The British Columbia Golf Superintendents Association is a dedicated group of turfgrass professionals committed to providing the best possible playing conditions for golfers from around the world.

President's Message - June, 2008

I would like to begin by saying that I am very excited to hear what is going on around our Province at the Regional levels. There has been a steady surge of creative and professional developments undertaken lately. This is yet another indicator that I am working with one of the most energetic and educated groups of professionals.

In the past year we have seen charity fund-raisers, invoice improvements and amazing advancements to our meeting’s educational and entertainment potentials. All the while keeping on top of our commitments at the course and at home; fiscally, legislatively and environmentally. As this year steams ahead it overwhelms me how quickly the jobs pile up and how hard it is to complete them. It is at times like these that I have extra respect for the fellow Superintendent that is making our organization what it is today.
v As in the past, every Superintendent deals with the issues of day-to-day maintenance and keeps an eye on impending problems. The issues on the horizon and approaching fast are fuel costs and carbon taxes. There just is not enough time in a workweek to spend days on environmental paper trails and hours trying to find the cheapest shipping rates and not enough room in a budget to ignore them.

I feel our success in the future will be greatly advanced due to the strength of our organization. The BCGSA has always been committed to connecting everyone through meetings and newsletters and providing networking opportunities to limit the time spent doing what has already been done.

On a less serious note, I am looking forward to spending time with those of you who are going to the Fall Exchange tournament. I am sure Brent will have the Cottonwood Golf Course in fabulous shape. I would hope everyone takes the time to thank Brent and the rest of the Vancouver Island Chapter for hosting our BCGSA meeting and tournament.

Sincerely,

Rob Wilke
President, B.C.G.S.A.

Overview

The British Columbia Golf Superintendents Association was incorporated on November 17, 1995. On December 12, 1995 representatives from each region met to enact changes to the By-laws to form the basic structure of a unified provincial association, as mandated by the membership.

There are currently 297 members within the Association and five regions consisting of: Interior, Kootenay, Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and the Northern region.

In 2002 the BCGSA membership increased by 42 members over the previous year, and by 66 members since 1998.

The purpose of the BCGSA is to heighten the professional recognition of the Golf Course Superintendent both in golf course maintenance as well as in the culture and science of turf management.

The BCGSA promotes fraternity, benevolence; justice and mutual understanding to and for its members.

The BCGSA encourages, promotes and participates in Turfgrass Research and the interchange of scientific and practical knowledge relating to the care of golf courses. This results in more and efficient golf operations, better turf, and the best possible playing conditions for golfers of all abilities.

The BCGSA recognizes and promotes the value of education and sponsors, whenever possible, conferences, meetings and exhibitions for the benefit of its members and the turfgrass industry.

The BCGSA also cooperates with many other associations whose interests run parallel to, or compliment that of the BCGSA.

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Administrative Roles

The BCGSA Board of Directors consists of five Directors and one Executive Administrator.

The role of the Executive Administrator is to assume all accounting, budget, banking, invoicing and office administration duties. This includes providing office location, phone, fax, email, and provide a central communication source to all members and directors. Also they are responsible for circulating minutes, job postings, notices, correspondence, reports, and surveys, as required. The Executive Administrator is responsible for advertisement recruitment, including the membership roster and newsletters. The Administrator liaises with Associations such as the WCTA, BCGA, USGA and others. The Administrator attends regional meetings and events, and is responsible for developing all marketing initiatives for the Association.

The President holds the chief executive office position of the Association. He effectively manages the association's business and oversees the orders of the Board of Directors. The President supervises all the affairs and property of the Association when the Board of Directors is not in session. The President attends all meetings of the Association and of the Board and prepares reports, speeches, etc. on behalf of the Association.

The Vice President performs all duties of the President when he is absent and performs duties as required by the board.

The Secretary holds custody and prepares all Association meeting minutes. The minute book is available to all members at any regular meeting.

The Treasurer oversees and safely secures all financial accounts, records and documents of the Association. The books of the Treasurer and all records are available for inspection by the members at all times.

The Communications Director provides opportunities for all members to increase communication flow within the five regions and increase opportunities to share information, express needs through communication vehicles such as membership surveys and newsletters.

The Member Relations Director co-ordinates membership recruitment and assists in servicing membership needs - Membership Applications, Scholarship Fund and Bursary Fund information is available.

The CGSA Director is the liaison between the Canadian Superintendents Association and the British Columbia Superintendents Association and reports to the association on the business arising from the meetings of the Canadian Superintendents Association.

The Past-President performs duties as requested by the board.