PEI Golf Awareness Day
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PEI Golf Awareness Day The Canadian Society of Club Managers ________________________________________________________ La Société canadienne des directeurs de clubs Photo credits: Winston Maund PEI Golf Awareness Day Press Conference April 5th - April 6th, 2011 The Prince Edward Island (PEI) branch of the National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) brought local golf industry representatives to Province House to increase awareness of golf as a major driver of PEI’s local economy and a vital way by which one in five Islanders stay fit, get healthy and have fun. This year marked the first ever coordinated government advocacy effort put forth by local PEI 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. A survey of eight golf courses on PEI noted that there was a 25% decline in the number of golf rounds played by non-members, between 2003 and 2010. Golf industry representatives want to work with the Government of Prince Edward Island and Premier Ghiz to find ways to boost the health of the golf industry in Canada’s #1 Golf Destination. The Issue PEI golf industry representatives met with Ministers and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Charlotteotwn to speak on the impact the golf industry has in PEI, particularly in regards to the provincial economy. The golf industry of PEI is a vital driver of the island’s economy, responsible for $60.8 million (1.3%) of its Gross Domestic Product. Overall, golf causes $134.5 million in direct, indirect, and induced spending in the province. 28,000 Prince Edward Islanders play golf at 32 courses across the province, and the industry is responsible for 2,600 jobs with $16 million in taxes paid to the various levels of government. Unfortunately, PEI’s golf industry has been hit hard by the recession and competition from mainland courses. Since 2004, there has been a 27% drop in the number of rounds of golf played by non- members on Island courses. Much of this decrease in tourism traffic has to do with an unfair tax loophole that exists in this province. In 2004, the Government of PEI required the golf industry to start charging PST on green fees and golf memberships, singling it out among all other forms of amateur recreation on the island that don’t pay PST. This affects the competitiveness of the industry: it increases prices and leaves courses at a disadvantage to competitors on the mainland that receive input tax credits for their business purchases. This has significantly harmed the industry, resulting in a 27% reduction in golfers coming to PEI since 2004. PEI’s golf industry wants to begin an ongoing dialogue with the Government of PEI to discuss how the industry should be exempt once again, like all other forms of amateur, athletic recreation, from having to charge PST to its customers. PEI Golf Awareness Day Press Conference th th To kick off the day, NAGA hosted a press conference in Studio 1 at the Confederation Centre of April 5 - April 6 , 2011 the Arts. Dallas Desjardins, the NAGA spokesperson for PEI’s Golf Awareness Day spoke for 15 minutes on the importance of golf to PEI’s tourism industry, and the impact the sport has on the provincial economy. The presentation was a good introduction to the PEI 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 PEI prior to the presentation. A press release detailing the event was subsequently distributed as well. As a result, CBC, The Guardian, CFCY-AM, CJRW-FM and Ocean 100 all featured stories on PEI’s first ever golf awareness day, bringing great awareness to issues pertaining to the local golf industry. Dallas Desjardins , NAGA’s PEI Spokesperson, addresses the media at NAGA’s PEI Golf Awareness Day Press Conference. PEI Golf Awareness Day delegate Stephen Dowling answers a question from a local radio station. Reception Select Media Coverage “Members of the PEI golf industry will meet with MLAs before the budget is presented today. They are looking for Government to drop the PST on green fees…the number of golf rounds have been on steady decline since the PST started being charged in 2004.” Estimated Media Reach: over 80,000! Reception A reception at the Culinary Institue of Canada 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. The reception featured a fun golf activity which had the added benefit of a local golf pro who provided helpful swing tips to all attending MLAs. A total of 13 MLAs attended the reception, which represents 50% of the PEI Legislature. This high attendance showcases the interest MLAs have in the local golf industry, and their committment to its future success. Jeff Trainor and Dallas Desjardins pose with Mr. Buck Watts, Dallas Desjardins and Rick Kennedy speak to the Honourable Wes MLA for Tracadie-Hillsborough Park and Mr. Bush Dumville, Sheridan, Minister of Finance and Provincial Treasurer. MLA for West Royalty-Springvale. Mrs. Valerie Docherty, MLA for Kellys Cross-Cumberland and the The Honourable Olive Crane, Leader of Opposition enjoys a Honourable Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced beverage with Merlin Affleck. Learning pose with Karen Currie. Meetings with MLAs Rick Kennedy poses with Mr. Gerard Greenan, MLA for The Honourable Wes Sherdian, Minister of Finance and Provincial Summerside-St. Eleanors, Mrs. Paula Biggar, MLA for Tyne Treasurer poses with David McCafferty. Valley-Linkletter and Mr. Sonny Gallant, MLA for Evangeline- Miscouche. The Honourable Olive Crane, Leader of the Opposition poses with Mr. Gerard Greenan, MLA for Summerside-St. Eleanors stands the Honourable Robert Vessey, Minister of Culture and Tourism. alongside Mrs. Kathleen Casey, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. The Honourable Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning looks on as the Honourable Robert Vessey, Minister of Culture and Tourism practices his putting with the help of a local golf professional. Meetings with MLAs Throughout the day, PEI golf industry representatives met with key players from the Legislature from various wards. Delegates met with the following MLAs: • Premier Robert Ghiz • The Honourable Robert Vessey, Minister of Tourism and Culture • Mrs. Cynthia Dunsford, MLA for Stratford-Kinlock • Mrs. Valerie Docherty, MLA for Kellys Cross-Cumberland • Mr. Bush Dumville, MLA for West Royalty-Springvale • Mr. Buck Watts, MLA for Tracadie-Hillsborough Park • Mr. Gerard Greenan, MLA for Summerside-St. Eleanors • Mr. Sonny Gallant, MLA for Evangeline-Miscouche • Mr. Robert Mitchell, MLA for Charlottetown-Sherwood Overall, MLAs were very supportive of our issues, and many commented that a consistent government relations strategy will be key in getting the attention of policy makers. Merlin Affleck speaks to MLAs, Mr. Sonny Gallant, Mr. Gerard Greenan, Mrs. Paula Biggar and Mr. Bush Dumville. Karen Currie, Merlin Affleck and Stephen Dowling pose with Premier Robert Ghiz and the Honourable Robert Vessey, Minister of Culture and Tourism. The Honourable Robert Vessey, Minister of Culture and Tourism Stephen Dowling converses with Premier Robert Ghiz. listens to the industry’s current concerns. Please visit www.canadagolfs.ca for more information The Canadian Society of Club Managers ________________________________________________________ La Société canadienne des directeurs de clubs.