Sept Update

The board met last week to continue planning for the fall.  We received several responses to the survey asking for guidance on a October golf event and the Annual Meeting format.  Many people responded they would be interested in attending a golf event.  We are excited to announce we are headed to Champaign Country Club on Monday Oct 26.  We will have more details over the next couple weeks.  Please save the date on your calendars and join us for golf!!!

We also had positive response to hosting an Annual Meeting.  The vast majority were in favor of having an in-person gathering if possible.  We are working through several scenarios and at this time plan to host the meeting in-person.  Many things can and may change before Dec 7 and we will be prepared with options to meet the needs of our members, but also keep everyone as safe as possible. 

Annual elections will take place at the Annual Meeting. The nomination committee is requesting a call for nominations.  If you are interested in serving on the Board, please reach out to Bryan.  It is a very rewarding process and provides valuable experience and networking opportunities.  

We also finalized and approved the scholarship award application.  We will be offering two traditional scholarships and a new offering for continuing education for a CIGCSA member.  The continuing education award is geared towards people within our profession that want to enroll or continue their formal education in Turf Sciences.  

At the national level, both the Chapter Delegates and Golf Industry Show will be virtual events this year.  Chapter Delegates will meet October 20 and 21st.  Because the meeting is being held virtually, GCSAA invited two members from each chapter to attend.  This is a good opportunity for our chapter and Dan and I will represent CIGCSA.

Remember to keep October 26 and Dec 7 open on your calendars and join us at our events.  Thanks for taking the time to read our update.  Stay safe!

Travis Williams, CGCS

2020 CIGCSA Board President

AUG BOD Summary

Business continues to be slow due to the COVID pandemic.  The bright spot of the summer was the match-play championship.  We have had several participants sharing that they enjoyed the matches. Good luck to those still alive in the tournament!

We had hoped to squeeze in the Scholarship Fundraiser at the end of the 2020 calendar, but there isn't any indication that we can gather as a large group and hold an auction.  We've tried the online version of the auction before and it didn't pan out very well.  Fortunately, the fund account has been well supported and is self sufficient, which will allow us to still offer the scholarship awards this fall/winter.  We will regroup and plan for a 2021 fundraiser sometime in May of next year.

We have heard from members asking about the possibility of gathering for a golf event this fall.  Our intention is to provide a brief survey this month to gauge overall interest in a fall golf event.  This survey will also include a few questions about the Annual Meeting scheduled for the first part of December.  We are currently developing plans, procedures, and safety protocols for several different Annual Meeting scenarios. Your participation in the survey will really help us understand the best direction to move this fall and winter.  

Days are getting shorter and the nights cooler.  The 2021 agronomy calendar begins.  I am excited for any indication that we can put 2020 behind us.  Keep grinding guys!  

Thanks for reading,

Travis Williams, CGCS