Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/137861
6/18/13 11:37 AM Page 1 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT I still believe that now we have to ensure that our customers, the public PREPARED BY KEITH LYALL and our elected officials completely understand the benefits of a managed landscape. Our message needs to be PRESIDENT'S REPORT louder and focused on wider group. There is a lot we can do, and are doing, like social media and communicating with elected officials, Well, I think that was the sound of but it's time for us to employ some collective relief. BC politics is a professional help. A professional funny monster; I find myself voting lobbyist will ensure we are heard loud to stop a person or party from and clear like never before. Perhaps getting into office and not the even change some minds, could you party I actually want to see run this imagine municipalities reversing some of their pesticide by-laws? province. I will admit with all the efforts put As President of the WCTA, I am very into the Special Committee on proud to work with some truly Pesticides, I am glad to see this inspiring individuals who can rally government will get four more years. together and create a remarkable However, the battle will continue. Our team. Since the Penticton conference, opposition groups are not going to we have been working on some big stop lobbying government and the projects, but of the biggest is working even closer with the BCGSA. The public and nor should we. executives from both met Our opposition groups are associations have have and agree that we not going to stop lobbying duplicated work, rather government and the public than doubling our efforts. and nor should we. Working closer allows turf professionals to have JUNE/JULY BCGSA NEWS BY DEAN PILLER BCGSA REPORT SUMMER 2013 There is a lot to be excited about with the BCGSA as we enter June and our busy summer months. In particular, plans are being finalized for this year's BCGSA Exchange tournament at the beautiful Sun Peaks Golf Resort. Host Superintendent Keith Lyall and the Sun Peaks staff have been exceptional in helping us with the plans for this event in what is shaping up to be a great two day opportunity for networking and information exchange. The Exchange is early this year beginning with an evening reception beginning Saturday, August 10 and finishing with an eighteen hole golf event on Monday August 12th so please mark this on your calendar and plan to attend what promises to be a I am very encouraged with the dialogue and information exchange between the WCTA and BCGSA over the past several years and this spirit of working together continues to strengthen. 10 WESTERN CANADA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION that collective voice, which is already evident with the relationship established with the Sports Turf Association (STA) last year. Another project of importance is the 2014 Joint WCTA/CGSA Conference. The conference committee has already met and it's looking like we will have some great speakers and social programs as we usually do. The dates of February 17-21 have recently been confirmed and you will find more information as it becomes available at www.wcta-online.com. Now that we are fully into our operating season (well everyone but me) and our BCGSA and STA regional meetings and events are in full swing, I encourage everyone to get out as much as they can, gain education credits, network with colleagues and support your associations and the work they do. On that note the annual BCGSA Exchange Tournament will be held here at Sun Peaks Resort in August and I am positive you will have a great time. Besides the events we are planning there is lots to do, including my favorite, fishing. MacGillivary Lake is five minutes from the resort, there are plenty of very memorable Exchange. More information will be coming out in the summer issue of the Dogwood going to press in early June and on our BCGSA website as soon as we finalize the registration and accommodation information. I am very encouraged with the dialogue and information exchange between the WCTA and BCGSA over the past several years and this spirit of working together continues to strengthen. In an effort to maximize synergies and improve communication, two representatives from each association have been invited to attend the other association's board meetings. I believe this open dialogue is strengthening relationships and improving the services that each Association can provide for their members. As BCGSA President, along with Greg Austin, our BC Director of the CGSA we have been representing the BCGSA on the Allied Golf Association Board of Directors. The AGA Board is made up of representatives from the BCGSA, WCTA, BCGA, NGCOA, BCPGA and Society of Club Managers. This association has been assembled to provide important initiatives with respect to advocacy with governing bodies dealing with environmental, taxation and tourism issues facing the golf industry today. Of equal importance, the AGA group has been assembled to pursue initiatives to grow the game of golf in British Columbia and solidify a healthy golf industry in our province. KEITH LYALL IMAGE CREDIT BOB WICK wcta12jj--rev campsites there and more RV parking is also available in the village. The Sun Burst chair lift is open for hiking and biking, along with the sports centre, restaurants, shopping etc. For more resort activities please check www.sunpeaksresort.com Stay tuned for tournament activities and accommodations, and no, I will not promise that there won't be snow! (Bring a sweater) Finally I would like to thank all people who make these volunteer positions rewarding and assist in our industry selflessly, if it wasn't for them we would not be the strong and proud industry we are today. Good luck through the summer months and don't forget to spend as much time as you can with your family, they need to come first. Respectfully, Keith Lyall In respect to advocacy initiatives, we have an important responsibility moving forward with respect to Environmental Advocacy. This p o r t f o l i o BCGSA PRESIDENT encompasses, but is DEAN PILLER not limited to, water use issues and restrictions , fertilizer and cosmetic use of pesticide restrictions and IPM programs. Moving forward. the BCGSA and WCTA have committed just shy of 50,000 dollars in a trust fund to ensure that our profession is proactive in environmental advocacy and as we approach our meeting at the Exchange tournament in August we should have an update for you. Looking ahead to this year's conference in Vancouver co-hosted by the WCTA and CGSA I am encouraged that the BCGSA has an opportunity to organize a social during the conference to welcome our peers from across the country. Planning is in its initial stages but we will be looking forward to member input during our Exchange meeting before any decisions are finalized. Summer is quickly approaching and I take this opportunity to wish everyone the best during our busiest time of year. Sincerely, Dean Piller