S. Florida Regional Meeting AT THE BREAKERS AKA THE “GCBAA CHRISTMAS PARTY”

GCBAA Members, allied and industry guests joined together just before Christmas at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida for the S. Florida Regional Meeting now dubbed as the GCBAA Christmas/ Holiday Party and what a great year-end, holiday celebration it was! The Opening Reception kicked off the evening on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, with sponsors Caterpillar, Inc., Ring Power, and Kelly Tractor. Thank you to Chris, Wes, Tony and their teams for sharing the exciting successes of 2022 with the attendees. Be on the lookout for the CAT Rent Rebate Partnership Program check presentation at the upcoming GCBAA General Membership Meeting in Orlando, Florida in February. Due to inclement weather, it moved from the Front Lawn into the beautiful Mediterranean Ballroom and Courtyard. Not a bad 2nd place to host the event! One special guest that needs no introduction, but a humbling welcome and thanks was felt over the room recognizing GCBAA Past President and current Board of Governor, Fidel Garcia with Ryangolf Corporation. Fidel was in a tragic snowmobile accident last year. His injuries were significant and after months of healing, rest, good medical attention, and lots of prayers and positive thoughts, “Phil” was able to join us. Way to stay strong and a good reminder of how to remember that each day is a “present”.

Wednesday, December 21, 2022, kicked off the day with breakfast sponsored by The Toro Company and rolled right into opening remarks by GCBAA President John McDonald II and Executive Director, Justin Apel. When the room was asked if this was their first time attending this event (whether a new representative for a company or new member), the show of hands was astounding! Keynote, Michael Leemhuis, ClubWorks, led an intriguing and engaging presentation on “Shaping your Personal Future – Characteristics and Traits of Successful Golf Industry Leaders”, followed by a presentation on Porous Pave with Matt Lamb, Vice President of Sales & Marketing informing attendees of their unique product and how they help better the golf industry and our membership in the construction/renovation process. After a quick break, we led into an engaging presentation and discussion on the Latest Design Trends with Jeff

Brauer, Director of Business Development with ASGCA, Jan Bel Jan, ASGCA, and John Sanford, ASGCA. Called to the stage for additional discussion was Kipp Schulties, ASGCA. This allowed members to openly discuss industry opportunities, challenges, successes, and ways we can work together better. We stepped away for a lunch sponsored by Florida Coast Equipment/Big Orange Rental and were able to see their Kubota RTV on display. Each attendee then had the chance to take the floor and inform the room of who they are, what they do and what their product or service offers to “Buy From Within”. Shortly after these attendee introductions, the meeting was concluded. We want to say a special thanks to those listed on the following page for their generosity in supporting this event through their sponsorships and ongoing support of the GCBAA. While we hope everyone had safe and on-time departures arriving home to their families for Christmas, we know others had delays and found obstacles along the way. Whatever the journey was that led you home, we are thankful you joined us for a very successful meeting and look forward to 2023 and expanding this event in the years to come. If you were unable to join us this year, please be on the lookout for a “Save the Date” for 2023. Cheers!