President’s Message The recent NMTMA board meeting drew some The annual meeting was a great success, and con­ well deserved and constructive criticism for the gratulations to all flight winners. Dave Faucher had board of directors and the association. It takes feed­ The Legends in great shape and the meeting facilities back and membership involvement to have an effec­ proved to be excellent. ' • tive association, and more so an association you Thanks to Jeff Dorrell, Dave Pretznow, Dave Lit­ want to be a member of. tle, and Tom Heid for their work on the board. The The foremost point taken from the board of direc­ leadership they provided will be missed. They have tors was the lack of communication between the paved the way for new board members Doug Kend- board and the membership and how to improve it. ziorski, Karen O’Dell and Gabe Ross. Several ways were discussed. First of all, summer A winter party is being planned to take the place meetings will have set agendas followed by a guest of our annual Christmas party. The vote of those speaker providing the opportunity to give the mem­ present at the annual meeting favored the winter par­ bership pertinent reports and provide membership ty instead. I for one will miss the Christmas party involvement in issues facing the association. Month­ and hope to see it return the next year. ly reports through the Turf Times on the direction of The meeting sites for the ‘96 schedule is not yet the board and steps taken to get there is another complete, and if for some reason you can’t host a measure. In addition, steps are being discussed to meeting this year we welcome meeting sites for the improve on membership services. ‘97 season. This is a great opportunity to show your course, get involved and support the association. Please take note of the editorial I have written NMTMA Meetings Calendar: elsewhere in the Turf Times, along with Jon Mad- Dec. ‘95-Oct. 96 dem’s article, both in reference to the recent GCSAA chapter affiliation requirements. Member NMTMA Board of Directors Meeting Dates, at input will direct the NMTMA’s future and I am re­ Holiday Inn in Grayling are as follows: questing all members of the association to give the Dec. 13, 95................................................. Mar. 6, 96 matter serious consideration. Jan. 10, 96.................................................... Apr. 3, 96 Enjoy the holidays! Jan. 31,96 NMTMA Golf and Meeting Sites for ‘96 Editorial: Chapter May.................................................... Marquette Trails June...............................................The Loon, Gaylord Affiliation Requirements (MTF Fund Raiser) July...................................................To be Announced The NMTMA has some very important issues to August............................................. The Rose, LeRoy give serious consideration to as it will direct our fu­ September....................................... Treetops, Gaylord (NMTMA Fund Raiser) ture. The foremost being the current GCSAA affilia­ October............................................To be Announced tion requirements. The long term goal of the GCSAA is to strengthen the golf course management profession, and one way GCSAA/NMTMA Seminar to achieving this is requiring every GCSAA member to be a chapter member and vice versa. All class A Feb. 21 & 22, 96 .... Human Resource Management and Drainage Systems, Gaylord and B members of the NMTMA not currently a mem­ ber of the GCSAA will be grandfathered to meet af- (Continued on Page 2) Editorial: Chapter Affiliation Requirements (Continued from Front Page) filiation requirements. New members who want to adopt these requirements. Chances are if we don't join the association must also be members of the adopt this another “superintendents only” association GCSAA. Other affiliation requirements include by-law is going to develop which may very well cause the de­ conformity, annual reporting of financial statements, mise of the NMTMA. list of current officers, membership roster, copy of tax As a voting member I am going to voice my opinion returns, certificate of insurance and an outline of chap­ and I encourage all members to do the same regardless ter activities. The board of directors of the GCSAA has of your stance. We will have the opportunity to vote already voted in favor of the affiliation requirements. on the affiliation requirements in the future and I am The members of the NMTMA must vote to determine positive the NMTMA Board of Directors will call a if we want affiliation or not. special meeting for members to ask questions and We all have to take a stand on this and vote for or hopefully provide answers. against. I vote in favor and here is why. At one time or -MarkR.. Wildeman, CGCS Member NMTMA another we heard someone or ourselves complain about our image and professionalism, this is the Current NMTMA Officers GCSAA response. As a non-profit organization I don’t President: Mark R. Wildeman, CGCS care who sees our financial statements because it is Vice President: Dave Faucher public information anyway. Reporting of activities, tax Secretary/Treasurer: Jon D. Maddern, CGCS returns and rosters are no great concern to me either, Executive Secretary: Tom Reed that’s free advertisement for this association which Recording Secretary Brian Conklin may actually increase our membership and participa­ NMTMA Committee Chairs tion level. Program and Golf: Doug Kendziorski Dual membership in both the GCSAA and local Education & Scholarship: Kim Olson chapter is also positive because it may for the first time Scholarship Interview: Kim Olson force many of us to “place our money where our Finance: Jon Maddern mouth is.” It is easier to complain than do something Membership: Pat Mertz constructive and now since the GCSAA has done Publications: Jon Maddern something to enhance our profession, I agree. I do not MTF Fund Raiser: Pat Mertz agree with the notion the NMTMA will die out if we Public Relations: Dave Faucher NMTMA Fund Raiser: Pat Mertz GCSAA Seminars By Laws: Winter Party: Mike Meindertsma Kim Olson Coming Soon For a more detailed Mechanics Group: Environmental: Gabe Ross Jon Maddern To Your Area description of seminars, with GCSAA/MTF Liaison: Nominating: Jon Maddern Brian Conklin dates and regis­ tration forms, Member Scholarship: Karen O’Dell please refer to Human Resource Management your GCSAA February' 21, 1996 Professional Gaylord, Michigan Development (Code #847) Catalog 1995-96. You may also FOR SALE: Jacobsen 7-gang Blitzers, $3500. Call Dan Drainage Systems reference your at 616/275-5999. February 22, 1996 monthly issue of FOR SALE: Toro 7-gang Parkmaster. Call Mike at 616/ Gaylord, Michigan Golf Course 352-4241. (Code # 848) Management. GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT: Crystal Moun­ tain Resort - Responsible for 27 holes plus 10 acre learn­ Calibration and Safety of Pesticide ing center. Requirements: Advanced knowledge of agron­ Application Equipment omy and turf grass management practices. Assistant March 19, 1996 superintendency is minimum experience required. Call for Grand Rapids, Michigan further details: Michael Call (616) 378-2000. Send Resu­ (Code # 924) mes to: Crystal Mountain Resort, 12500 Crystal Mountain Watch your Drive, Thompsonville, MI 49683, Attn: Michael Call. mail for FOR SALE: 1984 John Deere 410B Loader/Backhoe reminder post­ 2WD. Call Mat 616/267-5769. cards highlight­ FOR SALE: 1992 Cushman GA-60 Fairway Aerifier. Register Today! ing seminars in Only 122 hours on it. In excellent shape. Asking GCSA Ai Call 800/472-7878 your area! $13,000.00 or best reasonable offer. Call Jon Maddern at 517-785-4683. 2 1995 Christmas Party Good Managers Dec. 8 in Frankenmuth “We don’t want geniuses for managers,” says a well-known company president. “We want people NMTMA members are invited to the Mid-Michigan who can motivate other people to do good work.” Christmas Party on Friday, December 8 in Franken- That takes genius too, but it’s a different kind of muth. genius than most people mean when they refer to Times: Open bar 7-12 p.m. someone as being “brilliant.” Social Hour with Do you think you’re a little brighter- maybe a lot Hors d’oeuvres 7 p.m. brighter- than the people who work for you? Per­ Buffet Dinner 8 p.m. haps a little brighter than your boss? Karaoke and D.J. 9-1 And do you feel a need to have other people rec­ ognize this fact? Cost: $60.00 per couple If so, you’ve got problems. Because good lead­ $35.00 Single ers are the kind of people who go around passing out the credit and encouragement- not trying to Reservations: Call Brian Sykora by scoop up all they can for themselves. They recog­ November 25th or ASAP nize the importance of other people’s contributions 517/738-6874 or 517/738-4653 and soft-pedal their own. Good managers have egos and like to get individ­ Mail Money to: Brian Sykora uals recognition just as much as everyone else- P.O. Box 484 maybe more so. But they’re also smart enough to Port Austin, MI 48467 realize that the only kind of credit really worth hav­ ing comes without asking. They also recognize the Lodging: Call the Bavarian Inn Lodge and tremendous gains in goodwill and encouragement tell them you are with the Mid- that come from passing credit along to others. Michigan Turfgrass Managers Good leaders are big enough not to compete for Christmas Party to receive a re­ personal credit with their own people. They identify duced rate. subordinates’ suggestions when they pass them up the ladder, aren’t afraid to let them step into the limelight now and then, and refrain from putting The 2653 Professional their own names on another person’s work or ide­ as. Utility Mower In short, they let their people shine and are con­ tent to shine as their managers. After all, isn’t being able to get people to do good work what being a manager is all about? -Bits & Pieces GOLF “Golf is an insurmountable game in which one at­ The 2653 features the unique tempts to put an insignificant ball into an obscure hole combination of hydraulic reel drive and with an absurd weapon," says Harry B. Trout. John Deere 26-inch cutting units. That’s why Bob Hope says, “I’d give it up if I didn’t have so many sweaters.” -Bits & Pieces NOTHING RUNS LIKE An employee went to his supervisor to ask for a raise. A DEERE® KLOOSTER “I’m planning on giving you a raise,” said the EQUIPMENT, INC. boss. WORK N’ PLAY SHOP “Oh! Great!” said the employee. “When will it be 9821 U.S. 31 effective?” Ellsworth, Ml 49729 “As soon as you are,” was the reply. (616) 599-2822 - Bits & Pieces 3 NMTMA and the GCSAA As stated in the October issue of this publication I at­ I will be discussing in detail with your board about tended the Chapter Relations meeting in Lawrence, this meeting soon and have asked that we have a meet­ Kansas at GCSAA headquarters representing this chap­ ing to discuss this important issue with you the mem­ ter. The reason for this meeting was to receive an up­ bers. This is too important and big of an issue to act on date of the association from the President Gary Grigg without you being able to hear the proposed changes and CEO Steve Mona, to meet the candidates for the and why, and for the board to hear your concerns. I upcoming GCSAA elections, and to discuss various is­ have not voted or stated NMTMA position because I sues including GCSAA/Chapter relations past, present, did not have a chance to discuss these with you prior to and proposed changes. The biggest proposed was meeting. So I went with an open mind and listened changes in affiliation agreement. well to the proposals. Two years ago discussion was given concerning get­ Look for a meeting in the future to discuss this is­ ting members of locals members of the national like we sue. It is your association and it is important to were supposed to be per affiliation agreement when we NMTMA’s future with GCSAA. This meeting will be became an affiliated chapter. Over the years the per­ the time to be active and express your opinions. Today centages had been lowered. Last year we learned that we have a voting strength of 58 which is second high­ GCSAA did not have signed agreements from a lot of est in this state. This voting strength would be higher if chapters. We discussed being a professional associa­ 21 of you when your dues statement comes in you tion and what other groups require and how they do it. would designate your vote or state you are a member We discussed history of GCSAA and all agreed that a of the Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association. goal would be to be 100% members of local and na­ If you have any questions prior to the meeting please tional. After this meeting the chapter relations commit­ feel free to call me and I will try to answer them. Have tee met a couple of times and had numerous issues to a great holiday season and look forward to discussing discuss and hear our opinion on. this with you soon. The major issue of discussion was proposed chang­ -Respectfully submitted, es to affiliation agreement and standards required. The Jon D. Maddern, CGCS, biggest of this membership requirement. As I stated GCSAA Liaison & Delegate earlier the reason for this discussion to finalize this is­ sue was that the agreement had changed considerably over the years and everyone had not signed one stan­ dardized agreement which is important and there were turfgrass foundations included as affiliates. The pur­ Tee Time® pose of this agreement is that both GCSAA and its af­ Quality Turf Care Products filiated chapters have an interest in supporting each oth­ er with regards to activities and programs that benefit Greens Grade Fertilizers their members and the golf course superintendent’s with Nutraiene profession. It is a set of ground rules which serve as TeeTime the foundation of the relationship. Many of the affilia­ Fairway Fertilizers 22-4-18 tion standards have been already required by the Fertilizer with Nutraiene with Nutraiene* present affiliation agreement but have not been en­ the professwnaTs Quality Sulfur Coated forced. Significant changes in requirements are made partner Urea Fertilizers to strengthen the profession, better represent the pro­ fession and protect both the affiliated chapter and Combination Products GCSAA from potential liability. The discussion was good and lengthy. Prior to meet­ ing and upon returning from meeting the major concern ■ Granular Fungicides I had for NMTMA was the inclusion of assistants. Not including them we qualified under the proposed mem­ bership percentage. That meeting discussion was long Distributed by: on how to impose this and be fair to all chapters. Per­ ■ URFGRASS TURFGRASS, INC. Call Toll Free : P.O. Box T 1-800-521-8873 or centages were dropped for requiring all new superin­ 28064 Pontiac Trail ($10) 437-1427 tendents and assistants who join July 1, 1997 on to be S. Lyons, MI 48178 (Call Collect) a member of both associations. All those prior to that date were grandfathered in agreement. Since then the board of directors met and approved the proposed affil­ iation agreement with dropping assistant superinten­ dents from membership requirements. 4 Better Business Correspondence the approach of the JdoCiddy Season, our thoughts If youwant to make your busines corresondence are directed toward the many more effective, try these three things: important friendships and 1. Imagine what the person you’re writing to associations we have enjoyed looks like. “Seeing” the other person will help you write the way you talk. Picturing the other person also during the year. may help you speak into a tape recorder or a dicta­ .As a hus iness and as phone, or type your letter on a word processor or a individuals, we would Cihe to typewriter, that you may say something you wouldn’t say Thanh you and extend to say if you were speaking to your reader in person. 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(616) 943-8343 (313) 673-7146 5 NMTMA EXECUTIVE Recording Secretary Newsletter Editor Past Presidents COMMITTEE Brian Conklin Michael Morris Ed Karcheski P.O Box 1575 C.E. ’’Tuck” Tate, CGCS President Directors Frankfort, MI 49635 David Longfield, CGCS Mark Wildeman, CGCS Karen O’Dell Jonathon Scott, CGCS Michael Meindertsma Executive Secretary Tom Brogger Vice-President Gabe Ross Jeffrey Holmes, CGCS Dave Foucher Kimberly Olson Thomas J. Reed 3733 Apollo Dr. Michael Meindertsma Pat Mertz Secretary/Treasurer Rick Warren Traverse City, MI 49684 Jon Maddem, CGCS Doug Kendziorski Phone 616-943-8343 W212 Library E. Lansing Ml 48824-1048 The NMTMA appreciates the support from the following businesses... • GOLF CART SALES & SERVICE • •FULLSERVICE: EQUIPMENT Commercial Turf Equipment L.L.C. Boylan Sales, Inc. & IRRIGATION • Pat Boylan • Kathy Hanson John Kirtland (810) 858-7705 Valley Turf, Inc. 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