The Board of Director's met on Monday via Zoom to catch up on chapter business. The central topic of the meeting was how to proceed in the midst of the COVID pandemic. We continue to monitor the situation and try our best to make the best decisions with the information we currently have. I'll be honest, there were a few times even the board seemed to talk in circles or contradict a previous feeling of how to proceed. Many decisions are instinct driven right now, because none of us have any experience to fall back on the guide us through this time. We thank you for your patience this year.
We have highlighted a few PRP members through social media and will complete our last two Platinum members in August. We will turn to our Gold and Silver members beginning in September. It is important to highlight our 2020 PRP sponsors, because these companies have continued their commitment to supporting local associations during a very difficult time. They also aren't receiving the same recognition at events and meetings, so I encourage you to support these PRP sponsors when making purchases. They need your support more than ever, just as we appreciate their support more than ever. Here is a link to our PRP list: 2020 PRP
From the event-side, we discussed our current match play Chapter Championship. Many of the first round matches have been completed and we have received positive feedback from the participants. The bracket should be completed towards the end of August and we may be able to provide a invite to all members to support the championship matches. More information will follow if this can become a reality.
Financially we are seeing effects of COVID. Our membership numbers are down as well as our PRP participation. We have been able to reduce expenses and currently sit at break even for the year. We have sufficient reserves in the account at this time. A cushion of revenue would help carry us through this tough year and it's not too late to join/ re-join for 2020. We recognize that we aren't providing the normal return for membership dollars, but we still hope we can have an event or education opportunity at some point in 2020. More than ever, support is needed to help CIGCSA maintain its mission to provide members the opportunity to excel professionally and enhance the art and science of turfgrass management.
Finally, Shane Conroy of GCSAA joined to give us an update from the national perspective. GCSAA has done a great job communicating through email, website, virtual town-halls, and directly to our BOD during this turbulent time. Look for that communication to continue as they monitor the evolving situation headed into the fall and winter. Obviously, national events such as the Chapter Delegates' meeting and GIS are coming into view and Shane and GCSAA are on top of it as always,.
Thanks for reading,
Travis Williams, Board President CIGCSA
