entire A2-A60 group was swaying back and forth with her, even making A1 succumb to keeping quiet. The gate area became quiet so the baby could rest. Not much longer, the passenger exited the plane and gate area. You could sense the change in the mood.
Justin Apel EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
We knew other accommodations by the airline were attempted and declined, this was a simple case of the passenger being defiant. We all knew the disruption and selfishness this person caused. It was a full flight, the law of averages would presume some of the passengers that were now delayed by one person's actions, were going to be late to their next destination, miss connections, and have some inconvenience to some degree. We all knew it wasn't worth it. Whether missing dinner, missing a friend or family member's event, none of that mattered. We quietly boarded the flight, kept A31.1 asleep, and we were all crickets when we deplaned at the next destination.
You are probably asking, "Where am I going with this?". The reason we share this story is to ask yourself the question, "who do you want to be in this scenario?". While A31.1 would be the best option because they get to be carried, sleep, and spoiled on the flight, they do not count in this exercise. Think about problems and issues we face in our day-to-day personal and professional lives and how we react. This was a small social situation, but the life lesson can be related to others. "If" we consider the passenger that refused to depart the plane was helpless in the situation, wanted to deplane, but simply couldn't. Relate this person to the disruption in the supply chain. They want to exit and keep everyone happy, but they cannot. Moving down the list of who might be affected, who do you want to be in the scenario? A1 who elevated the tension and luckily didn't have access to pitchforks and torches? The Gate agents who maintained communication and quickly scrambled to correct the situation? A31 who arguably had the worst immediate inconvenience, and the list goes on down to C Group. 180 passengers and crew all were affected to some extent. What we witnessed by the entire gate coming together, becoming silent and supportive, and most important, empathetic to those most affected is hopefully part of our future as an Association that can overcome the challenges we all will eventually encounter. Whether caused intentionally by someone along the way who is defiant, or as a result of an accident, natural disaster, or anything else beyond our control, we like to think the members of the GCBAA join together to help one another overcome any inconvenience and become better prepared for the next challenge we might face.
Justin Apel
8 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
GCBAA Executive Board and special guests at the Dallas Stars Hockey game, Dallas, Texas. Photo credit: Jeff Brauer, ASGCA
GCBAA Executive Board and special guests meet for the Fall Executive Meeting at AT&T Stadium, Dallas, Texas
GCBAA FOUNDATION UPDATE
As I write this update for the newsletter, I cannot help but sit and reflect on the recent Summer Meeting in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I think about the nearly 25 years of Sticks For Kids and the successes we have accomplished as an Association and Foundation. More than half a million youth have participated in Sticks For Kids Programs in the United States. This impact is simply immeasurable on the lives of the youth it serves, and “WE” get to be part of their story. Looking back over the timeline we shared and how it all began is simply humbling. This membership continues to amaze me with its outstanding support of the GCBAA Foundation. Thank you for being a part of growing the future game of golf.
partners with 2nd Swing to repurpose the items and in turn, provides a check to the GCBAA Foundation to be used for Sticks For Kids. Thank you to William Bartels with GCBAA Certified Golf Irrigation Contractor Tanto Irrigation, as well as Dennis Wagner with GCBAA Charter Member Hunter Industries for each hosting a club donation drive.
Overall, the Summer Meeting raised $95,700 between the Live Auction, Adopt-a-Program, and other miscellaneous donations throughout the week. Again, a huge round of applause to all of you for the success of this event. You should be very proud of the impact you are making in the lives of our youth.
Ellen Davis GCBAA FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
BOARD MEMBERS
John Holmes
Atlas Turf International Limited
Jimmy Kirchdorfer
ISCO Industries
Bill Kubly Landscapes Unlimited, LLC
Rick Lohman
The Toro Company
Allan MacCurrach III
MacCurrach Golf
Jon Truttmann (Board Liaison)
Hunter Industries
Tom Shapland Shapland Golf Consultants
Doug York
Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply
The Live Auction may have had fewer items this year but brought in $28,500. A huge “Thank You” to the donors and buyers of each of those items. Also, thank you to my special partner in crime Dennis Wagner, for volunteering and being our auctioneer. His passion for our Foundation and commitment to working side by side with me is exemplary. The GCBAA Foundation, Staff and I are extremely appreciative of your efforts Dennis, in helping us raise these funds, “For Da Kids”.
Following the Live Auction, we announced a new initiative to “Adopt-a-Program” where members can adopt one of the LPGA/USGA Girls Golf, PGA Jr. League, or The First Tee programs by selecting a site located near or far and choosing to engage as little or as much as you would like. For $1,000 per program (5 sets of youth golf clubs with shipping), the GCBAA headquarters connects you with the desired program, ships the clubs, and allows you to be in contact with the instructor. This initiative was kicked off at the auction and an incredible number of hands went into the air adopting 66 programs and raising $66,000. Please be sure to reference the Auction and Sponsor pages for the generous donors and contributions at this event. If you were unable to attend the meeting and would like to be part of an “Adopt-a-Program”, please contact the GCBAA office and they will help fulfill your request. Personally, I am excited to see a program in both Wisconsin and Illinois that our company has chosen to sponsor and our sales team be involved in through site visits and hands-on experience with their instructors and youth.
If the adoption program is not an ideal option for you, please know there are other ways to help. You can work with the GCBAA Staff on a club donation drive at a local golf course or business. By collecting new and used golf clubs, new apparel, gently used golf bags, and range finders, the GCBAA Foundation
I’d like to say “Thank you” to the family of John Marman. GCBAA Foundation/Sticks For Kids was selected as a memorial to honor him. John always supported GCBAA, GCBAA Foundation/Sticks For Kids and I know he would be very proud of their decision. We are honored they selected our organization and are grateful we had the opportunity to have John in our lives. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
I would also like to give thanks to the Rich Mullen Memorial Golf Outing event, which again made a generous donation to the GCBAA Foundation. This year, the golf outing raised $3,300, and we were honored to receive that check at the Summer Meeting.
Finally, I would be remiss if I did not give a HUGE THANK YOU to our staff Justin and Mychelle. It is with their vision, dedication and commitment to our GCBAA Association as well as our Sticks For Kids Foundation that we are recognized as leaders in the industry and highly regarded amongst our allied peers. And of course, a shout out to the delightful couple Dennis and Nancy Seelhoff who joined us in Coeur d’Alene and made everything behind the scenes happen without a hitch.
Year 1 as your GCBAA Foundation President is in the books! I could not be prouder to serve this organization, to witness and be part of the successes, and see that within the last 5 years, youth involvement in golf has increased and our goals and mission are a success. However, our job is not done and whether we order more youth golf clubs or focus on scholarships, maintenance grants, etc. there is plenty of work to still be done. As we turn the page to the next chapter of Sticks For Kids, we will continue to partner with allied and industry organizations to support and serve the future of golf. Thank you for allowing me to lead this incredible Foundation.
Ellen Davis
9 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
Adopt-A-Program – STICKS FOR KIDS
NAME NAME
ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, INC.
ASI GOLF, INC.
ATLAS TURF INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
BERGMANN AMERICAS INC.
BETTER BILLY BUNKER
CMF GLOBAL, INC.
CONTECH ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS
COURSE CRAFTERS, LLC
DOOSAN BOBCAT NORTH AMERICA
EAGLE GOLF & LANDSCAPE PRODUCTS
EWING IRRIGATION AND LANDSCAPE SUPPLY
FRONTIER GOLF
GCSAA
GREENSCAPES SIX, LLC
H & E EQUIPMENT SERVICES
HARCO FITTINGS
HERITAGE LINKS
HUNTER INDUSTRIES
ISCO INDUSTRIES, INC.
LAND INNOVATIONS
LANDSCAPES UNLIMITED, LLC
LINKS BRIDGES INC.
MAVRIK
MCI FLOWTRONEX
NMP GOLF CONSTRUCTION CORP.
PAIGE ELECTRIC CO., LP
RAIN BIRD CORPORATION - GOLF DIVISION
SOD SOLUTIONS
SPORTZMIX SOLUTIONSWAUPACA SAND & SOLUTIONS
SUNBELT RENTALS
TEE OFF STAFFING
THE TORO COMPANY
THE TORO COMPANY
TOTAL TURF SERVICES, INC.
TURF & SOIL DIAGNOSTICS
WEST COAST TURF
NUMBER OF PROGRAMS ADOPTED
MIKE GARBS
KLAUS AHLERS
JOHN HOLMES III
KEVIN O'DONNELL
TODD JENKINS
CHRISTOPHER MENNO
BRUCE LELAND
CHRIS HILL
MARK BECKER
SHANNON CHRISTMAN
MANUEL PINA
JASON SLOAN
RHETT EVANS
MIKE ARCHER
JOE MCNEES
RICK SHRIVER JON O'DONNELL
JON TRUTTMANN
JIMMY KIRCHDORFER
MARK WHITE
TOM WORKS
REGINA SOSING
CORY MORRIS
JOHN MURTAUGH
DARRYL BARTLETT
JOSEPH DI RIENZO
CHRISTOPHER DUNLOP
ERIN WILDER
ELLEN DAVIS
JONATHAN TEAGUE
JOHN JACKE
JOHN LAWRENCE
RICK LOHMAN
GREG HUFNER
SAM FERRO
DANIELLE SCARDINO
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Want to join this list? CONTACT THE GCBAA OFFICE
Rich Mullen was the branch manager at SiteOne Landscape Supply in Champaign, IL. Rich died unexpectedly in April of 2018 and his successor, Andrew Marsh, and I have hosted this event for the last 4 years to help honor Rich. Proceeds from the event are used to make a donation in Rich’s name to the Golf Course Builders Association of America Foundation for the “Sticks for Kids Program.” On the last round of golf Rich played, a young boy was playing behind us. Rich invited him to join us. Though this slowed us down tremendously, Rich didn’t mind at all. He
saw it as an opportunity to help the kid learn. He helped the kid with his swing, taught him etiquette, and encouraged him throughout the round. Our hope is that we can pick up where Rich left off, and contribute to this program in his honor, to help more and more kids play golf and grow the game. We always have a ton of fun with the event! Rich was a huge Jimmy Buffet fan so we all wear Hawaiian shirts and even have a local tribute band play after golf concludes. Thank you so much to all our sponsors and participants. We hope to grow this event every year!!
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THE 4TH ANNUAL RICH MULLEN
Outing Live Auction Results Summer Meeting AUCTION AND SPONSORS LIVE AUCTION ITEM DONATED BY WINNER
Memorial Golf
RAIN BIRD
JON O'DONNELL
WAGS GRILLIN’ RUB
LINDA HARDY
BRANT WILLIAMS
CHRIS LINEBERGER
DENNIS WAGNER
GCSAA 2023 MARKETING PACKAGE GCSAA
GREG HUFNER
WAGS GRILLIN’ RUB
DENNIS WAGNER
CHRIS HILL
GCBAA FINE ART – LINDA HARDY PAINTING
SUNBELT RENTALS
28-DAY SUNBELT RENTAL/12-MONTH WHISKEY PACKAGE RAIN BIRD/DORMIE NETWORK - STAY & PLAY GOLF PACKAGE
JUDD DUININCK
SOD SOLUTIONS BECOMES Charter Member
WELCOMES SOD SOLUTIONS PROFESSIONALS AS A NEW CHARTER MEMBER
As the saying goes, “when one door closes, another one opens.” In this case, GCBAA had a recent opening for a Charter Member position. As one company has retired from its position in the Charter lineup, it did not take long for Erin Wilder and Christopher Buechele of Sod Solutions Professionals to step
forward and commit to the open spot. We were excited to receive their notice of acceptance and announce it at the recent Summer Meeting in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Thank you, Sod Solutions Professionals, for stepping forward and joining the GCBAA Charter Membership and for your ongoing support of the association!
About Sod Solutions Professionals
For over a quarter of a century, Sod Solutions has been an icon in the sod industry with access to the best turfgrasses and professionals. Thanks to years of work with top researchers and universities, we have positioned our turfgrasses as the most sold patented varieties in the world and developed a comprehensive network of industry experts, while introducing grasses that benefit the golf industries. With that success and the increasing demand for full job management, we have launched a new segment called Sod Solutions Professionals. Sod Solutions Professionals is focused on building a greener future by assisting clients through the entire process to provide a beautiful, streamlined and successful project. We offer robust professional services featuring: Specification Writing, Turfgrass Selection Consulting, Product Sourcing, Delivery & Installation and Maintenance Solutions. Sod Solutions has been a pioneer in the turfgrass industry, and we look forward to helping you with your next project.
12 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
GCBAA
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13 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
COULD YOU Pick Up Your Pace?
BY HENRY DELOZIER GLOBAL GOLF ADVISORS
Forrest Richardson, immediate past president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), has some ideas that may change how golf course builders think about the finished product which is a golf course for all skill levels. Most golfers rate pace of play as a primary concern when they choose a golf venue and Forrest has some ideas to share.
“Americans are obsessed with stroke play, and eventually we need to realize that there are many ways to play the game. This is such a simple concept, yet one that seems to be lost on the folks who run golf courses today. We need to wake up,” he says.
In a golfer survey conducted for the City of Los Angeles some years ago, municipal-course golfers identified two factors that would cause them to pay more to play LA’s municipal courses (1) course conditioning and (2) pace of play. The striking takeaway from this GGA Partners survey was that this viewpoint, expressed by roughly 8 out 10 publiccourse golfers, ran contrary to assumptions being made by the golf course operators themselves. Golfers will pay more for an improved experience.
Richardson continues, “One of my favorite references to getting more yield is the way they play at Royal Worlington in Cambridge, England. It’s the only nine-hole Royal course, but it enjoys the same number of members as any other 18-hole private club in the U.K. How is that? Well, at Worlington they only plan foursomes golf — two players hitting alternate shots against two other players. The result,
nine-holes in about one hour and fifteen minutes.
“We’ll see the trend of building ‘less time and more fun’ golf facilities that continue to gain momentum. Formats where we may not have 18-holes, traditional sequences or what we currently think of as ‘courses’, he opined. Owners, operators and the golfers themselves will appreciate less friction in their enjoyment of the golfing experience.
“One equation that deserves our attention is the very simple matter of getting more people around a single golf course,” Forrest observes.
Golf course builders are uniquely positioned to provide guidance for developers, golf course, and club leaders seeking advice when renovating and updating existing golf courses. It is the builder who knows which shortcuts – for shaping and contouring the subtle slopes on putting surfaces – are advisable and which are not.
Following are four examples of counseling GCBAA members can add to the pace of play discussion:
• Walk-On / Walk–Off Configuration –Builders know out of hand what access standards should be for passing from a green to the teeing ground on the next hole. The matters of pace, cadence, and safety are certainly knowledge points for experienced builders.
• Turf-Type Selections – So often this is a collaboration involving the designer and
superintendent – and others sometimes, this is a topic on which builders are qualified to contribute – and should be asked. It is that practical knowledge that builders have in spades.
• Arboreal Management Options – Everyone loves trees, and few want them removed. Builders can provide insights concerning the confluence of strategy, turf conditioning, and the costs of care and upkeep. Having great knowledge is important and sharing the builder’s knowledge is impactful.
• Tee Sizes, Shapes, and Proportion –Increasing rounds played and attention to improving the pace of play become matters of practical wisdom. Every team leader – whether private club or daily fee – is wise to ask the builder to input on these considerations. Most builders are supportive the designer’s ideas and GCBAA members should have a seat at the table.
It’s about time and it’s time for golf course builders to contribute their vast knowledge.
Henry DeLozier is a Principal and Partner at GGA Partners, a trusted advisor to private clubs, resorts, and residential communities since 1992. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Audubon International. Contact Henry at hdelozier@ globalgolfadvisors.com.
14 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition DEVELOPERS GUIDE
PREVENTING Job Site Theft
Although it is important for companies to trust their workers and the general public, the unfortunate reality is that theft can happen at any time. This is particularly true in the construction industry, where expensive tools and machinery are often left in plain sight or are easily accessible to criminals.
Construction site theft is especially damaging, as the theft of materials and tools can quickly delay a project, sometimes bringing production to a halt. Accordingly, it is essential for construction companies to understand how they can prevent job site theft before it happens.
General Tips
While every job site presents its own set of unique challenges, there are a number of general tips firms can use to better secure a construction site. The following are some basic strategies you can use to protect your materials and tools from thieves:
1. Create a written security policy and job site security plan. These written plans should assign supervisory responsibilities, encourage awareness, and establish basic best practices for securing tools and materials.
2. Contact nearby property owners and local law enforcement officials whenever you start a new project. These parties can help monitor your job site, particularly during off-hours.
3. Establish a way for your employees to report theft or suspicious activity. Be sure to maintain complete records of any security incidents, as they can be beneficial to law enforcement in the event of theft, vandalism or similar occurrences.
4. Conduct thorough background checks on your employees before hiring them on full time. You should also keep a list of people authorized to be on the job site on hand at all times.
Worksite Protections
Equipping your worksite with theft prevention features is mandatory if you expect to ward off potential criminals.
Whenever possible, consider doing the following:
1. Enclose your worksite with a security fence and provide limited access at all times. Use lockable gates whenever possible. Avoid using low quality locks or leaving keys in the locks themselves.
2. Ensure that your worksite is well-lit at night to deter criminals.
3. Utilize signage to keep unauthorized personnel off your worksite.
4. Walk around the worksite at the beginning and end of each day to ensure that no items are missing.
5. Consider hiring security guards to patrol the construction site, particularly at night.
If possible, install security cameras to safeguard your job site. Overall, training employees on how to best keep materials and equipment out of the hands of thieves is your first line of defense against losses.
CONSTRUCTION SITE THEFT IS ESPECIALLY DAMAGING, AS THE THEFT OF MATERIALS AND TOOLS CAN QUICKLY DELAY A PROJECT, SOMETIMES BRINGING PRODUCTION TO A HALT.
Controls for Equipment, Tools and Materials
The number of tools and machinery found on a construction site can vary heavily from day to day, making it difficult to keep track of valuables. That’s why the first step in any good protection program is to inventory the equipment you have.
An inventory should be made available for each job site and should accomplish the following:
• Inventories should track all newly purchased items. Copies of the inventory should be kept in a secure location.
• Inventories should be up to date and include photos of the larger, more important equipment.
• To aid in the settlement and recovery of any stolen equipment, inventories should include the following:
o The original date of purchase
o The original cost of the equipment
o The equipment’s age and serial number
o Relevant manufacturer information
Firms should assign one employee to be in charge of managing the inventory. This person would be responsible for keeping track of all materials, tools and deliveries.
Other major steps to securing equipment, tools and materials include the following:
• Utilize a secured area to store your equipment.
• Mark and label all tools in a distinctive manner for easy identification.
• Implement a checkout system of all tools and equipment so you can track their whereabouts.
• Establish a key control system for heavy duty machinery.
• Install anti-theft devices on mobile equipment.
• Lock all oil and gas tank caps.
• Park all equipment in a centralized, well-lit and secure area.
• Avoid using your worksite for storage. Remove any tools, materials or equipment that are not in use.
In general, it’s important to keep inventory levels low on-site to discourage thieves. In addition, creating and maintaining an equipment program can make all the difference when it comes to safeguarding your tools.
Equipment programs should make employees, managers, supervisors and foremen responsible for equipment losses. Under such programs, all losses are must be reported, regardless of how small. You should review equipment programs at least annually.
Responding to Job Site Theft
Even if an unimportant or inexpensive piece of equipment goes missing, it’s critical to report the theft to the police. While the authorities may not always be able to recover stolen items, reporting every instance of theft helps police establish a pattern that may assist in future cases.
When a theft occurs, respond by doing the following:
• Notify the proper authorities. Provide as much detail as possible, including when the theft took place and what was stolen.
• Contact your insurance broker and review the specifics of your policies, including coverages, limitations and deductibles related to personal property.
• File an insurance claim.
Following a theft, it’s important to take any additional steps necessary to secure your job site to prevent future losses.
Protect Your Projects
Theft is unpredictable, but there are many workplace controls that firms can implement in order to protect themselves. In addition, it’s important to speak to a broker to seek the appropriate insurance coverages. Contact GTA Insurance Group today for more information.
15 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
HUMAN RESOURCES
PROVIDED
RISK CONSTRUCTION INSIGHTS
BY GTA INSURANCE GROUP
USGA GIVES A NEW AWARD FOR PARTNERSHIP IN Agronomy and Course Preparation
Most of the awards given out during each year’s slate of USGA championships go back many years. In fact, some have been around for more than a century! Once in a while, though, the USGA does add something new to its list of honors. At this year’s U.S. Open, Dave Johnson, director of grounds at The Country Club, was the first winner of the E.J. Marshall platter in recognition of his excellent partnership in agronomy and course preparation. People in the golf course maintenance industry have long felt that maintenance teams haven’t gotten enough visible recognition for their role in tournament and championship golf. USGA CEO Mike Whan felt strongly that it was time for the USGA to
do more in recognizing the folks who work so hard to make our championships possible.
“Just saying thank you…it seemed to fall short to me,” said Whan. “If we can recognize the best amateur, if we can recognize who wins this event, I can’t understand why we wouldn’t recognize the person who gave us the stage.”
The new award is named for E.J. Marshall, who was the green committee chairman at Inverness Club in the leadup to the 1920 U.S. Open there. He tried to locate agronomic advice when patches of dying grass appeared on the greens. After coming up empty, he approached the USGA and the United States Department of Agriculture for help. Later that year, the USGA created the Green Section and
Marshall found himself as part of the reason for its existence. That connection to the USGA’s long history of supporting and advancing golf course maintenance is the reason why this important new award carries Marshall’s name.
There was a lot of excitement in the golf course maintenance world after Johnson was presented with the award on national television during the U.S. Open trophy ceremony. The Green Section and the entire USGA was glad to see such an overwhelmingly positive response to this overdue honor. “It’s the right thing to do,” said Whan. “We should have been doing it for 100 years, but as my father used to say it’s never too late to start doing the right thing.”
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USGA CEO Mike Whan presented the first E.J. Marshall award for excellent partnership in agronomy and course preparation to Dave Johnson, director of grounds at The Country Club.
Design - Construction - Management www.jdhartgolfdesign.com 316-253-7493 jdhart5252@hotmail.com DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT www.jdhartgolfdesign.com • 316-253-7493 G OL F C O UR S E AR CHIT E C T J D H a rt
JOHN LAWRENCE TO RECEIVE ASGCA Donald Ross Award
Distributor he led, was sold to Toro in the early 2000s. Lawrence, in his work on the professional side of irrigation, was mentored by Toro’s Dr. Jim Watson, who taught him the benefits of working closely with universities with turfgrass programs, golf course superintendents and golf course architects. He also learned about the importance of relationship building from another mentor (and 2005 Donald Ross Award honoree), Toro’s John Singleton.
BROOKFIELD, Wis.— John Lawrence, director of strategic golf for The Toro Company and friend to scores of golf course architects, has been chosen as the 2022 recipient of the ASGCA Donald Ross Award. The award, given annually since 1976, is presented to a person who has made a significant contribution to the game of golf and the profession of golf course architecture. It will be presented to Lawrence at the ASGCA Annual Meeting in Providence, Rhode Island, on Oct. 3 at the Donald Ross Banquet.
Lawrence has spent his entire career working in and around golf, starting with a Toro Distributor for North and South Carolina, E. J. Smith and Sons Company. When the company split, Lawrence stayed with the new company, Smith Turf and Irrigation (STI) which focused on the professional side of the Toro Irrigation Distribution business and led him to develop relationships with golf course superintendents, owners, developers … and architects.
He eventually came to work for The Toro Company when Turf Care Products, another Toro
Lawrence’s work with ASGCA members and ASGCA as an entity connects him in unique ways to the profession of golf course architecture. He splits his time at Toro between his strategic golf role and Toro’s Corporate Accounts team, which is responsible for managing many of Toro’s key golf course customers worldwide. Toro’s business model encourages relationship building, and Lawrence has spent his time over the past two decades traveling from golf project to golf project around the world supporting the work of golf course architects.
“A young architect might view John Lawrence as merely a strategic name to add to their list of contacts. But describing John as ‘a good networking partner’ barely scratches the surface,” said ASGCA President Jason Straka. “John is the epitome of what the Donald Ross Award was created to honor. He truly has made a significant contribution to the game and the profession because of his ability to find that missing piece to move a project to success, and most importantly to help an architect or friend in need.
“It seems like he knows everyone; more than once I’ve been stuck on a project and a call to John has led to a solution. I’m proud to call him my friend, and I know that’s true for scores of people in this industry. The night we give John the Donald Ross Award is going to be special.”
Lawrence has been instrumental in bringing knowledge, networking and support to ASGCA
since his hiring by The Toro Company. One of his first ASGCA projects was to bring Toro sponsorship to Remodeling University, an early2000s “short course to a better course” seminar series conducted nationwide to educate golf course stakeholders on how to plan and execute successful remodels. The company has also, with Lawrence’s active involvement, organized three educational seminars for ASGCA members (two at Toro headquarters, one at University of Notre Dame), sponsored four international architectural study tours, and, through the Toro Foundation, funded several ASGCA-published books (on environmental development, water, and the ROI of remodeling), and supported ASGCA’ Forward Tee Initiative.
The Donald Ross Award is not the first time ASGCA has recognized Lawrence’s contributions to the organization and profession: he is also a three-time Presidential Citation winner and was the first non-ASGCA member invited to sit on the ASGCA Foundation Board of Directors.
The Donald Ross Award is presented by the ASGCA Awards Committee, co-chaired by ASGCA Past Presidents Steve Smyers, ASGCA, and Rees Jones, ASGCA Fellow (the 2013 Donald Ross Award recipient).
ASGCA BACKGROUND
Founded in 1946 by Donald Ross, Robert Trent Jones and 12 other leading architects, the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of experienced golf course designers located throughout North America. ASGCA members are able to counsel in all aspects of golf course design and remodeling and comprise many of the great talents throughout the golf industry.
For more information about ASGCA, including a current list of members, visit www.asgca.org or call (262) 786-5960.
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COMPANY LEADER CITED FOR LONGTIME COMMITMENT TO CONNECTING AND SUPPORTING GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS CONTACT: MARC WHITNEY, 262-786-5960, MARC@ASGCA.ORG
TORO
GCSAA ANNOUNCES LARRY POWELL SCHOLARSHIP FOR UNDERSERVED STUDENTS PLANNING A CAREER IN Golf Course Management
The scholarship will focus on underserved populations who are GCSAA members or interested in becoming members. Scholarship preference will be given to needs-based applicants with consideration for leadership skills and community engagement.
“Larry Powell has served and advanced his family’s legacy at Clearview Golf Club as superintendent for more than 40 years,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO. “He is a humble leader who has shaped and impacted the lives of many. Larry serves as a beacon of hope for young minorities seeking to establish a meaningful and rewarding career. We want to help create pathways and provide financial support to others who desire to establish a meaningful career in our industry.”
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has announced the creation of the Larry Powell Scholarship, which is administered by the GCSAA Foundation and will recognize students in underserved populations seeking a career in golf course and turfgrass management.
The scholarship was formally announced by GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans on Aug. 29 during a presentation at the African American Golf Expo and Forum in Charlotte, N.C.
The Larry Powell Scholarship is named in honor of Larry Powell, a 48-year GCSAA member and golf course superintendent at Clearview Golf Course in Canton, Ohio. Powell’s father, Bill Powell, was an entrepreneur and pioneering golf course owner who opened Clearview Golf Club in Canton in 1948. The integrated course was the first and only course to be designed, constructed and owned by an African American. Bill was a member of GCSAA for 37 years prior to his death in 2009. Bill and Larry were the first African American father-son
members in GCSAA history. The Powell Family, which includes Larry’s sister, Renee, who was the second African American player in LPGA history, was awarded GCSAA’s Old Tom Morris Award in 2019.
When Bill Powell returned home from serving in the military in World War II in the 1940s, he was denied the opportunity to play golf due to the color of his skin. He turned this negative into an opportunity and built a golf course with his own two hands. After extensive labor, he opened his nine-hole layout to everyone interested in playing the game in 1948.
Today Clearview is a National Historic Site. Larry manages the course his father built and has worked as superintendent since 1971, while Renee serves as the LPGA/PGA head golf professional. All three have been inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame. Larry was the first superintendent and member of the GCSAA to be inducted.
GCSAA aims to award the first of the annual Larry Powell Scholarships in 2023.
The lead gift to establish the Larry Powell Scholarship Fund came from GCSAA Immediate Past President Mark F. Jordan, CGCS, natural resources leader at Westfield Country Club in Westfield Center, Ohio, who first met Larry Powell more than 20 years ago. Additional early support came from the Westfield Insurance Foundation and GCSAA Past President John R. Fulling Jr., CGCS, superintendent at Kalamazoo (Mich.) Country Club.
“Larry struck me as an unsung hero, never seeking attention or the limelight,” Jordan said. “I have since learned this to be true in all aspects of Larry’s life. He deserves to be honored for the work he has done at Clearview Golf Club, upholding an important African American family legacy and serving as a role model for underserved communities.”
GCSAA aims to award the first Larry Powell Scholarship in 2023. If you are interested in learning more about the Larry Powell Scholarship Fund, contact the GCSAA Foundation Executive Director Ryan Flickinger at 800-472-7878 or rflickinger@gcsaa.org.
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19 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
You focus on the course. We focus on where you sleep.
SIX UNIVERSAL KEY CLUB Performance Indicators Established
NEW WHITE PAPER RELEASED
The Club Management Association of America announces the release of the Universal Key Club Performance Indicators White Paper. This resource details the six Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that encapsulate a high-level picture of financial health, including the major components of a club.
The release of this industry resource is the culmination of a concerted effort, inclusive of a public industry comment period, that began in March 2022 to create metrics that would become a common language between club managers, boards, and industry consultants. These KPIs were developed by a task force of industry experts and practitioners and are intended to provide a tool to club managers and boards of directors, governors, or committees to begin a conversation on the effective operational strategies toward the overall financial health of a club. These KPIs can be used together to provide insightful information in concert with other quantitative and qualitative information available to club stakeholders.
From examining financial performance over
a period of time to monitoring the retention and attrition of a club’s member base, each KPI serves as an important indicator of the approach a club should take to sustain the expected standard of service and member experience.
Access the Universal Key Club Performance Indicators White Paper at cmaa.org.
About CMAA
Founded in 1927, the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs with 6,800 members throughout the US and internationally. Our members contribute to the success of more than 2,500 country, golf, athletic, city, faculty, military, town, and yacht clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote relationships between club management professionals and other similar professions; to encourage the education and advancement of members; and to provide the resources needed for efficient and successful club operations. Under the covenants of professionalism, education, leadership, and community, CMAA continues to extend its reach as the leader in the club management practice. CMAA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, with more than 40 professional chapters and more than 40 student chapters and colonies. Learn more at cmaa.org.
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GCSAACONFERENCE.COM I FEBRUARY 4-9 Orange County Convention Center
21 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition Providing a better customer experience is at the forefront at Sunbelt Rentals. We have a dedicated team available to support the Golf industry. With over 45 years combined experience, our team is ready to meet with you to discuss your needs. Renting equipment is a cost-effective and efficient choice for golf course construction projects and we are dedicated to support you. PARTNER WITH US ON YOUR PROJECT © 2022 Sunbelt Rentals Inc. | 3630-1022 Mark Bland East Region mark.bland@sunbeltrentals.com Joe Lobb West Region joseph.lobb@sunbeltrentals.com
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Jonathan Teague
LABOR ISSUES MARK THE Political Road Ahead
BY JOE TRAUGER
With election season upon us, it is unlikely we’ll see much from Congress other than finalizing the appropriations bills for fiscal year 2023 and reauthorization of the National Defense Authorization Act. As the National Club Association’s (NCA’s) Interim President & CEO and lobbyist, I expect the government funding bills will take until mid-December to be worked out in what remains a very evenly split House and Senate. Recently, there have been efforts to pressure the Senate into voting on the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act sometime this fall, but it doesn’t appear to have the votes to pass. While Congress bickers over funding levels and policy riders, government agencies will be hard at work on finalizing regulations that will affect employers and employees.
Independent Contractors
The White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) has been reviewing a proposed rule from the Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Wage and Hour Division that revises the independent contractor standard under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is expected to clear it for publishing in the Federal Register any day.
The Biden administration appears to be heading the same direction the Obama administration pursued, which disregarded the entrepreneurial opportunity in determining worker status. This will make it more difficult to classify contractors as independent and by its own estimate, the Department of Labor (DOL) deems the proposed rule to have a significant economic impact. NCA will be watching for the proposed rule to come out this month as it was expected sometime in August.
Joint Employer
Also delayed is the National Labor Relations Board joint employer notice of proposed rulemaking, which was expected to be released in July as well as another proposed rule from Wage and Hour on the overtime threshold. NCA has weighed in with the DOL in its pre-rulemaking meetings on the overtime threshold to share with the department some unique issues clubs face with certain employees who earn commission on instruction. Under current guidelines, only 10% of commission income is allowed to be counted toward the overtime threshold, which potentially creates a Catch 22 for clubs due to the seasonality of the business.
2022 Election
This regulatory action is likely to continue for the remainder of the Biden administration as whatever momentum Democrats had coming out of the 2020 election wanes. While Republicans had been hoping to coast to a victory in taking over the House of Representatives and perhaps the Senate, untested candidates, voter backlash over the reversal of Roe v. Wade, and a run of legislation seem to have taken some momentum away from them. Republicans are still favored to retake the House, but with a much narrower majority than most would have assumed just 60 days ago. The generic ballot for Congress shows Democrats and Republicans tied among registered voters, but the intense campaign season has just begun, so either party has an opportunity to move voters in their direction. NCA will continue to watch both Congress and the administration closely to ensure clubs have an opportunity to weigh in on policy matters affecting them and their employees.
Joe Trauger is NCA’s vice president of government relations. He can be reached at trauger@nationalclub.org.
22 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
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The Golf Course Builders Association of America is dedicated to advancing and continuously improving the profession of golf course construction while serving the interests of its member companies.
23 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition We Need Your
Contact GCBAA Staff today and help us help you share your experience To help further this mission, we’re looking for stories that highlight: A unique
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project where you overcame an unexpected challenge
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member of your crew that has a unique story to tell
SPACE. SOLVED. The Preserve reopens with an innovative clubhouse
that would allow The Preserve to open as soon as the course was ready for play.
The temporary building provides all the space and amenities that a permanent building would bring, including entry steps and an ADAapproved access ramp. Edward Ruiz, General Manager of The Preserve says the solution is working so well, they are further delaying the brick-and-mortar clubhouse so they can focus on other aspects of improving the course.
construction. The company offers a wide range of space and storage units that can be configured for any purpose and placed anywhere on site within days.
Every blade of grass was perfect. Every tee box, fairway and green immaculate. Customers were clamoring to return to this beloved and transformed gem. The only thing that wasn’t ready? A clubhouse worthy of reopening The Preserve at Eisenhower, a historic course south of Baltimore. Instead of further delays to build a permanent facility, a call was made to temporary space provider WillScot Mobile Mini. A fast solution was implemented, and customers teed off on time.
“This golf course had been in serious need of renovations for years,” says Tom Jacobs, Regional Sales Manager for WillScot Mobile Mini. “Instead of trying to work in off hours, they decided to shut down for two solid years and redo everything. We provided a space solution that allowed them to concentrate all their focus on bringing the course itself back to life.”
Building a new clubhouse was in the plans, but it was a more distant priority. By laterally connecting three modular portable units, WillScot Mobile Mini delivered an immediately functional and attractive clubhouse structure
“Working with WillScot Mobile Mini has been great,” adds Ruiz. “Their professionals executed quickly during a difficult transition. They
A construction office at the entrance can serve as project HQ for daily activities. A ground-level office at the turn is ideal for centrally storing and consulting blueprints out of the weather. Strategically placed storage units can make equipment, tools, supplies, landscape materials and more readily available.
“We have everything a builder needs,” says Jacobs. “They don’t have to hassle with finding
customized to our needs and were instrumental in providing the many services required to satisfy the demands of customers and the building department. It was a one-stop-shop for us, and I would recommend WillScot Mobile Mini to any golf facility looking for building solutions.”
Lowering handicaps for builders.
WillScot Mobile Mini regularly helps builders run more efficient projects throughout
old shipping containers, getting them ready and then trying to get rid of them at the end of the project. We handle everything, from delivery to setup to removal. One call, one invoice, one point of contact. We make temporary space easy, so they don’t even have to think about it.”
Jacobs adds that as the leading provider of temporary space across North America, WillScot Mobile Mini has 162,000 buildings and storage units ready to roll to any construction site on the continent. The company also offers a line of add-on products called The Essentials, which are all the items a customer needs to make the temporary space immediately functional, such as furniture, technology, stairs, lighting, security, insurance, kitchen setups and more.
“When the lease is up, we take all those items away too,” Jacobs says. “That really beats having a bunch of office items around that you have to try to sell on Craigslist. Especially when you have a golf course to get opened, like The Preserve did. If you’re ever in the Baltimore area, be sure to stop by and play a round. It’s beautiful, and I’m not just talking about the clubhouse!”
24 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
GCBAA NEW MEMBER HIGHLIGHT
25 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition www.mobilemini.com www.willscot.com Turnkey temporary space to drive your productivity. Construction offices, storage units, interim clubhouse buildings –whatever structures your project needs, we’ve got them ready to roll. We also provide all the furnishings and fixtures to make your space immediately usable. One call to WillScot Mobile Mini, and everything’s handled. Our solutions are ready to work. So from day one, you’re ready to work. WE’RE ALL YOU NEED. 22-WSC-8923-WSC - GCBAA Print Ad-V3.1.indd 1 8/31/22 10:31 AM
WESCO TURF, INC. ACQUIRES 100+ YEAR OLD Hector Turf
ACQUISITION REPRESENTS A UNION OF TWO MARKET-LEADING TURF EQUIPMENT AND IRRIGATION DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES.
CONTACT: DAVE CROFOOT, VP FINANCE AND CFO, 941-377-6777, DAVE.CROFOOT@WESCOTURF.COM
SARASOTA, FL., August 1, 2022 – Wesco Turf, one of The Toro Company’s (NYSE: TTC) top North American distributors of irrigation, golf, and grounds equipment, has acquired Hector Turf, another trusted Toro distributor headquartered in Deerfield Beach, FL. The official announcement was made to the teams at Hector Turf and Wesco Turf on July 29, 2022. The transaction is effective August 1, 2022.
The acquisition of Hector Turf will provide additional scale to Wesco’s golf, grounds, and residential landscape businesses. Wesco Turf’s resources in IT infrastructure systems, parts ecommerce website, operations, service management, human resources, and training will provide the platforms to complement services to Hector Turf’s customers.
“We are excited to welcome Hector Turf into Wesco’s corporate portfolio. Hector Turf has strong brand equity and market-leading share across key business categories in south Florida and the Caribbean. Former principal of Hector Turf Jim Mantey left behind an impressive legacy that will live on through this merger of outdoor power
equipment equals,” said Wesco Turf’s president, Billy Gamble. “Hector Turf and Wesco Turf have worked together as peers for decades and this union will further enhance our ability to provide customers with a seamless experience.”
“The acquisition of Hector Turf fits into Wesco Turf’s strategic, revenue objectives and mission of creating loyal customers. As investments in autonomous and GPS technologies redefine the turf equipment industry, Hector Turf will provide additional horsepower to keep Wesco Turf in a leadership position,” concluded Gamble.
Sandra Mantey, Hector Turf’s co-principal with Jim Mantey for 29 years and current President, commented, “We are a natural fit for Wesco Turf, two strong family-owned and operated businesses. I believe the Mantey family legacy will continue and be greatly enhanced under Billy Gamble’s leadership. I expect this merger to be seamless to our customers. Our employees have found a great new home within Wesco Turf.”
Hector Turf’s 50+ associates will join the Wesco Turf team. The two companies will market under two brands: Wesco Turf in Central/North Florida and southern Georgia and Hector Turf in South Florida, Puerto Rico, and most Caribbean Islands. The corporate headquarters for the combined entity will reside in Sarasota, FL, operating as Wesco Turf, Inc.
Hector Turf was advised by Cross Keys Capital and received legal advice from Berger Singerman LLP. Wesco Turf received legal advice from Williams Parker.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
About Wesco Turf
For 35 years, Wesco Turf has been a golf, grounds, and irrigation market leader. Wesco Turf is the exclusive provider for Toro, Club Car, Bernhard, Salsco, Harper, and Ventrac equipment in Florida and Southern Georgia. Wesco Turf has been honored multiple times as Toro’s top North American Distributor. For more information about Wesco Turf, Inc., visit www.wescoturf.com.
About Hector Turf
Hector Turf, just recently celebrated its 110th anniversary, is an 18-time Toro Partners in Excellence winner and outdoor power equipment distributor based in Deerfield Beach, FL. Markets served include golf, irrigation, sports fields and grounds, residential landscape contractor equipment, and resorts. Hector represents Toro, Ventrac, Club Car, Foley, and Salsco products from Vero Beach to Key West, including the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and the Caribbean Islands.
26 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
MOVERS & SHAPERS
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Joe Trauger NAMED PRESIDENT & CEO OF NATIONAL CLUB ASSOCIATION
The National Club Association (NCA) Board of Directors has named Joe Trauger President & CEO effective immediately. Trauger, who has served as interim president & CEO since June, was previously vice president of government relations for the association, which represents private clubs across the U.S.
Trauger joined NCA’s staff in 2019 from his role as principal and founder of Northfield Strategies, an advocacy consulting firm. Prior to Northfield, Trauger was senior vice president of policy and government relations at the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute and vice president of government relations at the National Association of Manufacturers. He has extensive experience on Capitol Hill, including senior positions for then House Majority Whip Roy Blunt,
who is now in the Senate, and then House Majority Leader Dick Armey. Trauger also served on the staff of the late Senator Rod Grams (R-Minn.) and late Representative Sam Johnson (R-Texas).
With NCA, Trauger has spearheaded governmental outreach and advocacy while working closely with the association’s board to grow programs that include the ClubPAC political action committee. He also has first-hand experience within the community as a longtime member of multiple clubs and current board member and former president of Mount Vernon Country Club, Alexandria, Va.
“It has been an honor to lead the NCA team as interim president & CEO for the past several months and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue in that role. The NCA staff, member clubs, corporate partners and associate members represent the best
of the private club community and I am excited about their future. NCA has a tremendous capacity for growth and I look forward to working with the board to grow the association while strengthening our role as the leading advocate and source of insight and governance practices for private clubs.”
“Joe has been an asset to NCA since joining the organization, advocating for our industry on Capitol Hill, helping cement NCA’s position as the leading association representing private clubs, and providing seamless leadership during his time as interim president & CEO,” said Nick Sidorakis, CCM, NCA Chair and General Manager/COO of Southern Hills Country Club, Tulsa, Okla. “The Board is delighted to have him step into that position permanently and looks forward to continued excellence and growth going forward.”
27 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition MOVERS & SHAPERS
28 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
DLF LAUNCHES BRAND AND BUSINESS UNIFICATION in North America
CONTACT: BEN ADDINGTON, (608) 433-7199, BADDINGTON@DLFNA.COM
functional groups, creating leadership-by-function to bond its teams together versus dividing them by country. The new structure allows for collaboration across operations and shared services that are foundational to sustainable growth and customer success.
by allowing DLF to focus its resources.
“As a true North American company our sphere of influence expands greatly. We can deliver substantial product innovation and solve complex challenges as part of a global organization committed to R&D, our customers, and our planet,” added Douglas.
HALSEY, Ore. (October 6, 2022) – DLF Pickseed is proud to announce it has unified its brand and business under the name DLF - the global market leader in forage and turf seed, in operation for over 100 years.
“This evolution synchronizes the influence of DLF’s highly recognized regional brands into a common, stronger identity,” said Neil Douglas, executive vice president, DLF North America. “As DLF, our North American voice becomes amplified, empowered, and important on the global seed stage.”
To ensure DLF continually stays ahead of the market arc, in concert with its brand consolidation, the company moved from geographical divisions to
“By aligning our brand and approach, we are well positioned to meet customer demands and deliver new value into the future,” said Douglas. “We can better leverage the groups’ strengths and synergies to continue to lead and innovate.”
While the company looks ahead, there is also an important history to recognize. “The Pickseed brand has a strong legacy in several of the markets we serve, and we will continue to honor it as we evolve,” said Douglas. “We are excited to build upon what has been created over the last century.”
About DLF
Customers will continue to have access to the same products, brands, and staff as they do today. The new alignment does however bring greater availability to enhanced services, tools, and support
DLF is a global seed company owned by Danish grass seed farmers with more than 2,200 employees in 22 countries worldwide. It is the global market leader in forage and turf seed supplying seeds to more than 100 countries. DLF has a complete supply chain within forage and turf seed, sugar and fodder beet seed, seed potatoes and multiplication of vegetable seed. For more information on DLF’s North American business visit dlfna.com.
West Palm Beach, FL. (September 7, 2022) – Today, Florida Coast Equipment announced the acquisition of Growers Equipment Company, the latest of 6 dealer acquisitions over the last year, increasing locations from 4 to 13. The company has
experienced historic growth over the last 15 months, despite economic and labor headwinds.
“Growers Equipment has a rich, 70-year history of serving South Florida’s agriculture, landscape and construction communities,” said Todd Bachman, President and CEO of Florida Coast Equipment. “We are honored to welcome them to our company and continue the tradition of the Lopez family, and the entire Growers Team, of supporting the communities they serve.”
About Florida Coast Equipment
Florida Coast Equipment and BIG ORANGE RENTAL is a family-owned & operated full-service Kubota Dealership now serving 13 locations across the state (West Palm Beach, Ft. Pierce, Mims, Naples, Plant City, Land O'Lakes, Homestead, Kissimmee, Apopka, Ocala, Lecanto, Miami, and Davie, FL.) Founded in 1985, Florida Coast Equipment has grown from a single dealership with two employees to Florida’s largest Kubota dealer and one of the top dealerships in the country. Florida Coast Equipment has been named an Elite Dealer 8 years in a row and awarded the Top Volume Dealer award 7 years. To learn more about Florida Coast Equipment and their rental company, Big Orange Rental, visit www. FloridaCoastEq.com.
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MOVERS & SHAPERS
Florida Coast Equipment FLORIDA COAST EQUIPMENT CAPS 15 MONTHS OF HISTORIC GROWTH WITH ACQUISITION OF GROWERS EQUIPMENT COMPANY
BILLY BERRIOS, BBERRIOS@FLORIDACOASTEQ.COM
CONTACT:
Golf Course Construction Work
CONTINUES AT KOLTER HOMES’ ASTOR CREEK COUNTRY CLUB, IN PORT ST. LUCIE, FL
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – Construction work is progressing on schedule at the new 18-hole golf course at Astor Creek Country Club, the first golf course community that Kolter Homes has developed from the ground up. Golf course architect Chris Wilczynski, ASGCA, has been making weekly site visits to oversee the work with golf construction company Ryangolf, landscape designer RVI, irrigation consultant Tony Altum, and irrigation contractor Nutt Irrigation.
The new golf course, set to debut in Spring 2023, will be the centerpiece of the brand-new gated community that sits on 682 total acres and is planned for 900 new homes on the Treasure Coast. “Our goal was to create an enjoyable and playable golf course for Kolter Homes’ new lifestyle community; one that will challenge players of all ages and skill levels and keep them inspired to play more golf.” Wilczynski said.
Five sets of tees will give golfers the option to play at different yardages ranging from 3,500 to nearly 7,000 yards. The back tees will be set at harder angles to the intended line of play and will encourage the more experienced golfers to challenge the fairway bunkers and the edges of the water features throughout the course.
“We’ve incorporated a ribbon tee system which allows for a variety of tee placements and creates a seamless transition from tee to fairway. From a resource perspective, the same mower and laborer is used to manicure the tees and fairway which makes the maintenance of the tee system more efficient and sustainable, and helps save time and money,” he said.
Golfers can also expect distinct greens of various sizes, from 4,300 - 8,800 square feet and placed at different elevations – low lying, mid-elevation and perched. “We designed the greens with various sizes, shapes, and strategic orientations in mind,” said Wilczynski. “If used
#5 and #10, will be convex and repel poorly hit shots away from the putting surface,” he explained.
The classic bunker design at Astor Creek will be an eye-catching complement to the property, featuring steep grass faces, flat sand floors and graceful lines. Sizes will vary from small pots to large waste bunkers that meander through entire sections of the holes, all carved to fit harmoniously with the scale and roll of the land.
properly, the internal and external contours can help direct a shot toward the hole and be advantageous for the player. Most greens were designed to be concave in nature to collect or accept golf shots, while some, particularly holes
Given the nearly flat topography of the site, several large lakes were dug to generate approximately 850,000 cubic yards of soil to help create the desired aesthetic and interest throughout the course. Wilczynski continued, “We have built undulation along the perimeters of the holes to specifically showcase the landscape materials and beds. The landscape is comprised of native oaks, pines, palms, and native grasses, and looks larger and more mature at this early stage, because of their strategic placements and elevations, lending a more vertical element to the property.”
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MOVERS & SHAPERS
About C.W. Golf Architecture
C.W. Golf Architecture, located in Saline, Michigan, was formed in 2010 by Chris Wilczynski, an active member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. The boutique firm specializes in a wide range of services including the master planning and renovation of existing private and public golf courses and the design and development of new golf courses and practice facilities. C.W. Golf Architecture is dedicated to creating unique and sustainable design solutions that captivate golfers, enhance playability, and provide enjoyment and social benefits to communities throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.cwgolfarch.com or contact Chris Wilczynski at (734) 395-7941
About Kolter Homes
Kolter Homes brings nearly three decades of experience in homebuilding to its master-planned communities throughout Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas that serve both active adult and primary home buyers. Kolter Homes communities have earned numerous regional and national awards, and the Kolter Homes team has welcomed over 10,000 neighbors to their new homes. www.kolterhomes. com
Kolter Homes is an affiliate of The Kolter Group LLC, a diversified real estate development and investment firm that has invested in projects with expected value in-excess of $15 billion. Headquartered in Palm Beach County, The Kolter Group LLC with its affiliated entities is currently developing in over 50 locations throughout the southeastern United States. www.thekoltergroup.com
About Ryangolf Corporation
FUELED BY DEDICATION. DRIVEN BY HERITAGE.
Since its inception in 1985, Ryangolf has provided golf course construction services in the southeastern Golf part of the country. As the company grew, so did the services that it provided. As a leader in the industry, Ryangolf has been a Certified Golf Course Builder for over two decades and prides itself on efficiency and quality of the work that it offers to the client, with the commitment to accomplishing the vision of both the owner and the architect.
This customer satisfaction has been significant in the evolution of Ryangolf into one of the top turnkey golf course builders in the country and has contributed significantly in forging mutually beneficial relationships with clients and architects over the years. At Ryangolf, owners, managers and employees exhibit the teamwork to manage the workload, perform professionally and dedicate themselves to exceed the client’s expectations…. always. www.ryangolf.com
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31 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
Lower Water Usage Real Drought Resistance
Like This, But in a Bermudagrass
TRIMBLE ACQUIRES B2W SOFTWARE TO EXPAND ITS Civil Construction Portfolio
CONTACT: LEA ANN MCNABB, 408-481-7808, LEAANN_MCNABB@TRIMBLE.COM
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 14, 2022
/PRNewswire/ – Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) announced today it has acquired privately-held B2W Software, a leading provider of estimating and operations solutions for the heavy civil construction industry. Financial terms were not disclosed.
With the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and other infrastructure legislation across the globe, construction organizations are fast tracking the digitization of their processes and operations. As infrastructure projects become increasingly complex, data-driven insights and analytics will be imperative to improve productivity, increase efficiency and drive sustainability.
"Seamlessly connected workflows are key to unlocking the true potential of an organization's data," said Elwyn McLachlan, vice president of Trimble's Civil Solutions Division. "With the acquisition of B2W, Trimble will be able to provide an unparalleled end-to-end digital experience—connecting the digital to the physical—for heavy civil and infrastructure contractors."
The addition of B2W's comprehensive suite of pre-construction and operations capabilities will expand Trimble's already extensive civil infrastructure portfolio and Trimble Construction One, a purpose-built connected construction management platform. B2W's integrated suite of applications includes estimating, scheduling, field tracking, equipment maintenance, data capture and business intelligence. By combining these capabilities with Trimble's rich field data, project management, finance and human capital management solutions, civil contractors will be able to bridge the gap between office and field
in new ways, promoting transparency, efficiency and ultimately profitability.
"B2W has helped thousands of heavy civil contractors increase their bid accuracy and operational efficiency," said Paul McKeon, B2W founder and CEO. "And now with Trimble, we can realize the next chapter of our story. By linking the planned with the executed, we will provide civil contractors with a truly connected construction experience, unlocking valuable new insights for our customers across their entire operation."
B2W will be reported as part of the Buildings and Infrastructure segment.
Perkins Coie LLP acted as legal advisor to Trimble. Piper Sandler & Co. acted as a financial advisor and Foley Hoag LLP acted as legal advisor to B2W Software.
About B2W
Headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and founded in 1993, B2W (formerly known as Bid2Win) provides specialized software for heavy civil construction management. Companies throughout North America and several other countries use B2W Software to bid on large-scale infrastructure and commercial projects, plan and manage operations, maintain large fleets of equipment and leverage business intelligence. To learn more, visit: www. b2wsoftware.com.
About Trimble
Trimble is an industrial technology company transforming the way the world works by delivering solutions that enable our customers to thrive. Core technologies in positioning, modeling, connectivity and
data analytics connect the digital and physical worlds to improve productivity, quality, safety, transparency and sustainability. From purpose-built products to enterprise lifecycle solutions, Trimble is transforming industries such as agriculture, construction, geospatial and transportation. For more information about Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB), visit: www.trimble. com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the business operations and prospects of Trimble. These forwardlooking statements are subject to change, and actual results may materially differ due to certain risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause or contribute to changes in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to (i) realizing the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, including Trimble's ability to combine B2W capabilities with Trimble solutions, and provide end-to-end, connected solutions to heavy civil and infrastructure contractors, (ii) the growth and worldwide adoption of digitization within construction organizations, and (iii) the risks and uncertainties associated with unexpected expenditures or assumed liabilities that may be incurred as a result of the acquisition. More information about potential factors which could affect Trimble's business and financial results is set forth in reports filed with the SEC, including Trimble's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and its annual report on Form 10-K. All forward-looking statements are based on information available to Trimble as of the date hereof, and Trimble assumes no obligation to update such statements.
32 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
MOVERS & SHAPERS
EXPANDED TRIMBLE CONSTRUCTION ONE PORTFOLIO ENABLES AN END-TO-END DIGITAL EXPERIENCE FOR HEAVY CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE CONTRACTORS TO ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY, PROFITABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
33 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
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NEW MEMBERS
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
ECOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENTS LLC
8751 NW 19th Street
Coral Springs, Florida 33071 Website: https://www.ecologicalimprovements.com/ Phone: (561) 596-2002
Dustin Anderson –dustin@ecologicalimprovements.com
H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES
2111 Grays Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21222 Website: https://www.he-equipment.com/ Phone: (443) 790-9924
Joe McNees – jmcnees@he-equipment.com
MOGOTES CONCRETE
7204 Autumn Park Drive Forest Hill, Texas 76140 Website: https://mogotesconcrete.com/ Phone: (817) 239-6737
Alberto Hernandez – albert@mogotesconcrete.com Gerardo Hernandezgerardo@mogotesconcrete.com
SCOTT LANDSCAPING & GRADING LLC 575 Osteen Maytown Road Osteen, Florida 32764
Phone: (407) 314-6796
Johnnell Scott – scottboy32747@yahoo.com Vernon Scott
SILT SAVER, INC.
1200 Forrester Cemetery Road Covington, Georgia 30014
Website: https://siltsaver.com/ Phone: (770) 388-7818
Keith Potter – keith@siltsaver.com
Stephanie Singleton – stephanie@siltsaver.com
WORLD FUEL SERVICES, INC.
4920 Southern Blvd
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
Website: https://www.world-kinect.com/ Phone: (757) 499-5977
Ben McClenahan – bmcclenahan@world-kinect.com
Earl Burgess – eburgess@world-kinect.com
ACC Golf Construction
ADS/Hancor, Inc.
Aspen Corporation
Bryant Taylor Gordon Golf Caterpillar, Inc.
Clarke Construction Group Duininck Golf
Dye Designs International Eagle Golf and Landscapes Products
Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply Fleetwood Services LLC
Forward Group Glase Golf, Inc.
Greenscapes Six HARCO Fittings Hartman Companies, Inc.
Henderson & Company, Inc.
Heritage Links Hunter Industries
Hydrema U.S. ISCO Industries
Landirr, Inc.
Landscapes Unlimited, LLC
Leemco Inc.
MacCurrach Golf
McDonald & Sons, Inc.
MCI Flowtronex
Medalist Golf
CHARTER MEMBERS GCBAA
Mid-America Golf & Landscape, Inc. Mountain View Seeds
NMP Golf Construction Corp. Profile Products LLC
QGS Development, Inc.
Rain Bird Corporation - Golf Division
Regency Wire
Ryangolf Corporation
Shapemasters, Inc.
Sod Solutions Professionals Southeastern Golf
SportZmix - Waupaca Sand & Solutions Sunbelt Rentals
Tee-2-Green The Cart Path Company
The Toro Company United Golf, LLC VM Golf Services
Wadsworth Golf Construction Company West Coast Turf
Westlake Pipe & Fittings
XGD Systems, LLC DBA TDI Golf
34 GCBAA Earth Shaping News | Fall Edition
MEETINGS CALENDAR
November 14-16, 2022 Carolinas GCSA Conference & Trade Show Myrtle Beach, South Carolina December 20-21, 2022 GCBAA Regional Meeting The Breakers - Palm Beach, Florida February 4-9, 2023 2023 GCSAA Conference & Trade Show/GCBAA Winter Meeting Orlando, Florida July 24-27, 2023 2023 GCBAA Summer Meeting Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Visit the Events page at gcbaa.org to stay up to date!
JOHN THEODORE SEBASTIAN MARMAN V
February 23, 1971 – August 14, 2022
John Theodore Sebastian Marman V, 51, passed away Sunday, August 14, 2022, in Orange County California.
He was born to John Lewis Marman IV and Madonna Marie Janecek Marman February 23, 1971, in Palm Springs, CA.
John grew up in Palm Desert, CA, the youngest of three children and the only boy, as well as his mother’s “favorite.” She was most proud of the kind, wonderful, thoughtful (tall and handsome!) man he had grown up to be. He was a desert rat, skater dude, loved Kiss, guitars, classic cars, and was a member of the first graduating class of Palm Desert High School.
John attended College of the Desert, where his father Coach John Marman served as Athletic Director for 33 years. He graduated with a degree in environmental services from University of California, Riverside. John worked for West Coast Turf for 27 years starting right out of college when his sister Danielle, WTC Marketing & PR Director, convinced company President John Foster to hire her little brother to work in the sod fields. John worked his way up, spending several years with WCT’s Nevada operation in Las Vegas where he was mentored by one of the best in the business and one of the most influential people in his life, the late Barry Mohon. He then held the company’s regional manager position before being named VP of Sales and Marketing in 2015.
John absolutely loved his job. He worked on projects such as Super Bowls, World Series, the Rose Bowl, Dodger Stadium, Angel Stadium, the LA Coliseum, Candlestick Park—and the list can go on forever. He even traveled to Singapore to work on natural grass projects.
He also treasured his colleagues and customers. He was a leader in the industry. If
you needed a speaker, he was it. He never met a microphone he didn’t love. He served on the Certification Board of Governors of the Golf Course Builders Association of America, was a member of Sports Field Managers Assoc., CA Landscape Contractors Assoc., Golf Course Superintendents Assoc., and he started the Nevada Landscape Assoc. with Barry.
John is especially loved by his multitude of childhood and college and Beta Theta Pi Fraternity brothers. Always easy going, fun, loyal and ready to help any of his brothers or friends, John was loved by all.
John’s greatest blessing was his son Knox. They loved breaking down sports strategy, playing catch and shooting hoops, going to football games, riding bikes, and cruising in the ’65 Rivi. These joys in life will be truly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Madonna Marman, and grandparents John and Vesta Marman, and Arnold Janecek, Beulah Janecek Winkler, and Raymond Winkler, uncles Theodore and Kent, and aunt Victoria, father-inlaw Kenneth Fisher, and brother-in-law Glennon “Silky” Powell
He is survived by his adored 10-year-old son, John Knox Marman VI from his marriage to Donna Fisher Marman, his sisters Sue (Suzi) Hanks (John), Danielle Scardino (John), nieces Margaret, Allison, and Erin Powell, aunts Jacqueline Knight, Angela Johnson, and Anne Armstrong, cousins, J Arnold Yeske, Troy Yeske, Tommy Johnson, Emily Johnson, Lexi Marman Cowden, Nickie Shenk, LeeAnn Swain, mother-in-law Mary Claire Fisher, sister-in-law Connie Fisher Powell, and the entire West Coast Turf Family.
He spent the last year of his life in a house on the ocean where he walked on the beach
searching for sea glass with his girlfriend Heather.
A memorial mass will be held Wednesday, August 24th at 11:00 am at St Edward the Confessor Catholic Parish at 33926 Calle la Primavera, Dana Point, CA 92629.
Reception to follow from 12:30 – 3:30 pm at Jimmy’s Dana Point at 25001 Dana Point Harbor Drive in Dana Point, CA in the Dana Marina Plaza adjacent to the Dana Point Harbor. Parking is available at Dana Marina Plaza.
The family requests remembrances be made in the form of a tribute gift to Sticks for Kids or CLICK HERE or St. Edwards the Confessor Parish School www.stedschool.org.
John was community minded and an enthusiastic advocate for education. He was a longstanding member of the Horticulture Advisory Committee at Mt. San Antonio College.
In recognition of his involvement with and commitment to Mt. SAC, they have created both a scholarship in his name and a fund to support the Mt. SAC Turf Team in John’s honor. If you would like to make a gift to support this effort, please visit the Mt. SAC Foundation website at https:// mtsacfoundation.org/.
Danielle, Suzi, and Knox would especially like to thank the Foster family for treating John like family for 27 years.
Mental health is important at every stage of life. If you or someone you know are struggling, reach out. It will be a hard conversation, but....
“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.” – Fred Rogers
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SEDIMENT CONTROL PRODUCTS
For over 23 years, Silt Saver has been trusted by commercial developers, pipeline installers, and highway contractors to solve their sediment control challenges. We are excited to bring our innovative, performance-based solutions to the golf course development industry.
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