New England Golf Summit

Headline: The New England Golf Industry Comes Together in Andover to Discuss the Current and Future Challenges at the 2011 New England Golf Summit

Andover, MA — Representatives from the golf industry filled the grand ballroom at Andover Country Club on Wednesday as they took part in the 2011 New England Golf Summit.

Four dynamic speakers provided insights on the state of the industry and left all attendees with a sense that they were better prepared to deal with the challenges and opportunities of the upcoming season.

Headlining this event – which is a collaberative effort of the major New England golf associations – were the following speakers.

This year's attendees hailed from Western Massachusetts to the far reaches of Maine and included club officials, board members, golf course owners, staff members, media and a handful of avid golfers who came to learn more about the golf industry.

Following the four 45-minute presentations, the speakers returned to the stage to take part in an interactive question-and-answer session. All attendees then enjoyed a networking luncheon where they were able to speak with the presenters and their colleagues.

Here are some highlights from the four presentations.

Health Care Reform and the Golf Industry
Presented By Brad Steele
VP of Government Relations & General Counsel, National Club Association
As general counsel for the National Club Association, Steele works to defend, protect and advance the interests and well-being of private social and recreational clubs. One of the most pressing and current issues facing golf clubs is implementation of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Steele described in great detail the new requirements for all employers and the potential challenges that they must face in regards to new mandates, employee eligibility opportunities, free choice vouchers and seasonal workers. He also provided an update on the impact that The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will have on each facility's budget and their current health care plan and the status of the repeal activity that is ongoing on Capital Hill.

Click here to view Steele's presentation or learn more by visiting the National Club Association's web site at www.nationalclub.org.

State of the Industry
Presented by Greg Nathan
Senior VP, National Golf Foundation
For 75 years, the National Golf Foundation has been the association for all the companies and people who make a living in golf. Its mission has been to keep golf businesses ahead of the game when it comes to market intelligence on key metrics and trends that affect the state of our industry. In addition to providing attendees with an overview of the many benefits of being an NGF member, Nathan presented key national and regional data on rounds played, golfer and consumer confidence and the supply and demand of golf courses. He also touched on some key golfer trends that courses can use to grow their businesses.

To learn more about NGF memberships (which allow for access to – among other key data – all national and regional NGF reports), click here.

Firm & Fast - What does it mean, and what does it mean at your golf course?
Presented by David Oatis
Director of the Northeast Region, USGA Green Section
One of the leading agronomists in the world, Oatis discussed the idea that brown is becoming the new green for golf courses. After providing insight on how the USGA is able to prepare golf courses for marquee events such as the U.S. Open Championship, Oatis touched on the pros and cons of making one's golf course firm and fast and outlined a series of specific challenges that the agronomic conditions here in Northeast present for superintendents and golfers. He also reiterated the role of golf course officials and members in helping to grow the game, improve its environmental impact and attract new golfers.

Click here to view Oatis' presentation or learn more by visiting the USGA's web site at www.usga.org.

Social Media for Golf Clubs
Presented by Steve Gogolak Director of Solutions
Cramer Productions
Steve capped off the speaker series with a discussion about social media... its history, evolution and its current and potential impact on business and specifically the golf course industry. He explained how social media vehicles such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are changing the way large and small companies are doing business and how marketing programs that incorporate social media are racing ahead of the pack.

To learn more about Steve's presentation and to follow him online, visit his web site at www.awidernet.com.



	Wednesday, March 30, 2011 • Andover Country Club (Andover, MA) For Immediate Release: March 30, 2011 Headline: The New England Golf Industry Comes Together in Andover to Discuss the Current and Future Challenges at the 2011 New England Golf Summit Andover, MA — Representatives from the golf industry filled the grand ballroom at Andover Country Club on Wednesday as they took part in the 2011 New England Golf Summit. Four dynamic speakers provided insights on the state of the industry and left all attendees with a sense that they were better prepared to deal with the challenges and opportunities of the upcoming season. Headlining this event – which is a collaberative effort of the major New England golf associations – were the following speakers. Brad Steele - National Club Association Greg Nathan - National Golf Foundation Dave Oatis - USGA Steve Gogolak - Cramer Productions This year's attendees hailed from Western Massachusetts to the far reaches of Maine and included club officials, board members, golf course owners, staff members, media and a handful of avid golfers who came to learn more about the golf industry. Following the four 45-minute presentations, the speakers returned to the stage to take part in an interactive question-and-answer session. All attendees then enjoyed a networking luncheon where they were able to speak with the presenters and their colleagues. Here are some highlights from the four presentations. Health Care Reform and the Golf Industry Presented By Brad Steele VP of Government Relations & General Counsel, National Club Association As general counsel for the National Club Association, Steele works to defend, protect and advance the interests and well-being of private social and recreational clubs. One of the most pressing and current issues facing golf clubs is implementation of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Steele described in great detail the new requirements for all employers and the potential challenges that they must face in regards to new mandates, employee eligibility opportunities, free choice vouchers and seasonal workers. He also provided an update on the impact that The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will have on each facility's budget and their current health care plan and the status of the repeal activity that is ongoing on Capital Hill. Click here to view Steele's presentation or learn more by visiting the National Club Association's web site at www.nationalclub.org. State of the Industry Presented by Greg Nathan Senior VP, National Golf Foundation For 75 years, the National Golf Foundation has been the association for all the companies and people who make a living in golf. Its mission has been to keep golf businesses ahead of the game when it comes to market intelligence on key metrics and trends that affect the state of our industry. In addition to providing attendees with an overview of the many benefits of being an NGF member, Nathan presented key national and regional data on rounds played, golfer and consumer confidence and the supply and demand of golf courses. He also touched on some key golfer trends that courses can use to grow their businesses. To learn more about NGF memberships (which allow for access to – among other key data – all national and regional NGF reports), click here. Firm & Fast - What does it mean, and what does it mean at your golf course? Presented by David Oatis Director of the Northeast Region, USGA Green Section One of the leading agronomists in the world, Oatis discussed the idea that brown is becoming the new green for golf courses. After providing insight on how the USGA is able to prepare golf courses for marquee events such as the U.S. Open Championship, Oatis touched on the pros and cons of making one's golf course firm and fast and outlined a series of specific challenges that the agronomic conditions here in Northeast present for superintendents and golfers. He also reiterated the role of golf course officials and members in helping to grow the game, improve its environmental impact and attract new golfers. Click here to view Oatis' presentation or learn more by visiting the USGA's web site at www.usga.org. Social Media for Golf Clubs Presented by Steve Gogolak Director of Solutions Cramer Productions Steve capped off the speaker series with a discussion about social media... its history, evolution and its current and potential impact on business and specifically the golf course industry. He explained how social media vehicles such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are changing the way large and small companies are doing business and how marketing programs that incorporate social media are racing ahead of the pack. To learn more about Steve's presentation and to follow him online, visit his web site at www.awidernet.com.	Latest Headlines: Education Points Available NEPGA (4 Hours) GCSANE (.40 Credits) NECMA (3.5 Hours) Bios for all Four Summit Speakers Available


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Wednesday, March 30, 2011 • Andover Country Club (Andover, MA)