​The Wisconsin Badger Chapter of CMAA is delighted to welcome Sussner as its newest Silver Partner in the Corporate Partnership Program (CPP).   With more than 20 years of experience in branding, Sussner has been a leading force in rethinking and strengthening the brand presence of sports organizations, helping them communicate better, stand out and engage audiences.  

As a Silver Partner in the CPP, Sussner will play a pivotal role in supporting the Wisconsin Badger Chapter's mission to foster excellence and professionalism in club management.  Their expertise in brand strategy, brand development, and brand activation will prove invaluable to the clubs as they aim to elevate member experience, improve marketing efforts and attract prospective members.  

Wisconsin Badger Chapter, President & GM/COO at Westmoor Country Club, Dan Morn, stated, “We are thrilled to have Sussner as a Silver Partner in our Corporate Partnership Program.  Their track record of success in working with sports organizations and private clubs, combined with their passion for helping clubs communicate their unique stories, will undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to our chapter members. 

Managing Director, Kathy Collins, is happy to announce that to celebrate this new partnership, Wisconsin Badger Chapter members and their department managers will have the opportunity to meet Derek Sussner, Founder and Executive Creative Director, at the upcoming October 23, Tradeshow, which will be held at Milwaukee Athletic Club.  Attendees can learn firsthand from Sussner's experts about the power of branding in enhancing member experiences.  

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Sussner's team of designers, strategists, and copywriters is dedicated to empowering clubs to communicate their core values and differentiate their brand with emotion and style.  Their impressive client list includes renowned organizations such as Hazeltine National Golf Club, Lemon Bay Golf Club, Life Time Fitness, and the Minnesota Vikings.

​Please join us in thanking Boelter for renewing its Platinum Partnership with the Wisconsin Club Managers Foundation.  We appreciate their long history of providing our members professional development and creative product solutions.
 
Leveraging their rich experience, vast supplier network, and consultative approach, “The Boelter Difference” delivers products, services, and solutions and assists their customers in growing their businesses and increasing their profitability.
 
 “The Boelter Company is second to none, their service is impeccable, and their products are outstanding. Their programs are truly designed to benefit Clubs. Bottom-line, they are always there for you! I am proud and appreciative that The Boelter Company is a Platinum partner of the Wisconsin Badger Chapter.” – Dan Morn, COO, Westmoor Country Club
 
“Chenequa Country Club has partnered with the Boelter Company for over 25 years. We have had a great experience with their staff, especially consistency (only 3 salespeople over that time). Their added value service makes our operations simpler as they accept equipment and large supply orders then deliver on their trucks versus the dreaded freight delivery requiring club staff to unload and get items into the building. We are proud to have the Boelter Company as a partner to the club and to the Wisconsin Badger Chapter.” – Michael Paddock, CCM, CCE, Club Manager, Chenequa Country Club
 
Boelter offers:
• Venue designs that are practical, efficient, and pleasing
• Commercial-grade equipment for all venue types and spaces
• Supplies to prep, create, cook, bake and serve food and beverage on/off-premise
• Custom-printed merchandise to connect unique brands to consumers
• Marketing tools to stimulate demand, engagement, and loyalty

Recognizing the Badger Chapter’s value in aligning partners with their target market, Strategic Club Solutions has increased its partnership level from Silver to Gold.

Since 2010, Strategic Club Solutions has been providing unparalleled consultation services to the private club industry. Ryan Doerr and his team of 12 focused industry experts, deliver successful solutions to clubs through strategic planning, member surveys, branding, operational improvement, food and beverage operations, membership growth, programing, engagement and retention, organizational effectiveness, staff training and development, recruiting, and executive search. A notable fact about Ryan is that nearly every client he has helped has in turn recommended him to a colleague, who Ryan has also helped.

“Being a corporate partner has been a tremendous opportunity for our company. It has allowed us to build relationships, tell our story, connect with decision-makers and support the industry and people that we serve. The chapter does a great job of supporting its members, and we are honored to be a part of that.” - Ryan Doerr, Owner/President, Strategic Club Solutions
​
“The Strategic Club Solutions team provided MYC with a comprehensive survey and strategic plan that was custom-made, ready for implementation and affordable. We appreciate their extensive knowledge, enthusiasm and intuitive ability to find opportunities for improving teams, increasing profits, cash flow, and productivity.” - Matt Michael, CCM | General Manager/COO, Milwaukee Yacht Club
​

The Wisconsin Badger Chapter of Club Management Association of America (CMAA) and the Wisconsin Club Managers Foundation (WCMF) are pleased to announce the addition of GSI Executive Search as a Bronze Level Partner in the WCMF Corporate Partner Program (CPP).  
 
This partnership represents a significant commitment by GSI Executive Search to develop strong relationships with club leaders.  GSI Executive Search has been serving the private club industry for over 25 years and has successfully executed more than 850 placements and many multiple assignments with the same clients.  Their mission is to contribute to their client’s growth and stability and foster the career goals of all candidates.
 
In 2019, GSI Executive Search was acquired by Ethos Club & Leisure, a Dallas, Texas-based real estate advisory and investment firm dedicated to club and leisure assets. GSI Executive Search now offers current and future clients unprecedented single-source access to top operational consulting, human capital management, legal advisory services, and executive placement services that otherwise would only be available through separate engagements.
 
Scott McNett, Senior Principal stated, “GSI is proud to support the Chapter and WCMF in its efforts to deliver outstanding professional development and resources to the Badger Chapter members, students, and community.”  Scott is looking forward to meeting many of you both virtually and in-person in the coming months.  He is working especially hard to clear his schedule and join in the festivities for the WCMF Invitational on May 17 at Tuckaway Country Club. 
 
Ned Welc, CCM, CCE, Principal at GSI will be live on February 18 at 10:00 a.m. for an education session hosted by the Greater Chicago Chapter:  Management Styles and When They Are Most (and Least) Effective.  You and your staff are invited to join in for this session.  Register:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqf--hqz8oG90dzIpJh-YztgCBkmkm_OA1
 
“We appreciate the commitment of GSI Executive Search to the Wisconsin Badger Chapter and the club industry.  Scott and GSI have been a longtime friend of the chapter and we are thrilled to have them as a WCMF Corporate Partner” commented Tim Stein, President of The Wisconsin Club Manager’s Foundation. 
 
For more information, please contact:
 
Scott McNett, Senior Principal
231 S. Bemiston Avenue, Suite 800
St. Louis, MO 63105
314-854-1321 (direct)
314-452-8848 (cell)
www.gsiexecutivesearch.com

Alexandria, VA — March 12, 2018 — The Club Managers Association of America announces its 2018 Officers and Board of Directors. Voting for officers and directors was conducted online and in-person at CMAA’s 91st World Conference on Club Management in San Francisco, CA. The election results were announced at the event’s Closing Business Session.  
The 2018 CMAA Officers are:

• President Robert J. "Bobby" Crifasi, CCM, CCE, CPA, General Manager of New Orleans Country Club, New Orleans, LA;
• Vice President Randall J. Ruder, CCM, CCE, General Manager of Beach Point Club, Mamaroneck, NY;
• Secretary–Treasurer Mark A. Bado, MCM, CCE, General Manager of Myers Park Country Club, Charlotte, NC; and
• Immediate Past President Robert C. James, CCM, CCE, CHE, of New Canaan, CT.

Newly elected or re-elected as Directors are:

• Brian R. Kroh, CCM, General Manager of John’s Island Club, Vero Beach, FL (Re-elected to a two-year term);
• Richard L. LaRocca, CCM, CCE, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of The Country Club of Orlando, Orlando, FL (Elected to a three-year term);
• Christina A. Toups, CCM, CCE, General Manager of Ridglea Country Club, Fort Worth, TX (Re-elected to a three-year term); and
• Michael S. Wheeler, MCM, CCE, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of Cherokee Town & Country Club, Atlanta, GA (Elected to a three-year term).

Directors continuing to serve on the CMAA Board are:

• Frank Cordeiro, CCM, Chief Operating Officer of Diablo Country Club, Diablo, CA;
• Eric Dietz, CCM, CCE, PGA, General Manager and COO of Mountain Lake, Lake Wales, FL;
• Joe Mendez, CCM, CCE, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of Germantown Cricket Club, Philadelphia, PA;
• Mitchell S. Platt, MCM, CCE, General Manager of the Cosmos Club, Washington, DC; and
• Michael D. Seabrook, CCM, CCE, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of Belle Meade Country Club, Nashville, TN.

The CMAA Board of Directors is comprised of 13 club management professionals who are passionate about the long-term vision of CMAA, and work respectfully with staff, committees, members, partners, and the greater industry to advance the profession of club management.
 
About CMAA
The Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs with 6,800 members throughout the US and internationally. Our managers operate more than 2,500 country, golf, athletic, city, faculty, military, town, and yacht clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote relationships between club management professionals and other similar professions; to encourage the education and advancement of members; and to provide the resources needed for club managers to operate efficiently and successfully. CMAA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, with 43 professional chapters and more than 45 student chapters and colonies. Learn more at cmaa.org.

Alexandria, VA – This year marks a milestone for CMAA’s Professional Development as the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) marks the 30th Anniversary of the Business Management Institutes (BMI). The first course, Business Management Institute I – The Basic Club Management School, was offered at Georgia State University, February 7-14, 1988.
The Business Management Institute is a flourishing, in-demand professional development program that has become the most well-respected education initiative of the hospitality industry. Each program is an intensive learning experience – including both technical instructions on day-to-day and long-term career aspects of club management - taught by highly qualified university faculty, industry experts, and experienced club managers. The multi-faceted BMI program includes five core courses and four electives including BMI International.
Two visionaries helped to bring these programs to fruition – A. Christopher Borders, CCM, who came up with the original idea (at the time the Clubhouse Manager at the Atlanta Athletic Club, Atlanta, GA), and CMAA’s longtime Academic Advisor, Joe Perdue, CCM, CHE, the architect and innovator of BMI. From 1988 to 2014, Joe attended more than 300 programs in-person.
Today, programs are held at the preeminent hospitality schools across the country including Michigan State, Cornell, California Polytechnic, and Georgia State. More than 441 week-long programs have been offered, attended by more than 14,502 club management professionals. Participants have come from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and 31 foreign countries.
For the latest information, visit https://www.cmaa.org/BMI.aspx.
About CMAA
The Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs with 6,800 members throughout the US and internationally. Our managers operate more than 2,500 country, golf, athletic, city, faculty, military, town and yacht clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote relationships between club management professionals and other similar professions; to encourage the education and advancement of members; and to provide the resources needed for club managers to operate efficiently and successfully. CMAA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, with 43 professional chapters and more than 45 student chapters and colonies. Learn more at www.cmaa.org.
 ​Pictured below - BMI 1 - 1995

ASGCA members Dick Nugent and Jeff Hardin die Jan. 1
BROOKFIELD, Wis.—The American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), is mourning the death of two members who each died Jan. 1, 2018: ASGCA Past President Dick Nugent and Jeff Hardin, ASGCA.

After graduation from the University of Illinois, Nugent worked six years with ASGCA Founding Member Robert Bruce Harris. Nugent and future ASGCA President Ken Killian left Harris in 1964 to set up their own golf course architecture partnership.
Nugent and Killian made their big splash on the national scene with the creation of Kemper Lakes Golf, Long Grove, Illinois, which played host to the Kemper Open and the 1989 PGA Championship. During their time together, they nurtured the careers of many talented associates, including ASGCA Past Presidents Jeff Brauer and Bob Lohmann; Jim Blaukovitch, ASGCA; Bruce Borland, ASGCA; Jim Engh, ASGCA; and Dick’s son, Tim Nugent, who was elected into ASGCA membership in 2001. Another Nugent protégé is Patrick Karnick, president-elect of the Golf Course Builders Association of America.
Other courses designed by Dick Nugent include: Tuckaway Country Club, Milwaukee; The Dunes Club, New Buffalo, Michigan; Koolau Golf Course, Oahu, Hawaii; and Harborside Golf Courses – Port and Starboard, Chicago.

Hardin was a Civil Engineering graduate from the University of Arizona. His golf course architecture career included work with fellow prominent architects George Fazio, ASGCA, and ASGCA Past President Robert F. “Red” Lawrence.

Hardin was instrumental in the career development of Shane Witcombe, ASGCA, and worked alongside Greg Nash, ASGCA.
​
Courses designed by Hardin include: Los Caballeros Golf Course, Wickenburg, Ariz.; Dobson Ranch Golf Course, Mesa, Arizona; El Conquistador Country Club, Tucson, Arizona; Wigwam – West Golf Course, Litchfield Park, Arizona; and Sky Mountain Golf Course; Hurricane, Utah.

​ASGCA Background 
Founded in 1946 by 14 leading architects, the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of experienced golf course designers located throughout the United States and Canada. Members have completed a rigorous two-year long application process that includes the peer review of at least four representative golf courses. ASGCA members are experienced golf course architects, able to counsel in all aspects of golf course design and remodeling.

​ 
2017 Design Excellence Recognition Program honorees announced by ASGCA

New visions for seasoned facilities, renovations to classic courses and new layouts to meet the needs of today’s golfers display the innovative, thoughtful work of ASGCA members
 
The sixth annual American Society of Golf Course Architects Design Excellence Recognition Program honorees have been named. Projects from 11 courses have been cited for their work with ASGCA members in addressing unique design challenges.
 
Since its creation, the Design Excellence Recognition Program has highlighted the innovation and problem-solving skills required of today’s golf course designs, from new 18-hole layouts to practice facilities and renovations of various sizes.
The 2017 nominations were reviewed by a panel of golf industry leaders, including representatives of the Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Builders Association of America and Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
The recognized courses are:

• Colleton River, Bluffton, South Carolina/Tim Liddy, ASGCA
• Compass Pointe Golf Club, Leland, North Carolina/Rick Robbins, ASGCA, & Brian Lussier, ASGCA

• Golf de Club de Panama, Panama City, Panama/Ray Hearn, ASGCA
• Hunt Valley Country Club, Phoenix, Maryland/Jason Straka, ASGCA, and Dana Fry, ASGCA
• Longleaf Golf & Family Club, Southern Pines, North Carolina/Bill Bergin, ASGCA
• Meadowbrook Country Club, Northville, Michigan/Andy Staples, ASGCA
• Mountain Top Course, Hollister, Missouri/Jeff Lawrence, ASGCA
• Royal Ottawa Golf Club, Ottawa, Canada/Neil Haworth, ASGCA
• Vestavia Country Club, Birmingham, Alabama/Lester George, ASGCA
• Wellesley Country Club, Wellesley, Massachusetts/Mark Mungeam, ASGCA
• Westfield Group Country Club, Westfield Center, Ohio/Dr. Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA Fellow

“These wonderful golf facilities, and the architects who worked so closely with them, have my congratulations and great respect,” ASGCA President John Sanford, ASGCA, said. “The projects recognized here continue the tradition of the Design Excellence Recognition Program; well-designed facilities that make a positive impact on the game to benefit golfers and their communities.”
 

• Colleton River, Bluffton, South Carolina/Tim Liddy, ASGCA
  This 18-year old facility had lost much of its character with many of its golf course features losing their shape and definition. Tim Liddy, ASGCA, referred to the restoration as, “like an archaeological project” as they uncovered original artistic aspects of the Pete Dye, ASGCA Fellow, design.

    The work was performed by first carefully hand digging around the bunkers and greens, discovering the original sand lines. Turf was removed as well as layers of organic material that had built up over many years. Bunker contours were restored, matching the original design and build.
 

• Compass Pointe Golf Club, Leland, North Carolina/Rick Robbins, ASGCA, and Brian Lussier, ASGCA
  Development of the new, 2,300 acre Compass Pointe Community in Leland, North Carolina, had begun before the 2008 financial crisis crippled the golf and housing industries.  Working within the constraints of environmental requirements and financial limitations while still creating a golf course that would be an asset to real estate sales was the challenge.
     The solution involved many approaches, including: new golf routing to fit within existing wetlands; designing/maintaining the course to meet Audubon International standards; adding Family Tees so each hole may be played as a par 3; and using existing features of vegetation, wetlands, sandy soils to create a natural style course to reduce construction costs.

 

• Golf de Club de Panama, Panama City, Panama/Ray Hearn, ASGCA
  The golf course was unplayable during the rainy season due to heavy clay soils, and limited surface and subsurface drainage. Also, the course was not appealing to new golfers, with poor driving range and sub-standard par 3 course, and no beginner tees.
     A master plan detailed design for sand capping fairways and rough, including new drainage that networks back to club’s pond and irrigation reservoir to re-use rain water. Additional plans included driving range remodel for all golfers, revitalized nine-hole par 3 course and new junior teeing system.

 

• Hunt Valley Country Club, Phoenix, Maryland / Jason Straka, ASGCA, and Dana Fry, ASGCA
  This private club experienced chronic member dissatisfaction, primarily due to deteriorating sand bunkers, poor drainage and inferior practice facilities. Bunkers continually washed and didn't drain, and prime playing areas were perpetually wet, leading to numerous problems including significant disease pressure and compaction. All needed addressing, while staying within a pre-determined budget. For the cost of a typical bunker renovation, course drainage was improved by directing large amounts of surface water away from prime playing areas when designing new bunkers. Also, the main practice area was completely redesigned, lengthening the tee range complex by 100%.
  
  
• Longleaf Golf & Family Club, Southern Pines, North Carolina/Bill Bergin, ASGCA
  The Club was a course with a shrinking membership in need of numerous infrastructure improvements. Practice facilities were small, spread out and in poor condition (as were greens and bunkers). As host to the US Kids World Championship, the course lacked appropriate tees for the event.
     Course routing was adjusted and US Kids Golf Academy was born, featuring a 10,000 square-foot putting green, two 5,000 square-foot chipping greens and a practice range tee that tripled in size. Longleaf Tee System was introduced, matching tee position with golfer’s ability based on how far they carry a driver. Putting greens were resurfaced and bunkers updated.
  
  
• Meadowbrook Country Club, Northville, Michigan/Andy Staples, ASGCA
  A lack of site drainage, years of tree growth, improper turf varieties and increased golfer expectations rendered the course deficient by members’ standards.
     Long-term management was addressed in a number of ways: through a modified-depth USGA greens construction method; installation of over 15 miles of drain pipe; a new, flat, sand-bottom bunker design embracing the century-old original design of Willie Park, Jr.; integration of 25 acres of no-mow fescue; and planting new turf varieties to reduce water use by 60 percent. Additionally, six new sets of tees provide options for players of all skill levels.
  
  
• Mountain Top Course, Hollister, Missouri/Jeff Lawrence, ASGCA
  Built atop the rocky Ozark mountains, this unique and innovative course from Gary Player Design utilized the natural features and on-site materials to produce a fun and playable 13-hole, par 3 course.
     A rock dome that was creatively manipulated to expose ancient rock formations was incorporated within the design. Utilization of excess rock allowed for creating retaining walls and large fills to improve widths of fairways, implement large land forms and gain distance on some of the shorter holes. No cart paths, close green-to-tee connections and a creative routing allows for a variety of playing options (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 hole loop options).
  
  
• The Royal Ottawa Golf Club, Ottawa, Canada/Neil Haworth, ASGCA
  A master renovation plan was developed to address three issues: bring the course to modern standards while respecting the club’s tradition; address playability issues on two holes due to widening of the adjacent road; and design a driving range and short game area.
     Based on 1927 aerial photos, all bunker complexes are to be reshaped and putting surfaces “squared off” to match original geometric design. New tees will provide variety and reduce forced carries. One hole was moved to combat safety issue, and a fairway shift and additional tees addressed the playability concerns. A new range has been designed, with previous range being converted into a family-orientated short game area, par 3 course.

 

• Vestavia Country Club, Birmingham, Alabama/Lester George, ASGCA

Vestavia Country Club was falling behind in market standing, sustainability, design strategy, playability and turf quality. All of this impacted the club’s ability to recruit/retain members. 
  A five-year process of focus groups, design study, due diligence, bidding and design execution of a total golf course reconstruction resulted in the following: re-routing reconstruction of all 18 holes, tees, greens, bunkers, streams and drainage paths; new turf varieties; new practice facility; updated putting green and cart storage facility; and more. The design was predicated on increasing the strategy, playability, fun, conditions and sustainability of the golf course to retain, gain and attract new members. 
 

• Wellesley Country Club, Wellesley, Massachusetts/Mark Mungeam, ASGCA
  Looking to develop a par-3 course/short game practice area on a mostly vacant, 8-acre parcel between two existing holes, difficulties included elevation change and proximity to adjacent wetlands in protected watershed.
     A putting green and 6-hole par-3 course with holes 65-to-150 yards were developed. Design makes use of rolling terrain, and varied green complex designs teach players different shots required on championship course. A Phosphorous Control Plan was prepared to alleviate watershed impact concerns. All disturbances were kept at least 100 feet from wetlands.
  
  
• Westfield Group Country Club, Westfield Center, Ohio/Dr. Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA Fellow
  Westfield Insurance Company maintains a 36-hole golf complex in Ohio, for inclusive entertainment; i.e., not all guests play golf, but everyone can putt. Two concepts were borrowed from St. Andrews, one being a 25,000 square foot “Himalayas Putting Course” adjacent to the Westfield clubhouse and outing pavilion, and the other a 5,000 square foot spectator area integrated with the green to mimic the spectator area on Old Course #18 green. Toro Twilight™ Lighting System was added for evening events. The net result is a unique entertainment experience for all Westfield Group CC users.

 
ASGCA Background
 
Founded in 1946 by 14 leading architects, the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of experienced golf course designers located throughout the United States and Canada. Members have completed a rigorous two-year long application process that includes the peer review of four representative golf courses.
 
The average ASGCA member has spent nearly 30 years as a golf course architect, designing 42 new 18-hole courses and has worked on or consulted on nearly 150 projects in eight different countries around the world.
 
For more information about ASGCA log on to the ASGCA website at http://www.asgca.org

​Featuring Entry-Level Job Opportunities in the Club Industry

Contact:
Melissa Low
melissalow@cmaa.org 

Alexandria, VA – November 1, 2017 – The Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) has launched a new resource, adding to its robust ClubCareers offerings. This new job board, Entry-Level Opportunities, lists entry-level, hourly wage jobs by state, making it easy to navigate. Job types include full-time, part-time, seasonal, and holiday positions. CMAA members will list jobs, and any interested candidates can access the online listing and apply directly to the listing club.


“Our members rank recruiting and retaining talent as one of their most significant challenges,” CEO Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE, explains. “This resource will help connect clubs seeking entry-level team members and potential employees across the country.”
To date, more than 90 jobs have been posted at clubs in 23 states. To access the job board or for more information, visit cmaa.org/ClubCareers.  
​

About CMAA
The Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs with 6,700 members throughout the US and internationally. Our managers operate more than 2,500 country, golf, athletic, city, faculty, military, town and yacht clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote relationships between club management professionals and other similar professions; to encourage the education and advancement of members; and to provide the resources needed for club managers to operate efficiently and successfully. CMAA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, with 44 professional chapters and more than 45 student chapters and colonies. Learn more at cmaa.org.