I sincerely hope this letter finds everyone healthy and safe.  We’re nearing the end of 2020 and I’m sure I’m not the only one ready to move on to 2021.  A global pandemic, wildfires, smoke, re-opening phases, surges, pauses/freezes, remote learning, protests/riots, and an election all in this last 10 months.  To be honest, the rainy days have been a nice reprieve after the crazy golf season we just had.  Through it all, outdoor activities and especially golf, remained a safe outlet for people to feel some sense of normalcy.  I’d like to take this opportunity to give the membership an update on OGCSA.

              The OGCSA remains strong thanks to the outstanding membership and sponsors that make up our organization. The fall golf events were well received, and I’d like to thank the courses/clubs for making these events possible. Arrowhead Golf Club and Quail Run Golf Course for the crew tournaments, McMenamins Edgefield for what we hoped would have been a fall meeting, and Portland Golf Club for another great OTF fundraising tournament.  Winter not only brings a break from the course, but a chance for some great education, albeit in front of a screen this year.  The Pest Management Seminar kicks off on December 1^st and entails 2 hours of education on the first two Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays of the month.  The committee has worked diligently to make this virtual seminar possible.  Unfortunately, the Board had to make the decision to cancel the Crew Seminar held in January but hope to offer something for the Equipment Managers at some point in 2021.  The new BMP tool is near complete, and the committee will begin planning small workshops to help guide users through the process of creating a property specific document this winter. The Board is working up the schedule for next years events with the hope that more gathering will be allowed.  We are putting together a member survey to go out after the Pest Management Seminar and look forward to your feedback as we plan for the future.

              As our chapters delegate to GCSAA, I attended the annual delegates meeting via virtual platform on October 20^th and 21^st.  The meeting involved an update on GCSAA from President John Fulling, CGCS and CEO Rhett Evans.  They recognized the challenges faced in 2020 with the pandemic, but also the successes seen in the golf industry during these tough times.  We heard reports on;  BMP–on track to have all 50 states in place;  Government Affairs–out of 535 members of Congress, all but 98 are matched with a Grassroots Ambassador;  and Rounds 4 Research–$263,000 raised in this years delayed auction with next years dates being April 26^th-May 2^nd.  We were introduced to the virtual GIS platform, updated on the work being completed to modernize the Certification Program, and informed of a proposed 3.3% dues increase ($15 for Class A and B, $10 for Class C).  The dues increase is based on a process created in 2006 that calls for biannual increases based on the Consumer Price Index instead of less frequent and larger increases.  We then had breakout sessions in smaller groups with discussion on these topics.  The final part of the meeting was an introduction from each of the Board Candidates, and small group meetings with them.  We will cast our votes virtually during GIS in February.  Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the delegate meeting.

Stay safe and enjoy the Holidays as much as possible!

Shane Hadwick
President OGCSA