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News from the President Come On Spring It pays to belong. I think someone has probably copywrited this slogan but it has never been more important for golf course owners and operators to “belong” to the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association. Bob Koutnik, President
MGCOA Board of Directors PRESIDENT Bob Koutnik Fox Run Country Club VICE PRESIDENT Jim Scott Gull Lake View
I recently attended a MGCOA Educational Support Foundation (ESF) committee meeting. One of the items Chairman Charlie Scott and the committee members are working on is the speaker line-up for this year’s MGCOA Golf Business Conference. It looks like their string of outstanding speakers will continue. I don’t want to give anything away here but make sure to watch for the Conference announcement later this summer. Mark your calendar for November 29, 30 and December 1 and make sure to attend. This year’s event will be held at the Somerset Inn in Troy. Recently the Conference has been held in conjunction with the Golf Course Superintendents Association. New Executive Director of MIGCSA Adam Ikamas also attended the meeting. In addition to the terrific speakers, one of the biggest benefits of attending is the opportunity to network with other course owners and superintendents. The exchange of information helps us all.
I also attended a meeting regarding our annual Legislative Affairs Day. This year, for the first time, we have joined with the Golf Association of Michigan, the Michigan Section of the PGA, the Club Managers Association, the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association, and the Michigan PAST PRESIDENT Turfgrass Foundation. This group, now called the Michigan Golf Alliance, has put together a great Bill Fountain program to enable us to introduce and inform the new legislators and staff of who we are and what Majestic at Lake Walden our industry brings to the State of Michigan. I can’t overstate the importance of this day. This year’s Kathy Aznavorian Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center date is June 22nd. Please watch for the announcement and details of the event and plan on attending. We hope to have attendees from every House and Senate District. This is a great way for you to Larry Bowden meet your Representative and Senator or their staff. That personal contact can be invaluable. Who The Natural knows, you might even be able to land a golf outing. Ed Clark TREASURER Jeff Hoag Scott Lake Country Club
Sandy Ridge Golf Course Jim Dewling Total Golf Inc. Frank Guastella Franklin Golf Toni Joers Concord Hills Susan Vanderburg Indian Lake Hills Larry Moore U.S. Golf Cars
In the last issue of the Tee Off Times, Legislative Affairs Chairman Tom Schwark included a brief questionnaire regarding property taxes. If you have not filled out and returned your questionnaire I urge you to do so as soon as possible. At last fall’s Strategic Planning session, property tax reform was number one on our list. Your responses will help the Legislative Affairs Committee form an approach to deal with this issue. Reform in how our courses are taxed would be a benefit to all of us. There is strength in numbers. If you are not a member of the MGCOA, you should be for this issue alone. If you need a copy of the questionnaire, contact the MGCOA office and they will be happy to get you one.
Recently I received the 2011 copy of Entegra’s Golf Course Product list. I have to admit years ago I was skeptical as to whether or not Entrgra could save me any money on our restaurant purchases. Carolyn Olson Elmbrook Golf Course I am now a convert. They have negotiated lower prices for many of the products we use daily, and Steve Ramey they monitor my invoices and suggest similar products for me to use that can save money, as well as Chisholm Hills negotiate manufacturer rebates on some of the items we use a lot. I love it when I receive a rebate Dave Richards check from Entegra. Entegra membership is a benefit when you are an MGCOA member. Entegra Resort & Golf Marketing Services works with both GFS and Sysco and is seamless behind the scenes. Dan Rooney Grand Haven Golf Club Tom Schwark Sycamore Hills Curtis Wright Copper Hills Golf Course
Membership has its privileges. I know I am borrowing that line and in this case it is true. In addition to the ESF, Government Affairs, and Entegra, there are many other benefits of having an MGCOA membership. If you are in the business of golf in Michigan, you need to be a member of the MGCOA. If you’re not a member, contact Kate Moore or Jada Paisley and join today. Tell ‘em Bob sent you. Come on Spring.
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Michigan Golf Business 2010 Annual Awards to the Industry At the annual Golf Business Conference and Vendor Fair, held in Grand Rapids last fall, the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association announced the following individuals for recognition and special awards. The MGCOA is proud to recognize Sara Wold, renowned women’s golf advocate as the 2010 recipient of the “Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award” Sara Wold played a major role in structuring golf for women in Michigan. From her earliest organizational experiences as President of the Park-Davis Women’s Golf League (1971-75), she continued developing her skills as chairman of the Women’s Athletic Advisory Committee for Detroit’s Department of Recreation for nine years (1973-82). Sara applied her leadership skills to several of the top golf organizations in the state. The USGA Women’s Amateur Public Links (WAPL) Committee has benefited since 1984. Sara was a founding member in 1986 of the Michigan Women’s Publinx Golf Association (MWPGA). During Sara’s term as president, 1994 96, the MWPGA won the Golf for Women’s Magazine Award for Best Women’s Public Golf Association. Sara served the Golf Association Sara Wold, Michigan Golf Hall of Famer, added to of Michigan (GAM) since ’94 in several capacities. She played a leading her long list of recognitions and accomplishments role annually chairing various GAM Championships and the Long Range by walking away with the Bruce Matthews Planning Committee. She has presided as Governor of GAM since 1998 Lifetime Achievement Award. Sara was presented and is a member of the Executive Committee. The Women’s Michigan Golf with the award by Tom Schwark, owner of Association (WMGA) and the Michigan Golf Foundation (MGF) have Sycamore Hills Golf Course in Macomb and benefited from Sara’s direction since 1996 where she has served as Vice member of the MGCOA board of directors. President and Rules Chairman for WMGA and has been President since 2001. Sara promoted golf through a variety of tournaments and publications. As a founding member of the Women’s Interstate Mid-Amateur Golf Championship involving Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, she spent fourteen years (1985-1999) on the executive committee and as the Michigan representative. She officiated at the U.S. Women’s Open from 1999-2001. She co-chaired the Michigan Women’s Golf Summits I, II and III a program of seminars on women’s golf related issues with guest speakers such as Carol Mann, Kathy Whitworth and Judy Bell. Sara has acted as a Golf Digest panelist since 1986. Sara officiated 4 World Amateur Team Championships - in Puerto Rico, South Africa, Australia, and Argentina and received the Ike Grainger Award for 25 years of service to the USGA. She was elected to the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame in 2003. MGCOA board member Toni Joers receives 2010 “Lyle Leeke Distinguished Service Award”
Long time board member Toni Joers, owner of Concord Hills Golf Club in Jackson received the Lyle Leeke Distinguished Service Award for her commitment to the MGCOA. Here she is presented the award by Educational Support Foundation chairman Charlie Scott.
“Two decades of service to the MGCOA and the Educational Support Foundation shows a dedication to the industry few have,” said Charlie Scott, chairman of the Scott Family Educational Support Foundation and owner of Gull Lake View Golf Resort in Augusta. This is why Toni Joers had been selected for the “Distinguished Service Award.” Toni has served on all executive positions with the MGCOA and joined the ESF at its inception in 1996. When the Educational Support Foundation was formed, she immediately volunteered her energy and creativity to that committee as a trustee and has remained ever since. As owner of Concord Hills, Toni has shared her perspective on the golf business to help form policy for the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association. Toni Joers was instrumental in breathing life back into the young MGCOA in the 80s by supervising the transition of what was almost completely a volunteer driven organization to one that was overseen by the Michigan Restaurant Association and eventually became the independent and vital organization it is today. The MGCOA congratulates Toni Joers on her dedication and commitment to the Association and the golf industry. Continued on page 6
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Continued from page 5 “Player Development Leadership Award” goes to Fox Hills Golf and Banquet Center The commitment to growing and sustaining the new golfer embodies the spirit of the “Dul Family Player Development Leadership Award.” The trustees of the Educational Support Foundation award a $1500 grant to the winning applicant. The winning program will be featured in an edition of the MGCOA’s Tee Off Times in 2011. This year’s winner, Julia Grelak (Director of Sales & Marketing at Fox Hills) conceptualized the program for girls in golf from her experiences as a young golfer and was able to implement the program with the support and assistance of the owners and staff at Fox Hills. Bedford Valley Golf Club is MGCOA 2010 Golf Course of the Year Award Winners of the Dul Family Player Development Leadership Award 2010. From left to right upper, Sandy Mily, Jennifer Aznavorian (Asst. General Manager), Anne Gajda (Instructor), Kathy Aznavorian, Julia Grelak (Director of Sales & Marketing); from left to right lower, Mark Runchey, Director of Golf, Jordan Young, Director of Instruction
Having a beautiful golf course is not all it takes to earn the distinction of Golf Course of the Year. The Course of the Year Award honors a member in good standing with the MGCOA demonstrating four criteria: 1. exceptional quality of the course 2. exceptional quality of ownership and management 3. outstanding contribution to its community 4. significant contribution to the game
The fourth of five Gull Lake View Resort courses, Bedford Valley, was purchased by the Scott family in 1988. Designed in 1965 by William Mitchell, this 18-hole facility is one of Michigan’s most frequently played golf championship sites. The classic design is known locally as, “The Big Course,” with huge greens, large bunkers, and fairways lined with mighty oaks. Golf purists rave about the course’s shot values and overall challenging layout. Golf operations at Gull Lake View Golf Resort, and Bedford Valley, employ hundreds of local residents throughout the season. The start of the 2008 Michigan Senior Open Tournament, coincided with the grand opening of the brand new clubhouse and parking/bag drop area. Bedford Valley and Gull Lake View have roughly 300 members who play many golf rounds each and every year. Thousands of travelers visit Southwest Michigan annually because of Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort. Casinos, gas stations, restaurants, camping parks, grocery stores, etc. are all beneficiaries.
John Seiser receives special Proclamation from Board President Bob Koutnik. Seiser is retiring from Kapnick Insurance and has been an active corporate partner of the MGCOA for decades.
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All Gull Lake View courses are certified members of the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program and the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for golf courses focusing on environmental planning, wildlife/habitat management, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, water quality management and outreach and education for the local communities. As far as giving back to the community, Bedford Valley hosts several fund raisers annually that generate thousands of dollars for local charities. Gull Lake View supports several local charities with in-kind contributions of golf rounds towards great causes within the Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, and Southwest Michigan areas and for the past 17 years has hosted the MGCOA Annual Golf Outing and Supplier Field Day, one of our largest fundraisers. Jim Scott holds the crystal award recognizing Player Development is a very big part of the operations at the Gull Lake Bedford Valley Golf Course, part of the Gull Lake View properties. Bedford Valley hosts many weekly golf leagues throughout View Golf Properties, as 2010 Golf Course of the golf season. Bedford Valley’s league members became the first winners the Year. Jim is flanked by Dean Kolstad, golf professional and Bill Walters, superintendent. of the annual MGCOA Michigan Golf League Championship Tournament in 2007. Additionally, Gull Lake View’s Junior Golf Program won both the National Golf Course Owners Association’s “2008 Player Development Award” and “The Dul Family Player Development Leadership Award” from the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association. The “2010 Golf World Readers’ Choice Award,” voted Gull Lake View Golf Resort 9th place for Best Public Golf Course for “Overall Value,” in June of 2009 and was also voted 8th in Best Public Golf Course for “Speed of Play,” in June of 2009 golf magazine issues. All 5 Gull Lake View courses, including Bedford Valley, are rated 4½ stars out of 5 by Golf Digest. The MGCOA is pleased to announce Bedford Valley as Golf Course of the Year.
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NGCOA Conference Highlights At the National Golf Course Owners Association’s annual conference this February in Orlando, the face of Michigan was evident. Our good friend and colleague, the late John Dodge, was honored with the NGCOA Champion Award for his work here in Michigan and nationally as a leader and spokesperson for our industry. John’s wife Diane traveled to Orlando to receive the award accompanied by sons Ben and Charlie. Getting out of Michigan didn’t get you away from the acerbic wit and challenging banter of our good friend Tim Skubick. Skubick held a “town hall” style meeting on the first full day of the national conference. He challenged the golf course owners from around the country to know who represents them and make sure they know who you are, too.
Ben Dodge accepts the “Champion Award” on behalf of his father, John. Diane Dodge also spoke to the conference attendees at the Celebration Dinner.
Skubick puts NGCOA member through his paces on legislative representation.
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March/April 2011
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Getting In Front of Employee Issues: 9 Proactive Tips From an Employment Attorney By: Amanda Garcia-Williams, Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C.
As an employment attorney, I view my role as primarily proactive. I spend several hours each day on the phone with business owners, human resources personnel, and managers, helping them to navigate thorny employee issues. My goal is always to limit the risks to the business by noticing potential liability under state and federal employment laws, and to avoid costly litigation. I have noticed in recent years that the challenging economic times have caused many clients to forego the proactive practices, risking messy litigation in order to save on costs in the short term. Therefore, my practice has shifted somewhat, because employers now call me after they have been sued instead of before. Unfortunately, that often results in increased time and costs.
disability accommodations or leaves of absence can be a great way to limit legal exposure for the company.
Tip #7-Do Not Use Pre-Printed Forms for Applications, Offer Letters, Etc. If you already use preprinted forms, at least have counsel review these documents. Applications found on-line or “borrowed” from another business often request prohibited information and do not take care to preserve the at-will status.
Tip #8-Classify Employees Correctly
Below I have highlighted 9 proactive tips to help employers avoid expensive litigation or administrative claims.
Misclassification of Independent Contractors or Salary/Hourly employees can be a costly mistake. If there is any question regarding these classifications, legal counsel should be consulted.
Tip # 1-Have a Thorough Employee Handbook-And Follow It
Tip #9-Have Decisions Reviewed by HR Manager, Personnel Supervisor, or Legal Counsel
A good employee handbook should be current, outline what the company provides to employees, and state the company’s expectation of all employees. It should include, among other policies, a nondiscrimination, Fair Labor Standards Act, prohibited harassment, work rules, limitations policy, paid time off, leave of absence, and a clear at-will provision.
Difficult terminations, leave matters, severance agreements and drug testing issues are just a few of the thorny topics you should discuss with knowledgeable professionals before potential liability ensues.
Tip #2-Preserve your At-Will Employment Status Employers must take care to maintain at-will status through their handbook, application forms, employment agreements and all oral communications with employees.
Tip #3-Treat Employees Consistently At-will status only protects companies from a wrongful discharge claim—discrimination claims are still a risk. Therefore, employers must be consistent in their discipline, terminations and other conditions of employment.
Tip #4-Document! Maintain accurate and complete records including discipline forms, warnings, medical documentation and requests.
Tip #5-Investigate Serious Claims and Do Not Retaliate Investigations into matters such as prohibited harassment are delicate, but must occur. If managers are not trained or experienced in this area, consider using a third party such as an attorney or HR consultant to perform the investigation.
Tip #6-Train Managers Supervisor training on matters such as harassment, documentation,
The NGCOA Listserv Benefit From the Experience Of Thousands Of Industry Professionals - From the Comfort Of Your Home Or Office The NGCOA Listserv is an email community of members from around the world with one goal in mind: sharing ideas and solving the problems that golf course operators face every day. And the number of members enlisted grows every week. The NGCOA’s listserv technology is strictly email-based, meaning you don’t need to log on to a Web site to engage in the dialogue. It’s more user-friendly than a standard chat room; the dialogue comes to the user, rather than the user seeking out other live participants. Once a member subscribes to the listserv, he or she will have the ability to send and receive emails within the community and all members can review and respond. The responder may choose to email the inquiring member privately, but the value of the listserv lies within the public, open dialogue. Only current NGCOA members can access the listserv. Contact Jada Paisley for your log in information.
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Updates from the Capitol Governor Pushing Business Tax Change
Legislative Bulletin
Governor Snyder is calling for a massive overhaul of the state’s business tax. His proposal scraps the current Michigan Business Tax (MBT) and replaces it with a Email Eric at: errule@mgcoa.org straight 6% corporate income tax. The tax would only be levied on “C” corporations. Other businesses such as partnerships, sole-proprietorships and limited liability companies would be exempt. This is the case because they already pax tax on business profits under the individual income tax.
Furthermore, the Corporate Income Tax would eliminate the old system of tax credits and deductions, retaining only a single credit targeted towards small businesses. The Governor proposes that existing commitments made to businesses under the old tax structure be honored, but stops this spending practice going forward unless annually appropriated and reviewed for effectiveness. The Governor also proposes changes to the Income Tax Act to make it as simple, fair, and efficient for individuals as the Corporate Income Tax is for businesses. The individual income tax rate will be reduced from 4.35% to 4.25% on October 1, 2011, as scheduled. The Governor recommends broadening the individual income tax base in order to capture all individual income earned in the state regardless of source and eliminating all credits and deductions related to the individual income tax, with the exception of the personal exemption, homestead property tax credit, and a few other subtractions.
Property Tax Classification/ Municipal Competition Meeting Held Representatives of MGCOA met with Rep. McMillin’s office last week to discuss how Michigan golf courses are classified for property tax purposes. At issue is the current definition of golf courses as commercial property designated at the best possible use of that property. As members have seen, this can mean staggering property tax bills, even when a profit may not being realized. Ohio is looking at language that determines the property tax owed based upon the actual profits claimed by the property owner for that parcel. This was the context of the conversation has with the Representative’s staff. Since the meeting, it has become clear that Rep. McMillin is also interested in pursuing changes along the lines of what Ohio is considering. Rep. McMillin has also been a vocal advocate for the free market on other issues near and dear to golf. Rep. McMillin is all set to introduce a bill for MGCOA dealing with municipal competition in Michigan. That bill would closely mirror a bill introduced by McMillin last session that said unless it is an essential service not provided by the private sector, government could not compete against private industry. Exceptions were made for existing situations, but they could not increase in scope. The bill is currently being shopped for co-sponsors and should be introduced in the next week or so. McMillin chairs the Oversight, Elections and Reform Committee, where the bill could be referred.
Item Pricing Modernization Passes Senate HB 4158, which seeks to end the requirement that nearly every item sold at retail be affixed with an individual price tag, passed the Senate this week. The bill has already passed the house and will soon be on its way to Governor Snyder for his signature. The governor is expected to sign the bill, as he made the issue a focal point in his State of the State speech. In the speech, he called for an end to needless regulations on business, and called the Item Pricing Law Exhibit A of such laws that needed to be repealed. Retailers and business groups claim the bill will be a needed relief from redundant and burdensome requirements to place a sticker on every item sold, by instead requiring the retailer to still communicate the price to the consumer in a fashion that is near where the item is sold, but not necessarily on every item. This would allow of shelf and bin pricing on merchandise. Unions have long argued the bill would lead to massive layoffs of employees that label the merchandise. Retailers have countered that these employees will instead be deployed into other, more usefull areas of operations to help consumers. Proof of this can be found when comparing non-item-pricing state to Michigan and the fact that other states have the same number or more employees per store. Michigan is the only state in the nation that requires such a stringent item pricing law be followed.
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Walmarts of Golf By Tom Schwark, owner of Sycamore Hills Golf Course in Macomb and chair of the MGCOA Government Affairs Committee
Walmart always has a hard time when they try to open a new store, especially when it is in a new community. Their prices are so low that they end up putting many small local retailers out of business. The result is that local retailers try to stop a Walmart from opening in their community. Imagine the outcry from golf course owners if there was a golf Walmart that could come into a community and underprice all the local golf courses and put them out of business. It would be far worse than competing against municipal golf courses. Fortunately for our industry, no one has been able to figure out a way to build a good golf course, cheaply, and undercut everybody else in price, while still remaining profitable. However, that hasn’t stopped some golf course owners from trying to be golf’s Walmart. The problem for them is that they cannot reduce their cost enough to maintain their margins, or the quality of their golf course. Costs of fuel, power, fertilizer, and chemicals continue to rise year after year, yet some golf course owners continue to lower their prices to try to increase revenue. It’s a recipe of madness and failure. I’ve seen owner after owner drop their green fees and initially experience an increase in revenue, only to find revenues drop even more in the long run. Why? Nearby golf courses will drop their price to win back the golfers they lost, and the only winners are the golfers. All the golf course owners lose. Once prices are dropped, it is even harder to raise them again. I’m cautiously optimistic about Michigan golf this year. Instead of layoffs and losses in the auto industry, we are seeing profits and bonuses. Tens of thousands of employees for GM and Ford will be getting bonuses of $4300 and $5000 respectively in March and April which will result in hundreds of millions of dollars being added to the Michigan economy. This will have a ripple effect in our state which will give a boost to all businesses including golf courses. However, I remain fearful of price erosion. If our industry is to remain viable, we need to stop cutting prices. Golf has certainly become affordable and play isn’t going to increase just because it costs a buck less. There are different levels of golf courses in terms of quality and conditions, and those courses will have different levels of pricing. However, there are comparable courses in most areas and to be competitive, those courses must have comparable pricing. It is time now to stop this Walmart mentality with our green fees and begin the long road back to economic health for our industry.
Legislative Bulletin
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Government Affairs Committee 2011 The MGCOA wishes to thank and recognize the members of the PAC and Government Affairs Committee. These individuals volunteer to oversee and consult with the MGCOA staff and government affairs coordinator and lobbyist on issues relating to our industry. They are also on the front line when it comes to communicating with the legislature on your behalf. If you are interested in participati ng on the Government Affairs or PAC Committee, please contact Eric Rule (errule@mgcoa.org) .
www.mgcoa.org
Name
Golf Course or Company
Location
Kathy Aznavorian Ed Clark Salvatore Cottone Bill Fountain Frank Guastella Bob Koutnik Patty McCarthy Joe Miesle Matt Milosch Steve Ramey Dave Richards Tom Schwark, Chair Jon Scott Joe Tignanelli Curtis Wright
Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center Sandy Ridge Golf Course Twin Lakes Golf Club The Majestic at Lake Walden Franklin-Golf Fox Run Country Club Reddeman Farms Golf Club Hunters Ridge Golf Course Carleton Glen Golf Club Chisholm Hills Golf Club Resort and Golf Marketing Sycamore Hills Golf Club Gull Lake View Golf Club Wyndgate Copper Hills Golf Course
Plymouth Midland Oakland Hartland Clarkston Grayling Chelsea Howell Carleton Lansing Bloomfield Hills Mt. Clemens Augusta Rochester Hills Oxford
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Electedt To Golf Pla yer D eFour velopmen IIss Michigan aW in :W in ! Hall Of Fame Play De elopment Win in:W :Win in! Public links veteranBy Jim Briegel, courseExecutive architectDirector Arthur native Perne as a teammate served captain threeeyears Kate Moore,golf MGCOA I n who this is ttak ak isssasue ake Hills, journalist Terry Moore and Don Perne, co-founder of prior to Hills. Hills went on to earn a degree in Landscape At 2009 Michigan Professional Golf BusinessGolf Conference, JasonatGuss away $1,500 aoflook thethe PGA of America’s Management Ferriswalked Architecture at the University Michigan.at… He has designed
richer. Jason applied for thea broad Dul Family Player Development State University, represent cross-section of the game, Leadership more thanAward 225 courses around the world. grant and been won. elected Jason manages the Rick Golf SmithHall GolfofAcademy and have to the Michigan Fame. Junior Development Ginolden as sbook Pas assbook Hills designed 16 courses Michigan,P from the Arthur Hills Program at Treetops Resort in Gaylord. This program is a whole season of golf Briegel is a life-long public course player who picked up golf Course at Boyne Highlands and Bay Harbor inolf Petoskey, To Michig an G Michigan Golf instruction which allows the player to truly develop. It has the lowest student to while caddying for the University of Michigan’s golf team for to Egypt Valley in Ada and Hawkshead in South Haven, teacher ration possible, 1:1. This 1:1 Ration allows the student to practice and attain Courses five startinggoals at the of 12. setting Now inespecially his 80s, for Briegel Shepherd’s theiryears, own personal in age a learning them. The student isHollow also and Pine Trace in metropolitan Detroit, still is a long hitter and in 2007 shot 70 from the back tees in and Red Hawk able to pass on playing privileges at Treetops and all family members receive discountedin Tawas. arates. tournament Dunham Hills to beat his strokes. th West course at MSU’s Forest To learn at more, visit Treetops.com andage, clickbyon11Rick Smith Golf Academy. Hills completely revamped Annual G olf 17the Golf A contender and officer in the Michigan Publinx Golf Akers complex, redesigned the East course and designed the The Dul Family Player Development Leadership Award recognizes MGCOA's Outing and Association for years, Briegel has continued as a senior and the expansive practice area. members' initiative in player development and retention. We want to reward the best Michigan Publinx Seniors Golf Association championship is Supplier Field Day Hillssuch has renovated on-going programs that overcome the perceived barriers to playing golf as time, more than 125 courses including Inverness, named for him, the Briegel Cup. Briegel also is a driving force his homewhether club in Toledo and has worked on Oakland Hills, cost and intimidation. This recognition is presented to any MGCOA member, in the MPSGA State Senior-Amateur Open. Oakmont and Congressional, all U.S. Open sites. He has a 9 hole operation or more that has demonstrated creativity and success in growing y er 2010 Pla Play While president of the Braun & Brumfield Printing Co. of Ann received honors from “Golf Digest” for Best New Private and the game. D“Boardroom e v elopmen t named elopment Arbor, he was involved with the production of three Sleeping Best New Public courses and Magazine” So, start putting your notes together, taking pictures and gathering testimonials from Bear golf books including “The Spirit of St. Andrews,” “Golf him Golf Course Architect of the Year in 2008. d L e ader ship A war ard adership Aw your success stories. The outline of criteria for applying for the Dul Family Player Has Never Failed Me” and “Forbidden Fairways.” Terry Moore, once a school administrator but a caddie as a Development Leadership Award is inserted into this edition. And remember, every Application Arthur Hills was captain of the Michigan State University golf youngster, got back into golf in 1983 when he co-founded golf course that offers a player development program, is a winner! Entry deadline, team while 5. working toward a degree in Agronomy with Lansing November Continued on page 15
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BRRRRR....it’s cold out there! For all of you golf course owners who’ve so far survived the winter without a serious mishap, there’s still time to take preemptive measures to protect your property. ·
If the gutters on your buildings haven’t been cleared out since the last leaf dropped in the fall, it’s time to brave the cold before the next snowfall. Clogged gutters allow ice to build up under the roof line and can cause interior damage. Heat tape along the roof edge can help to avoid ice accumulation.
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Proper insulation in the attic is important, not only for heating efficiency, but it also can reduce ice-damming caused by snow melting and refreezing.
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Plumbing inside and outside should be protected to avoid damaging pipes and the potential for flooding. Pipes should be insulated or have wall insulation around them.
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Thermostats should be kept at a minimum temperature of 60 degrees, even when empty, and cabinet doors should be kept open to allow the heat to circulate to help protect pipes from freezing.
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Exterior sprinkler systems should be winterized. Pipes leading to exterior spigots should be turned off and drained.
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Portable space heaters should not be placed within 3 inches of anything flammable. Extension cords should not be used to power them.
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Chimneys and flues on fireplaces and stoves should be checked and cleaned annually due to the build up of flammable creosote.
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Keep the snow plowed for easy access for firefighters in the event of a fire.
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It’s not too early to begin thinking about the spring thaw and the increased potential for flooding.
It’s also a good time of year - before the season gets into full “swing” to take a close look at your insurance and risk management program and make sure everything is “up to par.” Contact one of the Golf Course Program insurance professionals at Kapnick Insurance Group if you are interested in a noobligation review of your current program: 888.263.4656.
Save the Date!
Michigan Golf Business 2011 November 29-December 1 Somerset Inn, Troy
Michigan Golf Legislative Day Wednesday, June 22 On the Capitol lawn! Look for registration information soon
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Is Your Website Mobile Ready? Written by Bay Paul
In 2010, there were 60 million smart phones sold in the US. This is expected to increase to 90 million in 2011. More and more people are surfing the internet on their phone. Right now there is probably someone searching Google for “Golf Courses in {Your Area}” on their mobile device. If your website is optimized for the search engines and shows up on the first page of Google, what will the golfer see when they click on your listing? Most golf course website design companies use Flash. Flash is a software programming language that fades images in and out kind of like a slide show. We all know a picture is worth 1,000 words, and showcasing your course’s pictures throughout the site is a key ingredient when marketing your golf course. You can’t make a second first impression. In most cases you only have one chance to make a first impression. The problem is many mobile devices can’t see Flash. Did you k now the iPhone can’t view Flash? If you have an iPhone and your website uses Flash, go check it out right now on your iPhone. The solution…. Our websites use a special programming language that allows your website to be viewed perfectly on an iPhone, iPad or any mobile device, without losing the slide show effect on your homepage. Go to www.golfwildhorse.com on your iphone right now. There are still some mobile devices that can see Flash, but what about your navigation menu? Is your site menu easy to navigate on your mobile device? These are all very important factors when choosing a new website provider for your golf course. Selecting a provider that understands golf is a given, but selecting a provider that is ahead of the technology curve is optimal. If you would like a free website audit to determine if your site is optimized for the search engines and mobile ready, please call us at 800.599.6310 or visit our website at www.course-logix.com.
Four Elected To Michigan Golf Hall Of Fame Continued from page 13 Michigan Golfer magazine with Art McCafferty. Moore covered 27 Buick Opens and this year will be his 28th Masters Tournament. While editor of “Michigan Golfer” he printed stories on every facet of the game, from juniors and high schools to seniors, amateurs and professionals, superintendents and association officials. Moore founded the West Michigan Golf Show in 1989. The Grand Rapids show has been one of the most successful and wellattended in the country, has featured seven PGA Teacher of the Year recipients, including Jim Flick, Hank Haney, Gary Wiren, and current Teacher of the Year Todd Anderson, a Grand Rapids native and head of instruction at Sea Island Resort in Georgia. The show now is owned by ShowSpan but Moore continues in a media relations role. He served 10 years on Egypt Valley’s Media Committee during the PGA Champions Tour run and was point person for the club’s bid to host the 2010 USGA Junior Boys Championship, the first USGA championship held in West Michigan. Moore also is a governor of the Golf Association of Michigan and continues to write for Michigan Golfer online and several other internet outlets. Don Perne and Arthur Hills have linked from the time they were at MSU. Perne was two years ahead of Hills and chose to become a PGA professional Michigan Golf Hall of Fame member Horton Smith signed his membership papers. Hills decided on design and has become one of the leaders in the field. Perne was professional at St. Clair River Country Club, Shaker Heights in Ohio, Canoe Brook in New Jersey and Wilmington CC in Delaware and eventually wound up at Inverness Club in Toledo from 1981-93. He was one of the first six PGA Master Professionals. He was host professional of the 1986 and 1993 PGA Championships. Perne, a drum major while at MSU, led the field in every Northern Ohio Section PGA tournament and is in the Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame. While earning many PGA honors for his work with caddies and fellow PGA members, Perne considers co-founding the Professional Golf Management program at Ferris State his No. 1 achievement. Robert Ewigleben, another MSU teammate, was president of Ferris and between the school and the PGA they developed the program in which students receive a business degree, spend 16 to 20 months in internships at clubs and resorts around the country and then are eligible for PGA membership. PGM is so successful that 24 other universities have adopted it. Briegel, Hills, Moore and Perne will be inducted into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame on May 15 at Indianwood G&CC. The quartet raises the number of Hall of Fame members to 94. For more information on this year’s induction ceremony, contact Loretta Larkin at llarkin@michigan-golf-foundation.com or (248) 719-0650.
Tee-Off Times
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Supervisors Five Safety Responsibilities By Joe Clifford, MBA, VP Group Program Administration
In safety management, there are a few common related issues that need to be addressed in order for a company’s safety program to be truly effective. Some of these issues are standard management issues, while others draw from common work methods from years past. One of the most important safety ideas is that a business’s Team Leaders, Supervisors and/or Department Managers know and practice their Supervisors’ 5 Safety Responsibilities. All company Department Managers, Supervisors, Team Leaders and Lead Employees MUST: 1. Inspect and Maintain their area(s) of control in a hazard free condition at all times. A safe working environment is of paramount importance in any safety effort. A supervisor should be responsible for documented safety and operational inspections that are designed to identify and eliminate unsafe conditions and behaviors. 2. Investigate All Incidents of Loss or Near Loss and Document them on an incident report form. Since a supervisory person has control over their work area and the employees that work in it standard safety logic has always dictated that that they do the investigation of all losses, or near losses, that occur within their area of control. Remember, “near loss” = “near miss.”
3. Attend the Safety Committee Meeting and Stand Accountable for the Losses That Occur Within Their Area of Control. Supervisor accountability is one of the primary foundations of basic business. Safety management should be no different! A supervisor is responsible for daily work hours, production, quality and many other standard management issues why not safety issues? 4. Train or be responsible for All Safety Training That Employees Receive. A supervisor doesn’t need to speak every word of safety training that an employee receives. However, they need to be responsible for the training that employees get on a day-to-day basis. Think of it this way if you were a supervisor in a widget plant, wouldn’t you want employees trained in correct widget manufacturing?
Want a mower that performs as well in the shop as on the green? With our new SL PrecisionCut Walk Greens Mowers, you can set height-of-cut with a cordless drill, switch rollers by simply removing two bolts, and add an easy-toadjust front push brush. Greens Tender Conditioner or rotary brush. Plus, get the awless nish on your greens that our walkers are known for. Interested? Contact us to learn more or visit JohnDeere. com/Golf
Call Today To Schedule A Demo Ron Weingartz (248) 893-5890
March/April 2011
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What if you supervised digging on a construction site, wouldn’t you want someone who knows how to properly operate a back hoe? If they weren’t, would you guide them toward correct training? Would you train them yourself? 5. Enforce all safety rules and lead by example. There isn’t a more simple way to say it. Employees WILL NOT follow safety rules that supervisors don’t follow. Furthermore, if supervisors don’t follow the safety rules, there is little recourse for the supervisor to modify behavior when needed. This goes for ALL safety rules MIOSHA policies, lifting standards, seat belts, personal protective equipment. Supervisors MUST enforce the rules and lead by example. Upper management must also be prepared to enforce safety rules on the supervisory staff. With the busy season upon us, now’s a great time to establish theses policies and procedures. The MGIA’s member owned self-insured fund actively works with members on these strategies and more. As owners, members of the Michigan Clubs Self Insurance Fund have been rewarded with millions in profit returns, resulting from low loss history. For more information on managing your safety program and the benefits of being a member of the MGIA’s endorsed workers’ compensation program, contact Regency Group at 800-686-6640 by e-mail at jclifford@regency-group.com. In addition, you can also ask your independent insurance agent to contact us for more information and to obtain a proposal on this money saving program.
Golden Passbook to Michigan Golf available now at www.mgcoa.org
Join NOW… there has never been a stronger need for the “Voice of Michigan Golf Business” to be louder. With the significant turnover in the State’s governance, we need to make sure our message is heard.
Dear Michigan Golf Course Owner/Executive, “The Voice of Michigan Golf Business” You may already be receiving membership information about the benefits of joining the MGCOA. We are writing to you as an urgent request to help the MGCOA with our existing initiatives relative to golf industry challenges in Michigan. These challenges cover a broad range of topics from water restrictions to taxation issues. These issues are real, and face us all now. The MGCOA was formed in order to take a strong executive position in the State of Michigan relative to these urgent and very serious issues. The MGCOA not only contributes financially, but also in time, effort, administration, decision-making, and leadership. Key MGCOA Legislative Activities for your business: Pays for your industry’s lobbyist Monitors, evaluates, communicates information on legislative & regulatory issues Contributes to political campaigns & events for pro-golf, pro-business candidates and leaders Attends and contributes to meetings and events Developed, in cooperation with the leading golf organizations in our state, an economic impact study to promote golf in Michigan Aligned with the State of Michigan’s tourism department to insure all golf courses are represented on their award winning travel and tourism site, Michigan.org. In order to execute these goals effectively, the MGCOA MUST have the financial support of EVERY golf facility in this state. Every golf course has an ownership position. Your golf course will make a difference in whether or not the golf industry in the state of Michigan is successful going forward. A relatively small commitment from everyone will make us all that much stronger. In return, we promise to work for the best interests of golf in Michigan – taking an executive level approach to monitoring, communicating, evaluating, and fighting for issues that affect each of us. Please consider joining the MGCOA. In addition to the many benefits that membership provides to you, you will be supporting the initiatives that are so critical to the long term viability of golf in Michigan. And, please do not hesitate to call either of us regarding your membership, or other discussion. Very best regards, Bob Bob Koutnik President - MGCOA koutnik@i2k.com
Kate
Kate Moore Executive Director kmoore@mgcoa.org
Eric
Eric Rule Government Affairs errule@mgcoa.org
Jada
Jada Paisley Membership/Events jpaisley@mgcoa.org
P.S. We believe that networking with other golf industry leaders is another great member benefit.
Members Save Through the NGCOA’s
Purchasing Network To better serve members, the NGCOA has forged relationships with the industry's leading suppliers of products and services for golf operations. These organizations have extended members-only pricing, rebates and value-added packages exclusively to NGCOA members.
PREMIER PARTNER Club Car
COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION TO THE NGCOA ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND GOLF OUTING FOR MEMBERS RENEWING OR CONVERTING THEIR FLEET Visit www.clubcar.com or contact ¬Rutledge Baker at (800) 933-4262, ext. 270 or rbaker@ngcoa.org.
OFFICIAL CARD American Express
BY ACCEPTING AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDS, YOU ENJOY INCREASED REVENUE FROM LOYAL CARD MEMBERS WHO SPEND APPROXIMATELY 35% MORE ON GOLF Visit www.americanexpress.com/accept or call (888) 829-7302.
PREFERRED SUPPLIERS Food & Related Services • entegra Procurement Services, brought to you by International Club Suppliers (ICS) 7% -15% COST SAVINGS AND ACCESS TO MORE THAN 400 LEADING FOOD AND BEVERAGE SUPPLIERS Visit www.intlclubsuppliers.com or contact Jim Bailey at (813) 994-4680 or jbailey@intlclubsuppliers.com.
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$200 DISCOUNT ON ALL WIRELESS POS SYSTEMS, GIFT AND LOYALTY PROGRAMS, POS CHECK AND ATM SERVICES, AND FREE CREDIT CARD TERMINALS AND RECEIPT PAPER Visit www.etsms.com or contact Hadi Akkad at (703) 421-9101, ext. 205 or hakkad@etsms.com.
Beverage Supplier • Pepsi-Cola Company $1.10 REBATE PER GALLON ON PEPSI BRAND POST-MIX FOUNTAIN PRODUCTS
Visit www.pepsico.com or contact Stephanie Cardin at (866) PEP-GOLF or stephanie.cardin@mytrugroup.com.
Turf Equipment & Irrigation Systems • The Toro Company
1% REBATE ON NEW COURSE PURCHASES AND PURCHASES MADE BY COURSES CONVERTING FROM A COMPETING SUPPLIER Visit www.toro.com or contact John McPhee at (952) 887-7313 or john.mcphee@toro.com.
SMART BUY SUPPLIERS Rental Cars • AVIS and Budget DISCOUNTS UP TO 25% ON RENTALS
Avis: Visit https://www.avis.com/car-rental/profile/go.ac?G979400. Budget: Visit http://www.budgetcarrental.com/budget/assoc/index.html?R025300. Or for Avis and Budget contact Debbie Arett at (404) 577-5450 or debbie.arett@avisbudget.com.
Beverage Supplier • Gatorade
$.30 REBATE PER CASE PURCHASED
Visit www.pepsico.com or contact Stephanie Cardin at (866) PEP-GOLF or stephanie.cardin@mytrugroup.com.
ACTIVATE THESE COST-SAVING BENEFITS TODAY! Visit www.ngcoa.org/purchasingnetwork
Calcula te your potentia l savings online @ www.ng coa.org / smartbu y
Not a member? Join the NGCOA today and you too can take advantage of these member exclusive ive benefits. Learn more at www.ngcoa.org/circle or call Leslie Remme at (800) 933-4262, ext. 204.
603 S. Washington Suite 303 Lansing, MI 48933 ph 517-482-4312 www.mgcoa.org
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Tee-Off Times is published by the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association. Editor - Kate Moore. MGCOA offices are located at 603 S. Washington, Suite 303, Lansing, MI 48933. ph (517) 482-4312, fax (517) 267-8984. Articles written by outside authors do not necessarily reflect the view
or position of the MGCOA. MGCOA’s position on key issues will be clearly stated. Manuscripts are accepted at the approval of the editor, who reserves the right to reject or edit. Appearance in the Tee-Off Times does not constitute endorsement of the advertiser, its products or services, nor does Tee-Off Times make any claims or guarantees as to the accuracy or validity of the advertiser’s offer and reserves the right to reject any advertising deemed unsuitable. Advertising rates and other information available upon request.