Bi-Monthly Update May/June 1996 Vol. 25, No. 2 ^OERS • The newsletter from the Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association GCSAA AFFILIATE -J t........... ............ ........................... ........... ... President’s Message At the April board meeting all the past presidents of the NMTMA were invited to share with the current board members their insight, concerns and the general direction of the NMTMA. Not all of the past presidents were able to attend; however, all of them did voice their opinions and thoughts. I would like to thank them for their participation, whether in person, written or otherwise. These are professional people who know that member involvement makes things happen. They also realize that communication is not an end in itself, but a process based on membership needs and wants. They all exhibit a genuine sense of caring about the members of this association, something they carry on into all aspects of their lives. This provides them with great credibility which has helped deter­ mine the success of this organization in the past, and gives all of us some direction for the future. Tne board of directors have worked hard throughout the winter and deserve great credit for their dedication and efforts. This is evident in both the GAM seminar and the mini-conference, which again proved to be great learning experiences. Our meetings through the summer will continue to emphasize education. Please take the opportunity to attend. A Good Time for Improvement Since it’s spring (at least the calendar says it should activities as turf managers and members of our communities. be) it seems like a good time to contemplate how nature I have heard many excellent speakers within the last few renews itself each year. Having said that, it makes me want months whose topics what professionalism was and how to to take time to reflect on myself and my profession. As we go practice it about our lives and duties as turf managers, it is important to Professionalism is attained and enhanced by the continue moving forward, not becoming complacent, stale, or practice of some basic principals. I will just touch on some of just being satisfied with the “Status Quo.” This is important the most important ones that I’ve heard discussed most because the world we live in is changing so rapidly that it recently at a few of our meetings. One would be projecting would be very easy to be left behind. Moving forward can oneself in a professional manner by dressing appropriately for mean many different things. What it means to me is striving work, and especially for meetings and functions which expose to continually improve myself and my profession. us to the public or other professionals. How can anyone take Professionalism is a word which comes to mind while I write you seriously if you don’t project yourself in a serious this article. “Professionalism is the term or word which manner? Don’tattendameetingthatrequiresacoatandtieby should describe how we conduct ourselves in our daily showing up in a sweater, or worse yet in blue jeans and a (continued on pg. 2) (continued from pg. 1) flannel shirt. Another very important way to enhance our professionalism is through continuing education. Since the turf industry is changing so rapidly we must continue to stay on top of current research, laws and regulations, etc., if we want to be successful down the road. There are many levels of continuing education that are available to all of us. One way to do this is to read trade and professional publications on a regular basis. This is very easy to do since most of these publications are available flee of cost through complimentary subscriptions. Another way is to belong to local and national professional associations, NMTMA, MTF and GCSAA for example. Simply joining may not be enough, but attending educational meetings and seminars offer excellent opportunities to leam. Getting involved in associations and local community based organizations would be another level ofpersonal and professional growth. Possibly the ultimate level of continuing education would be accomplished by returning to school to either receive a college degree, or to advance one’s degree further. This is usually time consuming and requires a substantial financial commitment The other choice could be taking advantage of the GCSAA’s certification process if you qualify. While not for everyone, those who have gone through the process highly recommend it as a method of personal professional growth. At this point I bet that I can read your mind. You’re thinking “If I do all of these things or even just some of them, what’s in it for me? How is dressing in a coat and tie, or being certified going to get me a better job or higher pay?” The answer......it may not. However, it is certain that your chances for advancing yourself are much greater by doing these things, and certainly much worse if you don’t or do nothing at all. To be respected, we must practice being professionals. Growing good turfis one thing, but projecting oneself as a professional can be the most important and possibly the hardest aspect of who we are and what we do. □ David W. Pretznow McGuire’s Resort The Name of The Game NMTMA Apparel by Brian L. Conklin If you could name one personality trait that the successful people in our business share, what would it be? I recently posed this Hey! Would you like to look more question to myself, as so far this spring there haven’t been too many professional and wear some NMTMA other people around to talk to, and presented, then discarded many Logo apparel? Well, you can by calling answers. My solutions ranged from Master’s degrees to bulldog Karen O’Dell at (517) 732-6711, ext. determination, but none seemed complete. 2463 and ordering it. The following I was at about this point in my deliberations that the items are available: telephone rang and I snatched it like a drowning man grabs a lifeline. “Grayling Country Club, Brian speaking,” I chirped, Golf Shirts..........$21.20 ea. thankful for any distraction from watching clubhouse paint dry. As it turns out it was the club President calling to ask the age-old Sweat Shirts...... $26.50 ea. question, “When do you think we will be able to get on the course?” Hats..................... $8.50 ea. Gazing out across the frozen tundra of Crawford county, I could think of but one reply..... ”Mr. Jansen, if I could tell you that, I’dbe makingthebigbucksansweringsomePsychicHotline.” Fortunately for me he accepted the remark in the spirit it was intended and laughed. Following a brief conversation, I returned the phone to it’s Do you have an address change, or cradle, thinking how I’m pretty lucky to be working for a club with do you need some information on NMTMA, a sense of humor. “That’s it!” I cried, startling myself with the or do you need to call in your reservation for sound of another human voice in such close proximity. “That’s the a meeting? answer to the question of success.” Considering the excitement many of us experienced last summer, I fail to see how anyone You can do all of this now by calling Kay Patrick at lacking this key ingredient could remain sane, much less effective. (517) 327-5474 So as the snow makes its slow retreat this spring, and it becomes evident that Teddy Typhula has invited a few hundred of Write this number down, it will come in very handy! his closest friends over for a winter party on whatever green that provides the best view from the clubhouse, take a deep breath. Experience tells us that the turf will return, the course will be played, and the players will forget While this outlook may not be practical GCSAA was overwhelmingly passed. Theboardisproceeding for everyone, it has worked well for me. I’ve found in the past that with the affiliation process. There will be some more bylaw panic breeds only more panic, and a well timed chuckle combined changes that NMTMA will have to vote on. This will probably with a self-confident look can stop an entire stampeding greens take place at the Annual Meeting in October. committee in their tracks. CAUTION! This technique should not Mechanics Group (Ross) - The first meeting was held at Garland be tried for the first time on the Every Other Monday Morning Resort on May 7th with 10 people attending to hear and round Ladies Golf & Luncheon League as they are storming the table discuss various issues. The outside speaker for this was maintenance building lookingfortheperson responsible for turning John Garletts of Spartan Distributors. Anyone interested in the irrigation on. A much better idea is to return home about three hosting a meeting this year please contact me. We would like hours late,and try the techniqueout on your significantother. When to have two more meetings this year. you have practiced enough that three hours tardiness no longer G.C.S A .A. (Maddern) - The affiliation vote was approved and we automatically relegates you to the cot in the garage, you are ready. are proceeding with the affiliation process. ‘PAR FOR THE I’m sure that you are now asking yourself, “What do I do COURSE” continues to show stories from our members here now with the extra time that I used to spend worrying?” I suggested in Northern Michigan. The Chapter meeting is scheduled for that you spend your free time wisely like I do. My resume has never September 7th & 8th. If you have any concerns or questions looked better. □ please let me know prior to this meeting. The plans for the conference are being worked on and finalized. It should be another great program. There will be sessions for the day after the opening session for those who are not attending seminars. Committee Reports This will include the PUBLIC GOLF FORUM. M.T.F. (Maddern) - The board has been involved in the interview Program & Golf (Kendziorski) - See box in this newsletter for process for the replacement of Dr. Branham. Hopefully this 1996 Meeting Schedule. Anyone interested in hosting a will be done and the person on board by field day. Hie meeting in 1997, please contact myself or any board member. expansion of the Hancock Center should be started soon. Education (Olson) - The April Mini-Conference was a huge Membership Scholarship (O’Dell) - Applications are being success, we had almost 90 people in attendance. Topics were reviewed. The winner will be presented at the August 13th wide verse and hopefully helped each attendee both personally meeting at THE ROSE. and professionally. The May 8th meeting at Marquette Trails Publication (Maddern) - This issue is very late, the reasons are G.C. heard Tom Smith of Grass Roots talk to us about the use numerous and no one person’s fault Some articles were late and varieties of native grasses. Next educational time will be when the season hit and I had other priorities to get done first the July 16th meeting at Alpena G.C. We will do better with the remaining issues, you should see Finance (Maddern) - We are still working out the kinks in yournextissuearoundthe20thofJuly. The Annual Directory transferring responsibility and wrapping up last year. With and Roster should be in your hands soon along with your new spring (or summer) coming on so quick I have not been able to membership card. If you see any errors or things that should get this done. I will have more to report in next letter. be changed please contact any committee member or Kay Membership (Pretznow) -1 am toldby the publications committee Patrick □ that the 1996Roster is about to be mailed along with membership cards. At our April meeting we welcomed the following new members: Mark Culberson, Springbrook Hills; Doug Palms, 1996 Cattails G.C.; Robert Birdsall, Cadillac C.C.; Ann Blight, Tenative Meeting Schedule Grand Traverse Resort; David Burchett, Birchwood Farms May 7th Mechanic's Meeting, Garland Resort C.C.; Gerald Covitz Jr., Treetops Resort; Paul Emling, Crystal Downs G.C.; Douglas Gapinski, Gaylord C.C.; Thomas Gray, May 8th Marquette Trails G.C., Baldwin Franklin Hills C.C.; Lawrence Lavely, Agaming G.C.; Garret Waller, Country Highlands G.C.; Jeffrey Wilson, Treetops June 3rd MTF Fundraiser, Hidden Valley’s Loon G.C., Gaylord Resort; Matthew Wooten, Pineview Highlands G.C.; Jason Roznowski, Elk Ridge G.C.; Russ Jemberg, Century Rain- July 16th Alpena Golf Club, Alpena Aid; William Madigan, C.C. of Jackson; Robert Johnson, The August 13th 25th Anniversary of NMTMA, The Rose Rose G.C. Welcome one and all to this association and we Golf Club, Leroy hope to see you at another meeting soon. M.T.F. Fund-raiser (Mertz) - You should have received your September 18th NMTMA Fundraiser, Treetops Rick Smith, “Signature,” Gaylord registration form. The date is Monday, June 3rd at the Hidden Valley Resort “The Loon Golf Club” in Gaylord. We hope for October 8th NMTMA Annual Meeting & Tuck Tate a great turnout and another successful day. Championship, Boyne Highlands, Bylaws (Holmes) - At the April meeting the bylaws vote on Harbor Springs, Ml whether the NMTMA should remain an affiliated chapter of The NMTMA. appreciates the supportfrom the following businesses.,. • IRRIGATION* • CONTRACT SERVICES • • EQUIPMENT, SERVICE & SUPPUES • Thlelen Turf Irrigation, Inc. Mechanical Soil Technology Spartan Distributors, Inc. Golt Course Installation Verti-Drain Contract Aerification Your Full Line Toro Distributor (517) 773-3409 800-743-2419 800-822-2216 Century Rain Aid Commercial Turf Equipment Valley Turf, Inc. Now There’s A Third Option - Legacy Golf Contract Aerification Jacobsen Equipment - Rainbird Golf Irrigation 800-347-4274 800-231-LAWN (616) 532-2885 C.J. Colein & Associates, Inc. D & C Distributors, Inc. Irrigation Design and Consulting •FERTILIZERS, CHEMICALS & SEED Your One Stop Shop (810) 656-6805 800-888-7779 Benham Chemical Corporation Watertronics Pumping Systems Serving Michigan and Ohio Tire Wholesalers Company Automatic Pumping Systems, Rick Leslie 800-482-6520 Dan Cress - Tires & Tubes 800-356-6686 (616) 775-6666 Tri-Turf D.G. Irrigation/Valley Turf, Inc. A Warehouse on Wheels Turf Services, Inc. Specializing in Rainbird Irrigation Equipment (616) 943-8343 Verti-Drain & Seeder Distributor 800-334-7011 (616) 842-4975 Chipco • SOD, SOIL & CONSTRUCTION • Bob Dugan W. F. Miller Company (313) 782-0323 Your Cushman/Ransome Distributor Bunting Sand & Gravel, Inc. (800) 555-8189 Greens Mix • Bunker Sand • Drainage Stone Turfgrass Inc. (517) 345-2373 • (517) 345-1718 We Serve You Better (810) 437-1427 • GOLF CART SALES & SERVICE • Beck Sod Farm George Beck The Scotts Company Boylan Sales Inc. (517) 864-3549 Ed Carmody Yamaha Golf Cars (616) 946-6594 (616) 685-6828 Huggett Sod Farm Bent & Bluegrass Sod, Bulk Peat 800-432-2763 ...and we encourage you to support them. Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association P.O. Box 80086 Lansing, Michigan 48908 Dr . James Beard Internaitonal Sports turf Box 10065 College Station, TX 77842 NMTMA Executive Committee Mark R. Wildeman, C.G.C.S. - President Dave Faucher - Vice President Brian Conklin - Secretary Jon Maddem, C.G.C.S. - Treasurer COM Tom Reid - Executive Secretary ’ ‘ *Í¡ u ill n¡ ni nli tl tlik nil 11 it!! ml lì uh i ni il til ml