VOLUME XXXI, PART I, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION FGCSA OFFICERS Meet your newly elected FGCSA Officers for the 2013-14 fiscal year. From left: President Kevin Sunderman, Vice President Bill Davidson, CGCS, Secretary-Treasurer David Dore-Smith and Immediate Past President Nancy Miller, CGCS CALENDAR OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER 5 SEPTEMBER 1 9 SEPTEMBER 2 8 WEST COAST, SUNCOAST AND RIDGE G C S A PALM BEACH AND TREASURE COAST G C S A TREASURE COAST G C S A FISHING PRO/SUPER TOURNAMENT JOINT MEETING TOURNAMENT STREAMSONG MARTIN DOWNS COUNTRY CLUB MARINER CAY MARINA SEPTEMBER 5 SEPTEMBER 2 0 OCTOBER 9 CALUSA G C S A PRO/SUPER/SUPPLIER SOUTH FLORIDA G C S A MONTHLY MEETING U F FIELD DAY TOURNAMENT SEVEN BRIDGES CITRA HERITAGE PALMS GOLF & C C SEPTEMBER 2 5 OCTOBER 1 8 - 1 9 SEPTEMBER 9 - 1 2 GOLF B M P CERTIFICATION NORTH FLORIDA G C S A FALL CLASSIC F T G A CONFERENCE & SHOW ROYAL POINCIANA G C AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION ORLANDO SEPTEMBER 2 6 OCTOBER 2 5 SEPTEMBER 1 0 SEVEN RIVERS G C S A MONTHLY MEETING SOUTH FLORIDA G C S A MISSING & EXPLOITED GOLF B M P CERTIFICATION RAINBOW'S END GOLF CLUB CHILDREN'S TOURNAMENT ORLANDO FT. LAUDERDALE COUNTRY CLUB / PRESIDENT'S BY KEVIN ( REPORT SUNDERMAN Getting Down to Business A new fiscal year has kicked off for the FGCSA, and I am honored to serve as your President. Working with a talented group of officers, directors and staff, I have two main objectives for this upcoming year. The first is to maximize the value our members get for their membership. I want to increase the tangible benefits of being a member while more effectively communicating about the services we have provided to our members for years. The second objective is to re-establish a sound business plan for the FGCSA enabling the association to consistently be a leader in the industry year after year. In order to help accomplish the above objectives, the FGCSA is seeking help from a consultant to provide answers to questions such as: How do we provide greater services and benefits to our members? How do we better engage our members? Does our business model make sense? Where can we find new revenue sources beyond dues and advertisement sales? With the vacancy of our Executive Director position, what personnel decisions make the most sense? In order to learn how we can better serve you, our members, the FGCSA will be sending out a survey before the end of the calendar year. Please take the time to answer the survey. This is an important tool for the FGCSA to determine how to best serve you. The information gathered helps to set the direction for the association and will help us work towards our objectives. help of Jennifer Bryan, FGCSA Association Manager, the committees will work towards accomplishing specific goals set during the first quarter. With clear objectives and timely communication the effectiveness of committee involvement will be experienced. If you would like to help with one of our committees, please contact Jennifer Bryan or myself. Describe your interests to us and certainly we can place you on an appropriate committee. This year a focus is being placed on strengthening committee involvement of the FGCSA. For many years the reliance and use of committees has waned. The current FGCSA board feels that the committees will help us accomplish our objectives to provide greater services and strengthen the association. With the Already, John's Island Club Golf Course Manager and FGCSA Past President, Greg Pheneger, has assembled a Government Relations Committee consisting of a member from each of the 11 local chapters in the state of Florida. The GR Committee is focusing on three objectives. 1) Communicate new regulations to golf courses. 2) Get action from our membership on causes vital to us. 3) Get to know local officials who may have an impact on regulations affecting our industry. This committee communicates on a regular basis r Editor: Financial Support: Joel Jackson, CGCS (407) 248-1971 (fax/phone) E-mail: FLGrn@aol.com This issue of the Green Sheet is being sponsored by: News Coordinator: Jennifer Bryan PO Box 65 Jensen Beach, FL 34958 (772) 334-7515 (772) 334-6015 E-mail:fgcsa@comcast.net The Green Sheet is a bimonthly FGCSA Newsletter printed as follows: Jan/Feb, March/April, May/June, July/August, Sept./October, November/December. Golf Ventures 5101 Gateway Blvd., Suite 18 Lakeland, FL 33811-2704 800-330-8874 800-481-8911 888-222-7072 All material submitted for printing will be edited at the discretion of the editor. Material must be typed or clearly printed. Photos are encouraged. Items must be for the good of the association. Deadline next issue October 15. Kevin Sunderman Continued on page 3... / ...President's Message continued from page 2. through emails and conference calls to work on our behalf. In 2012 the FGCSA rolled out its Golf Course BMP Certification program. While not required by law, this program is intended to strengthen our position as golf course managers to continue using fertilizer, water and pesticides in a responsible manner. In the majority of local fertilizer ordinances passed throughout the state of Florida, golf courses were exempted citing that they must follow the BMPs as laid out in the BMP Manual for Golf Courses. We know that it is just a matter of time until opponents to our industry come back and attack that exemption. It would be easy for them to question the knowledge and commitment of golf course superintendents to follow BMPs. By running our own education and certification program we can demonstrate our commitment to the environment and responsible use of resources. However, this will only work with your participation. It is extremely important that we get our members to buy into the program and achieve their certification. Only by showing a commitment of the majority of golf courses will we be able to strengthen our position. We are pleased to tell you that beginning with the BMP seminar to be held September 25th in Naples, we will also offer the GI-BMP exam. GI-BMP certification will be legally required for all commercial fertilizer applicators as of January 1, 2014. This includes any employees who may fertilize the clubhouse lawns or common areas. As we begin this year I am excited to have the opportunity to serve our industry and members. Neither the board or myself have all the answers, but we have the desire to serve our members to the best of our ability. If you have constructive ideas or are willing to help we would love to hear from you. GOLF BMP CERTIFICATION Tuesday. September iOth FTGA Conference & Show Orlando, FL Wednesday September 25th Royal Poinciana Golf Club Naples, FL REGISTER N O W ! G o to wwwiloridagcsa.com/BMP for details. Save the Date FGCSA Annual Reception February 6, 2014 7-10pm S^yUwiveRstTT rt h r. EiWilM Twv»sftMP AMn Seven Rivers presented a check to Dr. Jason Kruse, Dr. Brian Unruh and Dr. Kevin Kenworthy at the University of Florida for funding of one year of a multi-year Turfgrass Breeding study that is currently an on-going project. From the left: Andrew Jorgensen, CGCS, President SRGCSA; Dr. Jason Kruse, UF; Dr. Kevin Kenworthy, UF; Dr. Brian Unruh, UF; Jim Shaffer, External VP SRGCSA. GOVERNMENT RELATIONS REPORT By Greg Pheneger, FGCSA Government Relations Committee Chairman Thank you to all that have contacted their US House Member and the two US Senators concerning Methyl Bromide. Through your letters and the work Chava McKeel is doing, we have a few House Members backing a letter to the EPA for us to continue to use Methyl Bromide until the stockpile is depleted. Please contact your Representatives if you haven't already done so. There is still a ton of work to be done on this issue. The local fertilizer ordinances still keep flowing out of the local governments. Most now seem to have blackout provisions in them right from the start. The newest are in Hallandale in Broward County, Jupiter Inlet in Palm Beach County and in St. Lucie a Commissioner wants to talk about more restrictions on the Model Ordinance that the Commission passed just over a year ago. Indian River County is still working through their ordinance and a resolution, hopefully is coming on August 20th. The Indian River Ordinance has a blackout and a 50% slow release provision in it unless you have taken and passed the Green Industries test. The Government Relations Committee had our first meeting via telephone and our second meeting is at the FTGA Conference and Show on September 10th. All of you are welcome to come to the meeting, but please let me know so I can get you a chair. Each Committee Member of the FGCSA Government Relations Committee will be looking for participants for your local Committees so step up and volunteer. The Members of the FGCSA Government Relations Committee are: Greg Pheneger - John's Island Club - Chair Matt Nieder - Stoney Brook GC - Calusa Chapter Rickey Craig - Rosen Shingle Creek - Central Florida Chapter David Dore Smith - Copperleaf GC - Everglades Chapter Bob Coffey - Cimarrone Golf Club - North Florida Chapter Tyler Green - Southern Dunes G & CC - Ridge Chapter Andy Jorgensen - On Top Of the World & Jimmy Shaffer High Point GC - Seven Rivers Chapter Andrew Bell - Heritage Oaks G & CC - Suncoast Chapter Shane Wright Vero Bach CC - Treasure Coast Chapter Andy Nieswender - Bellair CC - West Coast Chapter Ralph Dain - GCSAA Field Representative Please take the time to sign up for the fertilizer check off for the Environmental Education and Research Foundation. Sign up can be done through the FTGA website by clicking on the EREF Logo on the right of the home page. Remember the financial cost is very small to an individual Club. The idea is to get everyone involved. The cost for a Club that spends $100,000 in fertilizer is just $600. The FGCSA is represented on the EREF Board by Kevin Sunderman and myself. The rest of the Board is made up of two representatives of our allied associations. No money is spent from the check off without Board approval. Money is collected by the fertilizer distributor and sent to EREF on a quarterly basis which makes this an easy way for your club to help. 7 Rivers Golf Course Association surprised the Greenwalt family with a work day at their Ocala, FL home on Saturday August 3, 2013. Barry Greenwalt received his second liver transplant in December of last year is now back on a waiting list for a third transplant. The group did landscaping, roof repair, mowing, clean up and assembled a playground for little 5-year old Sofia. The gesture was overwhelming, said Barry and his wife Andrea, "We have been truly blessed by this and are forever grateful." SRGCSA members on hand for the work day were: From left: Nathan Armstrong, Jim Shaffer, Andy Jorgensen, Duncan Orris, Ron Palsgrove, Danny Cravey, Josh Carter, Gavin Carter, Chad Nixon. Front row: Barry Greenwalt and daughter Sofia. COMMUNICATIONS REPORT By Joel J a c k s o n , C G C S Retired "What's Up, D.O.C." Joel Jackson, CGCS Publications: The Fall issue of the Florida Green magazine will be out around October 25th, in accordance with the Publication Schedule. The Seven Rivers Chapter has nominated Steve Keller and the Juliette Falls GC for the cover story. Juliette Falls has hosted several SRGCSA meetings and their annual Toys for Tots Christmas meeting. I received some follow-up communications from Michigan State about the complete archive of the Florida Green issues being placed online at their Turfgrass Information Center saying the work continues to scan and convert the hard copies to digital format. Remember, GCSAA members have complimentary access to the Turfgrass Information Library and can research and download articles from the TGIF. Superintendent Steve Keller also shares some budget trimming strategies in the Hands On section that bear consideration if your course is facing revenue challenges given the state of the industry and especially since we're in the "off" season. I have received some photos and info from a couple of chapters for the Spotlight Section. I urge all other chapters to please submit photos and reports covering your events, awards and meetings to me by the end of the first week in September. In my last report and in emails to chapter leaders I put out a call for individuals and Chapter Leaders to volunteer and/or appoint persons to act as Chapter Reporters to take and submit photos and short articles on chapter activities that we can report in the Florida Green and Green Sheet. So far, Andy Jorgenson from the Seven Rivers GCSA and Bob Toski with the Everglades GCSA, have sent photos with captions. At the recent Everglades GCSA Annual Meeting, David Dore-Smith presented Darren Davis with the FGCSA President's Award for Lifetime Service. Darren has served as EGCSA President, FGCSA President and FTGA President. He is currently a member of the GCSAA Board of Directors. Photo by Bob Toski. Photo tips: In the typical awards pictures or "Grip and Grin photos" as we call them, please move in close. We don't need to see shoes, baggy shorts or belt buckles. We want to see smiling faces. Smart phones can take adequate photos for convenience sake, but please when sending via email, choose "Actual size" or "Large" to get the best resolution for printing. Also, try to get the subjects against or in front of a neutral background and look for trees, molding, window frames and door jambs coming out or people's head. Outside on a green or tee slope with sky in the background is good. Watch the sun so folks aren't squinting. You can take the photo in shade, just make sure the flash is on. It will help. Also, no sunglasses. And always ID the folks in the photos. Thanks! Communications: In July and August, I was able to get an article and a half page ad promoting the Rounds4Research Auction in the golfer publication, Florida Golf Central which is a regional magazine distributed through pro-shops across several regions of the state. South Florida GCSA President Ricky Reeves (right) presented a check in the amount of $25,000 raised from the March Turf Expo to UF/IFAS Professor Emeritus. Dr. Snyder accepted the check for Dr. Cisar and the UF Research & Education Center in Ft. Lauderdale. FGCSA SUMMER B O A R D More information will be provided to the Executive Board for review. A motion MEETING MINUTES was made by Brian Main to remove the The Summer 2013 Board Meeting of Benevolent Account form the Operating the FGCSA Board of Directors was Account and to create its own bank called to order by President Nancy account with Bank of America. In Miller at 8:03 am, August 23, 2013 at addition the old signature cards would Southern Dunes Golf Club. be removed from the account and replaced with the incoming President's, All officers, except Mark Kann were Kevin Sunderman and Association present. All Chapters were Manager, Jennifer Bryan. The motion represented. The Chapter was approved. Representatives were: evaluated by the Golf Committee. Membership - Jennifer presented a membership chart to the board. Membership renewals appear to be steady. Research - Financials for the research account were presented to the board. There were no new proposals presented. The FGCSA did receive some money from the latest auction from Rounds4 Research. This will continue to be an opportunity for the state and chapters to raise money for research. Jim Shaeffer reported that the SRGCSA committed to the second year of the Dr. Kenworthy study in which the FGCSA had funded the first. Committee Reports: Director of Communications - Joel reported that the Fall issue of the Florida Green is well in the works. He urged that each chapter provide an official "Chapter reporter" who will be responsible for communicating the chapter's activities to Joel. In addition the Florida Green is always in need of GCSAA- The format for the GIS Hands on Articles. Andy Neiswender and David Dore-Smith both committed to conference and Show will change Others attending the meeting were: for this year. Golf will take place submitting an article. Jennifer Bryan - Association Manager; Sat, Sun and Monday. Education Joel Jackson - FGCSA Director of will occur Mon.-Wed.. The Government Relations - Greg Communications; Todd Lowe - USGA. Pheneger reported to the Board that the tradeshow will end on Thursday and Ralph Dain - GCSAA, Greg Pheneger nothing will be on Friday. The next Government Relations meeting will - FGCSA Government Relations GCSAA's Field Staff program be on September 10th in Orlando during Chairman and Josh Lewis of Morgan the FTGA. It will include other members continues to expand. An Stanley. of our Allied Associations. The Board is announcement should be made soon on the new hire for the also welcome to attend. Chava McKeel Minutes of the FGCSA Spring 2013 continues to be work with the House and Southeast Region. This position will Board Meeting were approved. be in place by the Chapters Senate to allow the use of Methyl Bromide in the reserve stockpiles. Greg Delegates meeting. The deadline to Morgan Stanley Report - Josh Lewis is still in need of a Government for chapters to RSVP for the provided a summary of the FGCSA's Chapter Delegates meeting is Relations committee member from the Morgan Stanley Account. The account Palm Beach and South Florida chapters. September 3r . All chapters need to is set up as a tactical portfolio with have a representative. The It is important that we stay on top of 70% stocks and 30% cash. It is a GCSAA's membership numbers are these local ordinances - set up a web model 5 portfolio. No changes to the holding steady - no loss. R4R check of your local areas to see what is account were recommended. received donations from 37 courses coming up on agendas. EREF has set in Florida. The roll out for the next up the voluntary assessment of fertilizer Secretary/Treasurer Report - Bill auction will be reevaluated and may sales. These proceeds will go toward Davidson presented the year-end change to the Masters. The GCSAA research. You can sign up for the financials. The financial reports were Chapter Outreach grant deadline is program from the FTGA website. presented as 3 separate reports; Oct. 11. The deadline for Operation, Publications and a Government Relations nominees is Education- Jim Shaeffer presented an combined summary report. They will due by October 15th and Education calendar to the Board. be presented this way in the future. Environmental Stewardship Award Jennifer will make sure to add those Brian Main motioned for the approval Recipient nominees are due by items to the website. of the financials. The financials were October 18th. approved. Golf - The FGCSA Championship had a field of 78 golfers and 7 tee sign USGA - Todd Lowe reported that Benevolent Fund - Nancy Miller sponsors. The event continues to grow the USGA is providing a full day of presented a letter to the board for and the format and location will be Continued on Page 7... benevolent assistance for Jim Foster. Calusa - Stuart Taylor, Seven Rivers Jim Shaffer, Central Florida - Rickey Craig, South Florida - Ricky Reeves, Everglades - David Dore-Smith, Suncoast - Bill Tyde, North Florida Bob Coffey, Treasure Coast - John Curran, Palm Beach - Brian Main, West Coast - Andy Neiswender, and Ridge - Tyler Green ...Continued from page 6 education during this year's FTGA Conference and Show. They will also continue with the Green Committee University. This year's locations will be Tampa, Jacksonville, Palm Beach and Fort Myers. Old Business: Executive Director Position Effective January 1, 2013 Joel officially retired as the Executive Director and his title changed to Communications Director. As of November 1st he will be contracted by the FGCSA as the Editor of the Florida Green and Green Sheet. New Business: LRP- No future date was set. It will be tabled until the next meeting. Fall Board Meeting - The Fall 2013 Board Meeting will be held on October 17th at 10am at Amelia National. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45am. F G C S A ANNUAL B O A R D S U M M E R Pheneger - FGCSA Government Relations Chairman. Minutes of the FGCSA Annual 2012 Summer Board Meeting were approved. Financial Report - Bill Davidson presented the 2013/2014 Operating and Publications Budget. A Professional Services line item was added to the Budget as the FGCSA moves forward with the Association reorganization. A consulting firm will be utilized to make sure the Association is Operating to the best of its ability. A motion was made by Bob Coffey to approve the proposed budget. The motion was approved. Election - Nancy Miller presented to the Board of Directors the slate of Officers for election; Kevin Sunderman - President, Bill Davidson Vice President, David Dore-Smith Secretary/Treasurer and Nancy Miller - Immediate Past President. Brian Main motioned to elect- all approved. M E E T I N G M I N U T E S The Summer 2013 Annual Board Meeting of the FGCSA Board of Directors was called to order by President Nancy Miller at 10:02 am, August 23, 2013 at Southern Dunes Golf Club. Old Business Future Events - Kevin presented to the board the list of upcoming events; old and new. In particular he will work with Ralph Dain to provide a roundtable discussion during the GIS for local chapter Board Members on Wednesday from 4-6pm. The FGCSA Reception will be held on Thursday night, Feb. 6th at The House of Blues. In addition, the Past President's Dinner and the FGCSA Championship will be given to their respective committees for evaluation and potential change. Those recommendations will be presented to the Board at a later date. Committees - FGCSA Committees will be evaluated and possibly combined. The Committee process will be renewed with more vigor as the FGCSA moves forward with reorganization. Committees will have clear goals. Each committee is defined in the SOP. Board members are to encourage local board members who do not sit on the FGCSA Board of Directors to participate in these committees. To begin, Nancy Miller will Chair the LRP Committee and Bill Davidson will chair the Survey Committee. DropBox - The FGCSA Board of Directors will begin using a DropBox folder for all committee and Board communications. All information will be located in one place and easily accessible to our Board. Jennifer will organize the folders and send out invitations to those Board Members and Committee members over the next week. The FGCSA Annual Board Meeting was adjourned at 10:58 am. All officers, except Mark Kann were present. All Chapters were represented. The Chapter Representatives were: Calusa - Stuart Taylor, Seven Rivers Jim Shaffer, Central Florida - Rickey Craig, South Florida - Ricky Reeves, Everglades - David Dore-Smith, Suncoast - Bill Tyde, North Florida -Bob Coffey, Treasure Coast - John Curran, Palm Beach - Brian Main, West Coast Andy Neiswender, and Ridge - Tyler Green Others attending the meeting were: Jennifer Bryan - Association Manager; Joel Jackson - FGCSA Director of Communications; Todd Lowe - USGA. Ralph Dain - GCSAA, and Greg The 2013-14 Board of Directors representing the eleven FGCSA regional chapters are from left: Tyler Green, Ridge; Bob Coffey, North Florida; John Curran, Treasure Coast; Stuart Taylor, Calusa; Jim Shaffer, Seven Rivers; Ricky Reeves, South Florida; Brian Main, Palm Beach; Bill Tyde, Suncoast; Rickey Craig, Central Florida and Any Neiswender, West Coast PRESORTED FIRST CLASS U.S. POSTAGE PAID WEST PALM BCH, FL FGCSA Jennifer Bryan PO Box 65 Jensen Beach, Florida 34958 PERMIT #611 T9 PÌ ****** AUTO**MIXED ÀADC 334 BEARE) DR. JAMES B INTERNATIONAL SPORTS TURF ÌNSTITUTE PO BOX 10065 COLLEGE STATION TX 77842-0065 Lakeland: 800-330-8874 Jupiter: 888-222-7072 CGUfC Golf Ventures 1 J/\C&BS=I\I A Textron Company When Performance Matters." RAINUBIRD I Li« Golf Ventures is proud to again be a Presenting Sponsor for the FTGA 61st Annual Conference & Show being held at Caribe Royale, Orlando September 9-12, 2013. Stop by Golf Ventures Booth #321 and let us show you the latest in Helena Chemicals and Fertilizer, Jacobsen Equipment, Smithco, Turfco, Grigg Brothers, Par Aide, Standard, Mountainview Seed and much more!!! ^ The Annual Conference and Show is the ideal venue for all Florida Turf grass professionals, the businesses they support and other industry leaders to come together to discuss and address issues that impact the industry's future. Look forward to seeing you there!!