NGCSA

Nebraska GCSA has been managed by Kissel/E&S Associates for nearly a year now and from my perspective it has been a great thing for our association. We have seen improvements in the association including a revamped newsletter, enhanced communication through emails and notices, and better organized monthly meetings. Those things are all critical to serving the membership, but Kissel’s work doesn’t end there. Many other behind-the-scenes’ duties facilitate Nebraska GCSA’s mission. A prime example was Nebraska GCSA’s exhibit at the Nebraska Golf Expo in Omaha. Kristin Crawford and Katy Post made sure we did this event right. They were consumed by the fact that we wanted to promote our profession and enhance our image. With only volunteer help our presence at the Expo would not have been polished or impressive. An executive director has the time and energy to devote to causes that fulfill our mission. This is one example of Kissel’s diligence but there have been so many more since their hiring. They have responded to Omaha’s overtures to shut down a public golf course, challenged the Nebraska Corn Board’s advertisement attacking golf courses, and networked with the NGA, PGA of Nebraska, and Nebraska Dept. of Tourism to promote golf in the state. Also they are able to provide a great conference room for board meetings, consistent financial reporting, and always want to “help us any way they can.” In a nutshell, their mantra is we do our job (of managing our association) so you (members) can do yours. Hopefully you met Kristin and Katy at Nebraska Turfgrass Conference so you can put a face with the name. Let them know you appreciate their work, because as President I sure do!

The Nebraska Golf Expo was a tremendous venue for Nebraska GCSA to showcase its commitment to golf and our members’ contribution to it. Standing side by side with the Nebraska Golf Association the Nebraska Section PGA is important as part of our mission to promote the game of golf. Also our presence reminded golfers that we (superintendents) are a critical component in golf course operations. Pros tend to get a lot of face time with the golfer; we too must be able to convey our importance to golfers in Nebraska. If you want to compete with your pro for compensation and recognition, you must be able to sell yourself and your profession. That is a personal agenda but it can be duplicated by Nebraska GCSA on a grander scale at shows like the Nebraska Golf Expo.

Generally superintendents want to be recognized but not recognized. By this I mean we want our value to our golf course to be noted but we want our work to speak for us. Unfortunately, that rarely goes far enough. Interaction with the golfer really does help your image and perceived value to golf operations. GCSAA has run an aggressive campaign to improve superintendents’ image in the past ten years. Some have scoffed at this idea, but it has been documented that superintendents are more appreciated and recognized than at any time before. We hope that Nebraska GCSA’s presence at the Nebraska Golf Expo improved your standing with golfers across Nebraska.