Labor Day weekend is coming fast and I trust you all are conducting your own special version of Patriot Golf Day. This uniquely PGA fundraiser not only positions you as a valuable member of your community but more importantly supports a tremendous organization, the Folds of Honor Foundation. If you don’t know about Patriot Golf Day and the Folds of Honor, visit: http://www.foldsofhonor.org.
The PNW PGA Merchandise Show will enjoy a new venue this year: the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center. This beautiful building is located in Downtown Tacoma, our host hotel – Hotel Murano – is just across the street and there are 30 restaurants and bars within walking distance! In addition to doing your buying for the year, you and your staff should be able to have a little fun. We open with the Pro-Vendor Invitational at Fircrest on Monday, October 26, the Show runs October 27 and 28 and our Annual Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday morning, October 28.
We are very happy that PGA of America President Derek Sprague has accepted President Tunstill‘s invitation and will join us for the Annual Meeting. You will enjoy meeting Derek and we are finalizing a format to maximize your chance to interact with President Sprague. As is our custom, we are hosting a hot breakfast at 6:30 AM before the meeting begins at 7:30. Why not join us for a little BACON.
We are emphasizing education in October at the Merchandise Show. We open with the PGA of America bringing us the Youth and Family Golf Workshop, Saturday-Sunday, October 24-25. This jam-packed workshop features both Section and National experts. Program and Registration information will be out shortly. Following the Pro-Vendor on Monday, October 26, Scott Smith, National Sales Manager with Page & Tuttle/Brooks Brothers will present “Apparel Trends and Opportunities”. Scott will touch on a variety of topics to help you improve your sales. Carol Pence will reinforce Scott’s presentation with help on promoting your skills to your employer. On Wednesday, October 28, Nike Golf is hosting Mike Bender and his teaching seminar “Practical Ideas That Create Success”. The 2009 PGA Teacher of the Year has been very successful so you might want to listen!
- Click here to register for the PNW PGA Merchandise Show.
- Click here to enter the Pro-Vendor Invitational (you must sign up as a team).
- Click here to register online for Education or download the printable PDF.
Fall also means Chapter Meetings. Each year an officer and I try to attend each of the five chapter meetings. This is one of the most important things we do each year. It’s not a meet and greet, this is an important part of our Strategic Plan. Through this process your officers and I gain a much better understanding of the uniqueness of each Chapter and the very different priorities and realities you all face. This understanding is critical for your leaders as they develop Section programs and influence National programs so they work for local professionals. Please interact with your Officers when they visit your Chapter and let them know how we can best serve YOU. Ask questions, either in your meeting or in the hallway afterwards…. we’ll help you and learn even more!
The 2016 schedule is coming together. The calendar is a little different this year so please check the dates of our events as you make your plans for 2016. I’m happy to report that the PGA Professional Championship will head to Astoria G&CC and Wine Valley GC will again host the Northwest Open Invitational. Thank you John and John for sharing your fine golf courses. Sean Fredrickson will also host our Spring Meeting and Pro-Assistant Championship. Click here for the draft schedule and keep checking back for updates.
As President Tunstill mentioned in the video above, a survey is headed your way soon. When it lands, please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us. The more we understand your goals, the better we can meet them.
I hope to see you at the Merchandise Show and Annual Meeting. Have a great fall,
Jeff Ellison, CEO