The SuperNews OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE RIO GRANDE GCSA
September 2017
President Matt Urban Vice President Jimmy Rodriguez Secretary / Treasurer Matt Hughes Board of Directors: Matt Alcala Roy Johnson Max Johnson Paul Kerr Caleb Buckley (Past Pres.) Vendor Representative Bryan Klock Chapter Executive Carol Cloud GCSAA Field Rep John Walker
President’s Message In this “do more with less” atmosphere the turf maintenance industry finds itself in these days, it is becoming increasingly important to be as efficient as possible with the resources provided us. That begs the question: Do we operate cautiously or take risks that may cost us our job? Personally, I believe that the most successful people on this earth operate with little or no fear at all. That is not to say there aren’t times when one should proceed with caution or better yet solicit the advice of someone who has walked that path previously. Our friends and colleagues in the RGGCSA can be an asset we forget about. Lets face it, we meet a handful of times a year and in between meetings, as busy as we all are, it is just easier not to think about it. If you are new to the association or a long time veteran, the friendships gained in being a part of a fellowship such as the Rio Grande is invaluable. Even the best and most successful turf professionals rely on help from others more often than you might think. Perhaps the best feeling of all is when you can pass along your experience to another superintendent. Participating in meetings and giving feedback is an important part of that experience. In September, you received a survey from the Rio Grande which will give you the opportunity to provide the board with information from the people it serves on how to make the association better. I urge all of you as members to take the time to give us your thoughts on a few short questions. Your board has worked very hard in getting this out and feels it is an important step forward. Your opinion counts! At the annual meeting hosted by Rob Clark at Canyon Club in Albuquerque, we will have our annual elections. If anyone wishes to be a part of the board or wishes to nominate an individual, please contact us so we can get you, or them on the ballot. It looks like your current board all wishes to run again and serve in the same capacity if elected. We have some exciting plans for 2018 and hope that all of you will make it a point to not only come to meetings, but aid in the effort to increase our membership by reaching out to those who may have stopped coming to meetings or have never attended. The RGGCSA wants to welcome our new GCSAA Field Staff Representative John Walker. John has been a superintendent in Texas for over 30 years and now brings his knowledge and expertise to the GCSAA Field Staff. Walker has also served as president for two associations in Texas as well as serving on the board of directors for the GCSAA before joining the Field Staff. John attended our July meeting to share a little about himself and provide information on our continued partnership with the GCSAA. Our former representative Brian Cloud has moved on to work in the turf industry in his home state of Texas. I wish to thank Brian for his years of service to the GCSAA and to the Rio Grande. We wish Brian great success in his new endeavor. Enjoy the cooler temperatures and have a great fall. See you all in October at Canyon Club!
Matt Urban RGGSAA President