2018 NEPGA Annual Fall Meeting October 29, 2018 – The Renaissance Golf Club – Haverhill, MA
MINUTES
Officers in Attendance: Ron Bibeau PGA – President Alan Belden, PGA - Vice President Mike Bradshaw, PGA - Secretary Rob Jarvis, PGA – Honorary President
Directors in Attendance: Scott Hickey, PGA – Massachusetts Lou Rivers, PGA – Massachusetts John Fields, PGA - Massachusetts Brian Bickford, PGA – Maine Glenn Kelly, PGA – Cape Cod Joanne Flynn, PGA – New Hampshire Dave Tiedemann, PGA – Rhode Island Dave Soucy, PGA – Vermont Dan Gillis, PGA - Seniors
Staff in Attendance: Michael Higgins – Executive Director Joan Stuart – Dir. of Membership, Acct & Finance Dave McAdams – Director of Operations Jacy Settles – Manager, Junior Golf & Mass Chapter Max Doctoroff, PGA – Tournament Director Chris Clayton – Assistant Tournament Director Kristin Garrone – Marketing & Communications Manager
Special Guests: Noel Gebauer, PGA – District Director Jim Richerson, PGA – Secretary Michael Packard, PGA – PGA Employment Services Brian Bain, PGA – Regional Mgr. Player Development
President Bibeau called the meeting to order.
Playing of the National Anthem.
Bibeau asked the membership to recognize in silence those PGA professionals from the New England Section who had passed away within the year.
Les Bond, Joe Colwell, Charlie Elwood, Ray Lajoie, Charlie Moore - Terry Frechette (Honorary Member) A motion was properly made and seconded to waive the reading of, and accept as written, the minutes from the previous meeting. The motion passed.
President Bibeau acknowledged the New England PGA Past Presidents, Hall-of Fame Members, National Staff and Past NEPGA Champions in attendance.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – RON BIBEAU, PGA
President Bibeau mentioned the growth of the New England PGA since he was elected as Secretary in 2013 and the continued growth of the section with proper planning and focus.
Bibeau thanked the dedicated NEPGA staff on behalf of the NEPGA Professionals.
Bibeau recognized and thank the NEPGA Board on behalf of himself and the NEPGA membership.
He touched on the need to provide meaningful and quality education so NEPGA membership can grow personally and professionally.
Bibeau emphasized the importance of Chapter and committee participation as well as feedback that will provide NEPGA membership the best membership experience possible.
Bibeau recognized Rich Berberian Jr., PGA, and Shawn Warren, PGA, for representing the New England Section in the 2018 PGA Championship.
He noted that in the first true year of NEPGA Foundation Programming, the NEPGA Foundation ran four successful PGA HOPE programs, granted six PGA Professional grants, distributed over $30,000 in academic scholarships, and raised about $70,000 for programming.
Bibeau acknowledged the successful Junior Tour Program with events all over five states and the excitement over Drive, Chip and Putt and the most successful PGA Junior League program in the country.
Bibeau acknowledged the various digital and social media communications to the membership.
Bibeau announced that the NEPGA is in negotiations with The Haven Country Club for the Section’s future home site.
Bibeau acknowledged the NEPGA participation in the upcoming PGA meeting in Palm Springs, Fla., and announced that the Board of Directors is supporting John Lindert as Secretary of PGA of America in the upcoming election. Bibeau recognized the resolution in front of the National Board submitted by the NEPGA to simplify the amendment processes by going from two to one deadline (September 1).
Bibeau closed by wishing the membership a prosperous offseason.
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT – ALAN BELDEN, PGA
Belden acknowledged the challenges to the 2018 golf season caused by weather. Despite the weather challenges, the NEPGA had a successful season and is in a very solid financial position.
Belden mentioned that the section tournament department is the NEPGA’s largest revenue- producer, and the section saw a significant participation growth from 2017, particularly in Major Championships. 59% (611 individuals) of NEPGA membership played in at least one event in 2018, up four percent from 2017. Belden stated his pleasure with the participation at the section and chapter level and would like to see participation numbers continue to increase.
He acknowledged the Junior Tour’s success with over 120 events in 2018 and over 1000 members, both record numbers for the NEPGA.
Belden recognized the success of the New England Series. The New England Series had 288 members in 2018 and is close to 1,300 NES rounds played, an increase from 498 rounds played in 2015. The NES will generate over $169,000 in revenue for host facilities and PGA Professionals in 2018.
Belden mentioned that with a full-time and seasonal staff of 13, the NEPGA conducted over 300 events in the spring, summer and fall of 2018. He also encouraged PGA Professionals to participate in and host events whenever possible.
Belden also reported that the NEPGA has not had a dues increase in over 14 years.
Belden reported that the section and foundation revenue for 2018 was just over $2.1M and by the end of the year is forecast to be close to or over $3 Million.
Belden reported that with the NEPGA’s building fund, which was created more than 20 years ago, and with a low-interest construction loan from Avidia Bank, the anticipated annual cost for the new office space will be similar to or less than the cost of rent for the current location.
Belden mentioned that the NEPGA financials will be posted on the members only side of the NEPGA web site and the annual meeting packet will be sent out post-meeting.
Belden closed by stating his pleasure of serving on the board and thanking the board members, and wishing the membership a happy and healthy holiday season.
SECRETARY’S REPORT – MIKE BRADSHAW, PGA
Bradshaw acknowledged the 27 Professionals that have earned PGA Membership since the Spring Meeting.
Bradshaw congratulated the NEPGA Professionals who are the newest members of the Quarter-Century Club with 25 years of service.
Bradshaw congratulated the two NEPGA Professionals who surpassed 50 years of service during the 2018 season, Jay Dolan, PGA, and Robert Menne, PGA.
Bradshaw reported that the NEPGA has 1,039 NEPGA Professionals, including 911 Class A members, 128 Apprentices (32 are suspended), making New England the eighth largest of the 41 sections. The NEPGA has 833 facilities, 459 are staffed by a PGA professional, representing 54.5 percent.
Bradshaw noted that there are 961 days until the end of the current MSR cycle.
Bradshaw showed a video preview of the 2019 PGA Show.
He mentioned that NEPGA U is working on content that will provide education on all five pillars of the PGA’s mission. The NEPGA has hosted over 70 education events over the past two years, and announced that NEPGA University is going digital, to view events online and earn MSR credit.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT – MIKE HIGGINS
Higgins reported that since October, 2009, NEPGA annual revenues have grown by over $1M annually, and total assets sit over $2.3M higher than in 2009. This success is attributed to a quality business plan and a dedicated Board of Directors and Section Staff.
Higgins shared some responses from NEPGA Professionals to the question “what would you do if you won the lottery?” and highlighted that the common theme was that the answers involved the game of golf, and their love for it.
Higgins discussed the four “F”s of golf: Family, Fun, Friends, and Fans, and encouraged the membership to reflect on how those impacted their career as a PGA Professional.
Higgins mentioned some of the benefits extended to New England PGA members.
NEPGA FOUNDATION REPORT – ROB JARVIS, PGA Jarvis opened by stating he is proud of the NEPGA Foundation efforts in 2018 and showed a video demonstrating the NEPGA Foundation’s success.
Jarvis reported on the launching of the NEPGA Professional Grant Program, which distributed $12,000 in support of NEPGA Professionals and their facilities. He also discussed some guidelines for the 2019 NEPGA Foundation Grants.
Jarvis discussed Junior Golf, including PGA Junior League, Drive, Chip & Putt, and the NEPGA Junior Tour, as part of the Foundation’s portfolio. He thanked the facilities that hosted Drive, Chip & Putt Regional and Sub-Regional competitions.
Jarvis mentioned the four PGA HOPE Programs in 2018 and shared some details about the program.
He discussed NEPGA Scholarships and mentioned that some NEPGA Facilities are starting their own scholarships.
Jarvis reported money raised through fundraising, including $17,500 via Avidia Bank, $5,500 via Tournament Solutions, and $15,650 via Foursomes Auction. PGA CAREER SERVICES REPORT – MIKE PACKARD, PGA
Packard presented a video regarding why many NEPGA Professionals chose golf as a career.
Packard closes by offering his services to the membership whenever they are needed.
PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE REPORT – BRIAN BAIN, PGA
Bain shared the mission and core beliefs of PGA Junior League, that every child can be a golfer and every golf facility can be a hub of a community.
Bain demonstrated the growth of growth of PGA Junior League since 2013, growing from 43 teams in the NEPGA section in 2013 to 269 in 2018, with participation growing from 533 players in 2013 to 3,400 in 2018. That growth returned an impact of $562,000 to NEPGA professionals.
Bain touched on the 2019 PGA Junior League timeline, beginning with registration opening at the 2019 PGA Show in January.
BREAK
TOWN HALL MEETING WITH MODERATOR: NEPGA President Ron Bibeau, PGA GUESTS: District 1 Director Noel Gebauer and Secretary Jim Richerson.
NEPGA Vice President Alan Belden, PGA, introduced the guests.
Bibeau asked for an update on the PGA HQ relocation to Texas. Richerson pointed out that the current headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., is aging and not as functional as it could be given current programming. Other options included renovating the existing HQ or building new in the same area. He stated there were 8-10 viable options of cities that wanted to attract the PGA HQ. At this time, a decision has not been made, and a vote has not been taken.
Bibeau’s next question was regarding the hiring of Seth Waugh as PGA of America CEO, as to why Seth was chosen and how he can help. Noel D began the answer by highlighting his qualities as an experienced CEO and a great leadership style. He also brings great communication skills and a great passion for the game and industry of golf. Richerson continued to echo Noel’s thoughts on Seth’s leadership abilities and passion. Richerson detailed some of Waugh’s background with Deutche Bank and their affiliation with a PGA Tour event.
The next question from Bibeau was what was the purpose of offering three different paths, teaching & coaching, golf operations and executive management? Richerson responded that it provides members opportunities to get their education in different formats. He noted that part of the problem of attracting younger students is the education system that is in place. Offering different options is intended to appeal to more prospective students. An audience member asked, “Where does the scholarship program sit now?” Richerson answered that there will be discussions on creating a separate scholarship.
Jim Remy asked for an update on the PGA Village Golf Club in Port. St. Lucie, Fla. Richerson detailed some improvements to the budgets, staffing, and course improvements. He stated that the complex will continue to operate as a 54-hole golf club.
The next audience question was regarding the Teaching & Coaching Summit in Florida, and the fact that only a couple hundred out of 29,000 PGA Professionals national attended, suggesting it may be cost- prohibitive, but the education factor is important. Richerson noted that PGA members are responsible for paying the fair equitable value of available education opportunities, but PGA HQ is looking into ways of bringing those costs down. He also noted that sections are encouraged to hold their own Teaching & Coaching Summits. Bibeau pointed out that the New England Section has such an event upcoming.
What is the process for getting into the National Hall of Fame and what can NEPGA Members do to promote NEPGA members for that recognition? Richerson suggested using some of the New England representation among the national officers.
Bibeau closed the town hall meeting portion by asking about the move of the PGA Championship from August to May, excluding many regions of the country, including New England, from hosting. Why was this decision made and how does it benefit the PGA of America? Richerson noted the previous schedule created somewhat of a conflict with the Open and Olympics. The fact that the PGA Championship has been played in five different calendar months in its history created the opportunity to view it from a higher level. Another consideration was the fact that the PGA Tour had already decided to move its Tour Championship to August, regardless of when the PGA Championship was played. The move to May also created an opportunity to promote PGA programming for the remainder of the season.
NEPGA TOURNAMENT REPORT – MAX DOCTOROFF, PGA
Doctoroff began by thanking the Tournament Committee for their time and efforts. He also thanked the golf professionals and facilities that hosted NEPGA Tournaments in 2018. Doctoroff then acknowledged the NEPGA Tournament Partners and acknowledged the 2018 NEPGA Major winners.
Doctoroff recognized John Paesani, PGA, who cashed in on the hole-in-one pool for more than $24,000.
He announced that the 2019 NEPGA Section Championship will be played at Manchester CC & Concord CC in New Hampshire in early August.
Doctoroff acknowledged that given the date change in the PGA Championship and PGA Professional Championships for 2019, some NEPGA tournament scheduling will be impacted, including the Pro-Pro Match Play, the first Stroke Play Series event, and the New England Open.
Doctoroff closed by touching on the 2019 Rules of Golf Changes and encouraged attendees to participate in a Rules of Golf workshop.
RESOLUTIONS– MIKE BRADSHAW, PGA Bradshaw began by introducing the two resolutions proposed by the New England PGA.
Resolution Number 1: To remove nominations from the floor at the sections annual meeting. If there are less than two nominees for an office, voting at Chapter Annual Meetings not be allowed and nominations will be accepted from the floor at the Section Annual Meeting. If there are two nominees, no floor nominations will be allowed. Prior to the election at the Annual Meeting and Chapter Annual Meetings, each nominee will be given five minutes to address the meetings.
Resolution 1 went to a vote and passed.
Resolution Number 2: To remove the three geographical regions of the Massachusetts Chapter, the Central, Southern, and Eastern Districts. Under the proposed resolution, the Massachusetts Chapter would still have three district directors, but there would no longer be boundary requirements. This was proposed by the Massachusetts Chapter. The three districts do not have equal populations of PGA Professionals.
Resolution 2 went to a vote and did not pass by the required 2/3 majority.
NEW BUSINESS – RON BIBEAU, PGA Bibeau read a note regarding the NEPGA web site and app and how it can be improved. He mentioned an upcoming refresh to NEPGA.com and Mike Higgins spoke to the NEPGA app and directory.
OPEN FORUM The Board was thanked for their work on NEPGAU by a meeting attendee.
Massachusetts professionals were encouraged to serve.
CLOSING Bibeau thanked outgoing directors for their service, including Scott Hickey, Glen Kelley, Brian Bickford.
The new district directors were sworn in by NEPGA Honorary President Rob Jarvis, PGA: Dave Donnellan and Mark Aldrich. Doug Van Wickler will be sworn in before the next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned.