Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/175770
TLN1309-proof 9/11/13 1:51 PM Page 1 COVER STORY REPORT FROM NAGA ALBERTA PRESS RELEASES NAGA ALBERTA STEPS FORWARD The National Association of Golf Association's (Alberta Chapter) mandate is to promote and protect golf in Alberta. From the outset of this tragedy they have taken a leadership position for what they termed in an early press release as "the process of assisting the clubs hardest hit by last week's events." NAGA Alberta started with a program to disseminate information via twitter and email intended to… "help save what we can through communicating with those in need." This led to innovative ideas like pumps from clubs in unaffected regions being shared with those in the affected areas. A great beginning, but it is the most recent activities of the members of NAGA Alberta's board that is hoping to pay the most in dividends. President Brent Hutcheon (Alberta head of the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada) and the other members of the NAGA board were well aware that during previous floods, affected golf courses were not being taken into account. For that reason, they were immediately in contact with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) to ensure that..."we, as the industry, have a seat at the table to ensure that golf is not ignored this time around." CAMPUS NEWS To start the process, the Board invited Ryan Vold, the owner/operator of the Wolf Creek Golf Resort, and who had suffered through two major floods at his course in past years, to share his experiences. From Ryan's insights it became apparent that financial assistance for golf courses hadn't been a priority in the past and that a lobby effort would have to be mounted. Following the initial meeting and through contacts, Maurice Fritze, a lobbyist from Edmonton with a strong 20 year track record, was recruited and a subcommittee of Brent Hutcheon, Brent Ellenton and Ryan Vold was authorized to work with him to further the cause of the Alberta Golf Industry. The five following objectives were established going into the lobby effort: 1. Heighten the golf industry profile 2. Seek equitable regulations for all industries including golf 3. Recognize golf as a vital business in Alberta's economy 4. Seek a seat at the table on eligibility for relief discussions 5. Develop an "ask" for the golf industry To achieve the desired results, the sub-committee took on the task of contacting influential provincial government decision-makers and their committees. Outside assistance was also obtained from friends of golf who had MLA contacts and from golf course representatives who had been directly impacted by the floods. BY JERRY ROUSSEAU OLDS COLLEGE HORTICULTURE PROGRAM UNDER REVIEW This past June, Olds College officials circulated a memo amongst faculty and staff stating School of Environment programs were under review including Horticulture offerings. The review comes on the heels of an Alberta government budget cutback which reduced the college's program government funding by 7% and includes all programs listed in the School of Environment related to the Horticulture industry: LGAP, Environmental Horticulture, Production Horticulture, B.App. Science (all three majors), and Turfgrass Management. An external consultant has been hired to undertake the review process which will involve engagement of faculty, current and past students and industry. The study will also take a look at similar programming from across Canada. The memo stated the review should focus After a month of effort, the subcommittee reported in a press release that all five of the early objectives have been met. In particular, they were able to put the economic importance of golf message in front of more than 25 of the key MLA's, from Premier Hon. Alison Redford to Hon. Dr. Richard Starke (Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation). They further made sure that these MLA's were aware that the Small Business Rebuilding Program should include assistance for businesses with 20 to 50 employees (bridging a gap left open previously) and that golf should be recognized as a vital business in Alberta's economy. Another concrete achievement was to ensure that golf had a seat at the table on eligibility for relief discussions and that decisionmakers saw a comprehensive document outlining the golf industry's position. With the accomplishment of the set objectives, the sub-committee will now enter a monitoring and feedback period to see how things proceed with clubs applying for and receiving financial assistance. Should it be required, the next step could be to act as an intermediary between clubs and government. Overall, NAGA Alberta is cautiously excited about the government's ingenuity and responsiveness on behalf of small business in the province. Concludes the press release, "As we enter the next phase, we look forward to our clubs receiving the financial assistance they require in order to return to a state of normalcy." College is moving forward with program delivery and there has been no decision regarding substantive changes yet" adding "it's business as usual for now." In a phone interview the Dean did say that the college is looking at different models for education delivery while providing skills students need to succeed. The initial departmental meetings are completed and the consultation process has begun with recommendations expected this fall. The Western Canada Turfgrass Association has requested to be involved as a stakeholder in the review process. on the following four clear outcomes: 1. Programs are clearly aligned with student demand and interest 2014 CONFERENCE IN VANCOUVER Programs can meet the needs of the industries being served 3. Programs can propose to differentiate themselves within the market of Horticultural training in Canada (Destination programs) 4. Alignment of College resources to sustain the programs offered in 2014-15 and beyond According to Dean of Environment, Karsten Book Your Booth Space At www.golfsupers.com/vancouver2014 Hendrickson, "Olds or contact Bill Garrett at bgarrett@golfsupers.com RESERVE YOUR BOOTH NOW WESTERN CANADA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 39