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DECEMBER 2007

As My Term Winds Down, My
Association Work Is Just Beginning
And the Best is Yet to Come!

Wow, my last Presidential column. Time goes fast when you have a writing deadline every month. These past two years have been a great experience. Serving on the board of directors is an experience that I would highly recommend. The camaraderie within our industry is unsurpassed.

The MGCSA had some great outings this past fall, one at The Jewel and the other in Le Sueur. The Jewel has a beautiful setting with lots of bump and run shots. Doug Mahal and staff had the place in great shape; if you're ever in Lake City I would recommend it. Tom Meier and staff were up to the challenge of hosting us during the fall monsoon. I have never seen the fields so wet this time of year. I love the setting of Le Sueur C.C. just the drive down there was relaxing.

I mention these events to show two things. One the dedication of the Board members and two the willingness of member clubs to share their golf course for our events. Matt McKinnon drove all the way down to Lake City for a board meeting and didn't even stay for golf. Understandably so since he would have returned home at 11:00 p.m. at night. Most Board members like Tom Meier drive great distances to attend monthly meetings. With gas prices the way they are that is no small thing. In general, I believe the dedication of the whole Board of Directors reflects the members of the MGCSA.

With irrigation systems blown out and the last fungicides put down it is the signal of a new season. The one of tree removal, budgets, equipment repair, rest and education. I hope your are able to attend this year's Minnesota Green Expo being held January 9-11. The Education Committee has put together a stellar lineup that you won't want to miss. Equally important is your attending our Annual Business Meeting being held Thursday at 1:00 p.m. The Board would love to see a full room of participants. One big topic we would like to discuss is the possibility of the MGCSA helping manage a golf course for the purpose of doing research. This would be a front-line cutting edge experience for our industry and it could be a stepping stone to meet the pressures that face our profession.

There is a Raffi song (my kids are 6 and 4 years old) titled "Thanks A lot," that is what comes to my mind as my term as President winds down. Thank you Board members for your wisdom, creative thoughts and leadership. Thank you Somerset staff (Kim, Jason, Josh, Jose and Sheree) for doing the little extra things while I have been gone, not to mention proofreading. I give thanks for my wife Stephanie and family for enduring my busyness, and a big thank you to Scott and Jeff Turtinen who keep the nuts and bolts of the association well-oiled.

Even though my term is winding down I have learned one thing; my work within the association is just beginning. Even though I won't have a monthly column any more hopefully I will be writing some other articles. Even though I won't be leading the BOD meetings anymore hopefully I will be keeping track of what goes on and lending a helping hand whenever needed. I didn't attend many business meetings before being on the Board; from here on in if, I am available I will be there. I guess my point is one person isn't indispensable if the membership as a whole is doing it's best to play a part within the MGCSA. Due to its history and the people who have gone before us it is an organization to be proud of.

May your winter be restful and hopefully it won't snow on the weekends. Thanks a lot for listening to me for two years. The best is yet to come!

- James


  PREVIOUS COLUMNS BY JAMES BADE 

October 2007

September 2007

August 2007

July 2007

June 2007

May 2007

April 2007

March 2007

January/February 2007

November/December 2006

October 2006

September 2006

August 2006

July 2006

June 2006

May 2006

April 2006

March 2006

January/February 2006


 

For More Information Contact:

Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents' Association
700 Twelve Oaks Center Drive, Suite 706, Wayzata, MN 55391
Tel: 952-473-2582
Fax: 952-473-2586