Manitoba Golf Awareness Day

The Canadian Society of Club Managers ______La Société canadienne des directeurs de clubs

Photo credits: Michele Bouvier and Ed Mathis Manitoba Golf Awareness Day Press Conference May 3rd - May 4th, 2011 The Manitoba branch of the National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) brought local golf industry representatives to the provincial legislature to increase awareness of golf as a major driver of Manitoba’s provincial economy and a vital way by which Manitobans stay fit, get healthy and have fun. This year marked the first ever coordinated government advocacy effort put forth by local Manitoba golf industry representatives, and the events that took place provided an excellent opportunity to speak to local government decision makers about issues that are of concern to the industry. The Issue Manitoba golf industry representatives went to to meet with Minister and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to speak on the impact the golf industry has in Manitoba, particularly in regards to the provincial economy and the industry’s role as an environmental steward. The golf industry in Manitoba is a vital driver of the province’s economy, responsible for approximately $452.7 million of its Gross Domestic Product. Overall, golf causes $1.2 billion in direct, indirect, and induced spending in the province. 282,000 Manitobans play golf at over 129 courses across the province, and the industry is responsible for over 18,000 jobs.

Moreover, Manitoba’s golf courses are conscientious environmental stewards. Pesticides and overwatering are not only bad for the environment, but they’re bad for golf business. Overwatering affects the playability of golf courses and pesticides are too expensive to use frequently or in large quantities. Modern water conservation practices on courses actually leave water cleaner than when it entered the course.

Manitoba’s golf industry wants to begin an ongoing dialogue with the Government of Manitoba about environmental regulations that affect golfers and the golf business. It is important that government decision makers know that Manitoba courses must prepare Integrated Pest Management Plans and have trained, licensed pesticide applicators, using only pesticides approved by Health Canada as having no unacceptable risks to health.

The golf industry is a conscientious steward of the environment that manages 160,000 hectares of green space nationwide, and preserves nearly 41,000 hectares of unmanaged wildlife and plant habitat. Pesticides are used sparingly and water that leaves a golf course is often cleaner than when the water entered the course. Recognizing the contributions of the industry to the environment by including it in regulatory consultations will ensure that regulations are balanced and based in sound science. Manitoba Golf Awareness Day Press Conference rd th To kick off the day, NAGA hosted a press conference on the front steps of the Legislature. May 3 - May 4 , 2011 Dave Comaskey, the NAGA spokesperson for the Golf Awareness Day spoke for 15 minutes on the importance of golf to the provincial economy and the importance of golf in Manitoba in terms of environmental stewardship The presentation was a good introduction to Manitoba’s golf industry as well as an opportunity to spread awareness of the indutry’s current concerns.

A media advisory was sent out to every media outlet in Manitoba prior to the presentation. A press release detailing the event was subsequently distributed as well. As a result, CBC Television, CBC Radio, CTV and the Winnipeg Sun all featured stories on Manitoba’s first ever golf awareness day, bringing great awareness to issues pertaining to the local golf The Issue industry.

Dave Comaskey, NAGA’s Manitoba Spokesperson, addresses the media at Golf Awareness Day Press Conference.

Dave Comaskey, NAGA’s Manitoba Spokesperson, is filmed by CTV News on the steps of the Manitoba Legisltature. Reception Select Media Coverage

Estimated Media Reach: over 160,000! Reception A reception in the private dining room in the Legislature took place on the eve of the Government Awareness Day. It was the perfect occasion for the delegates to mingle with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in a less formal environment.

A total of 14 MLAs attended the reception, and this high attendance showcases the interest MLAs have in the local golf industry, and their committment to its future success.

Mrs. , Mr. Peter George Dyck, Mr. and Mrs. Mavis Taillieu poses with Harvey Goehring and Cory Johnson. Mr. enjoy cocktails at the reception.

Wendy Mandryk meets Mr. and Mr. Len Derkach. Mr. Ron Schuler poses with Rob Officer, Dave Comaskey and Cameron Gray. Meetings with MLAs

Cameron Gray poses with Mrs. Bonnie Mitchelson. Mr. Ralph Eichler and Mr. Stuart Briese chat with Cory Johnson.

Kerry Watkins discusses issues with Mr. Cliff Graydon. Mr. Larry Maguire listens intently to Harvey Goehring.

Cory Johnson, Janet Jones and Wendy Mandryk share a laugh with Mr. Rick Borotsik and Mr. Hugh McFadyen. Meetings with MLAs Throughout the day, Manitoba golf industry representatives met with key players from the Legislature from various ridings. The day started with a NDP caucus breakfast in the private dining room in the Legislature, where delegates and MLAs enjoyed a gourmet breakfast and spoke for over one hour on issues currently affecting Manitoba’s golf industry.

Delegates met with the following NDP MLAs: • Mrs. , MLA for Kirkfield Park • Mrs. Erna Braun, MLA for • The Hon. , MLA for Gimli and Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade • Mr. Doug Martindale, MLA for Burrows • The Hon. , MLA for Assiniboia and Minister of Healthy Living, Citizenship and Youth • The Hon. , MLA for Dauphin-Roblin and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives

The breakfast was an excellent opportunity for the delegates to introduce the association in a relaxed setting. Signage was prominently displayed to welcome the guests and NAGA’s branding was present on the nametags, giveaways and background documents.

Mrs. Sharon Blady looks on as Minister Bjornson discusses golf related issues with the delegates. Minister Rondeau speaks to all of the participating delegates, including Dave Comaskey, Cory Johnson, Peter Ewert and Cameron Gray.

Cory Johnson, Peter Ewert, Trish Jordan and Cameron Gray pose with Minister Struthers. Delegates also had a chance to meet with a large number of the Conservative caucus, including the following MLAs: • Mr. Stuart Briese, MLA for Ste. Rose • Mr. Larry Maguire, MLA for Arthur-Virden • Mr. Rick Borotsik, MLA for Brandon West • Mr. Hugh McFadyen, MLA for Forte Whyte • Mr. Cliff Cullen, MLA for Turtle Mountain and Leader of the Official Opposition • Mr. Len Derkach, MLA for Russell • Ms. Bonnie Mitchelson, MLA for Rver East • Mr. Peter George Dyck, MLA for Pembina • Mr. , MLA for Carman • Mr. Ralph Eichler, MLA for Lakeside • Ms. Leanne Rowat, MLA for Minnedosa • Mr. , MLA for Steinbach • Mr. Ron Schuler, MLA for Springfield • Mr. Cliff Graydon, MLA for Emerson • Mrs. Mavis Taillieu, MLA for Kirkfield Park

Delegates address the 15 Conservative MLAs who participated in Mrs. Taillieu looks on as Mr. McFadyen speaks to the delegates. Manitoba’s Golf Awareness Day.

Mr. Graydon, Wendy Mandryk, Mr. Cullen, Trish Jordan and Mr. McFadyen pose with their golf gifts. The Canadian Society of Club Managers ______La Société canadienne des directeurs de clubs Manitoba

Manitoba’s Golf Awareness day ended with a meeting with Liberal caucus leader the Hon. . Mr. Gerrard was familiar with many of the issues delegates spoke on, and was particularly impressed with the golf game activities that a number of the delegates use to promote the sport in schools.

Each delegate at the meeting was given the opportunity to introduce themselves and discuss their personal business concerns. Mr. Gerrard was engaged in the discussion and and offered poignant advice and precise information on who to contact to help the association in their provincial advocacy needs.

The Hon. Jon Gerrard poses with Harvey Goehring and Dave Comaskey after trying out the golf program that is featured in schools across Manitoba.

The Hon. Jon Gerrard listens to Trish Jordan as she elaborates on issues currently affecting Manitoba’s golf industry. Please visit www.canadagolfs.ca for more information

The Canadian Society of Club Managers ______La Société canadienne des directeurs de clubs Manitoba