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NGCOA Canada Members Show Their Appreciation for Recent Advocacy Win!
2011 provided a big WIN for golf course owners and operators in British Columbia. A very lengthy 18 months process and 32 presentations to government audience culminated in the elimination of golf cart & equipment licensing; the outcome translates into thousands of dollars in savings annually for affected golf courses.
British Columbia Advocacy Background:
The fall issue of Golf Business Canada magazine, NGCOA Canada’s publication, is a special edition focusing on the recent Golf Awareness Days and provides an in-depth look at the process behind the wins associated with the Ontario Property Tax Assessments and the British Columbia Golf Cart & Equipment Licensing legislation. If you like a copy of our magazine please contact Regional Director – Doug Ferne. You can also visit our website www.ngcoa.ca to read the online version.
Personal Thanks to the NGCOA Canada…..
The recent advocacy win in British Columbia has prompted two groups to show their appreciation in a big way.
Michael Mather, General Manager of University Golf Club donated $5,000 towards legal costs associated with this advocacy win in British Columbia and notes “University Golf Club appreciates the time, diligent process, and money required to deal with government in addressing an issue affecting all operators in BC. Thank you for looking out for all operations whether big, small or medium size and helping their business and bottom line.”
Wayne Vollmer, Golf Vancouver Chair with the Golf Vancouver Marketing Group (Furry Creek GC, Mayfair GC, Meadow Gardens GC, Morgan Creek GC, Northview G & CC, Redwoods GC, Westwood Plateau GC) recently donated $10,000 to assist with the legal expenses incurred as a result of this win and notes “As a token of our appreciation for the successful job the NGCOA Canada has done in eliminating ICBC Insurance costs for golf equipment crossing roads, the Golf Vancouver Marketing Group of seven courses is pleased to donate $10,000 to assist with the legal expenses incurred to have this insurance policy eliminated.”
As reported in the spring issue the BC Allied Golf Association launched the first-ever lobby day that focused on providing members of the Legislative Assembly with a full introduction to the industry-side of British Columbia’s most popular sport. Overall, MLAs were very supportive of the golf industry’s position and many commented that they would be interested in an ongoing relationship with the industry. The Lobby Day illustrated that golf courses are responsible stewards of their lands and that the industry wants to be a partner in the development of science-based regulations, promote the game of golf and make British Columbia a better place to live, work and play.
During the summer months Allied representatives have been working together to finalize formal presentations and strategies which will specifically request the legislature uphold the current legislation in place regarding pesticide use.
The NGCOA Canada BC Chapter and its Board of Directors in partnership with all industry associations will continue to make advocacy on behalf of its members a major priority, dedicating time and resources to ensure the interests of each individual golf course operator is heard and considered before major decisions are made official.
Doug Ferne, Regional Director
NGCOA Canada - BC Chapter
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