UBS CL OF M A U M N E I R T I A C L A P 5 S S T B A U R CL PRIVATE 2016-2018 America’s Top Private Clubs of Excellence ELECTED BY CLUB MANAGERS, PRESIDENTS AND OWNERS NATIONWIDE PRESENTED BY A MESSAGE TO CLUB MANAGERS, BOARDS, OWNERS AND MEMBERS CLUB LEADERS FORUM and the esteemed members of the Advisory Board are proud to present the 2016 - 2018 Platinum Clubs of America. Established in 1997 by the late Mr. John Sibbald, Platinum Clubs was his vision to elect the finest Private Clubs in the nation that represent Excellence, as selected by General Managers, Presidents and Owners. The biennial election to identify the top 5% of Private Clubs in the country was conducted by an independent third party with the results certified as true and correct. This year, a record 3,128 General Managers, Presidents and Owners voted for their peers, which makes Platinum recognition the most respected acknowledgment in the industry. These Industry Leaders were directed to vote for Clubs that meet the Seven Platinum Clubs of America Selection Criteria, as approved by the Advisory Board. Thirty-five new Country Clubs were elected Platinum and 21 Clubs joined the list in the other four categories. Many clubs climbed the list, which is a testament to their commitment to Excellence and adherence to the Seven Selection Criteria. I would like to express special appreciation to the Advisory Board for their input, guidance and oversight. It is my distinct pleasure to announce the return of the current Board Members to serve another two-year term and welcome three newly elected Club Managers to the Board: Matthew Allnatt (Jonathan Club), Michael McCarthy (Addison Reserve Country Club) and Christine Pooler (Merion Golf Club). Congratulations to the Country, Golf, City, Yacht and Athletic Clubs elected Platinum Clubs of America 2016 - 2018. It is my sincere hope that Platinum Licensees will enjoy the many new program benefits that have been developed for Clubs, General Managers, their Boards and Members. Respectfully yours, Dennis W. Burns, Executive Director CLUB LEADERS FORUM ADVISORY BOARD The CLUB LEADERS FORUM Advisory Board is comprised of General Managers that have achieved Platinum status throughout their careers and manage some of the most prestigious Private Clubs in the nation. The Board provides experienced guidance and oversight regarding the Platinum Club elections, License Program and all other services provided by Club Leaders Forum. MICHAEL McCARTHY KEVIN VITALE JAY DI PIETRO DWIGHT JENSON TIM TIMLIN MATTHEW ALLNATT ATILLA KARDAS CHRISTINE POOLER Addison Reserve Baltusrol Golf Club Boca West Country Club Chicago Yacht Club Houston Country Club Jonathan Club Jupiter Hills Club Merion Golf Club Country Club NORM RICH MICHAEL LEEMHUIS TERRY ANGLIN J. J. WAGNER JOHN DORMAN JEFF McFADDEN COLIN BURNS Multnomah Ocean Reef Club San Diego Yacht Club Santa Ana Country Club The University Club The Union League Winged Foot Golf Club Athletic Club (New York) of Philadelphia Club Leaders Forum in Review SINCE ASSUMING RESPONSIBILITY for Club Leaders Forum and the Platinum Club organization in 2012, Management, in conjunction with the Advisory Board, has worked diligently to support Leaders in the Private Club industry. Central to the strategic objectives has been a commitment to preserve the tone and quality only found at the most prestigious Clubs in America and around the World. In keeping with that goal in 2016, the logos and marks have been redesigned and modernized. The FORUM was relaunched in 2015 as an online publication and has received positive reviews. The content is unlike any other found in industry publications. With the mantra to be Creative, Informative and Relevant, The FORUM, published each Spring and Fall, has become a must read for Club Leaders. Club Leaders Forum introduced Platinum Clubs of the World in 2013 and conducted the second election in 2015. A respected Panel has been assembled that travel the globe and understand Excellence in Clubs. Currently, Private Clubs from more than 20 countries proudly display their Platinum Club plaques as a mark of recognition and distinction. Much has been accomplished in the past four years to enhance the benefits of the Platinum Club License Program. Club Leaders Forum conducted the inaugural Excellence in Platinum Clubs LIVE event prior to the 2016 CMAA Conference in San Diego. Attended by more than 100 Platinum Club Managers at the San Diego Yacht Club, the participants were unanimous that this event should not be missed at future conferences. The Private Club Assessment Program has been warmly received and utilized by Private Clubs across the nation. Conducted over a two-day period, a senior executive from Club Leaders Forum visits the Club and employs the Seven Platinum Club Selection Criteria to assess the Club’s operation. The visit culminates in the production of an executive summary prepared for the Club’s Board and Management. An Online Discussion Group was launched in 2016 to create connections between Platinum Clubs and their Staff. Club Managers and Department Heads may now communicate with each other, pose questions and pro- vide insights on hot topics in the industry. More recently, a feature was introduced whereby the Advisory Board respond to posted topics and questions. One of the most significant initiatives introduced for the 2016-2018 Platinum Clubs of America are the benefits available from the membersPLATINUM of the Platinum Circle. CLUBS A full description can be found in the latter pages of this Announcement Booklet. In theOF future, AMERICA not only will Clubs benefit from Platinum recognition, but also Boards, Club Members and Senior5 STAR Staff will enjoy PRIVATE added value. CLUB Congratulations to the Platinum Clubs elected by their peers this year. The election process begins with a pre- liminary ballot and extends over a 90-day period, with final votes cast then tabulated and certified as true and correct by an independent third party. The result of this extended process is the election of the 290 Platinum Clubs of America who can stand proud. LUBS O LUBS OF T C F C H M A M E U M W E U N N O I R I T I R T C A L A A L D L P P 5 S S T B A U R CL PRIVATE ® Platinum Clubs of America Selection Criteria THE SEVEN SELECTION CRITERIA were revised in 2014 and approved by the Advisory Board for the 2016 election. General Managers, Club Presidents and Owners were asked to consider the following seven criteria when making their selections and casting votes on the final ballot. The following Criteria form the benchmark of Excellence in the Private Club Industry: UNIVERSAL RECOGNITION 1 Clubs of Excellence are widely known as such by the strata of American society that frequent Private Clubs and are well traveled. Whether these Clubs are recognized from their inception or through the accumulated passage of time, their traditional history and ability to attract and retain the finest members sets them apart as domiciles of excellence. EXCELLENCE IN AMENITIES AND FACILITIES 2 It is the total array of facilities that provides excellence and fulfillment of the members needs in every function and activity that makes it great. Remarkable Clubs invest on a regular and planned basis in the mainte- nance, supervision and replacement of the grounds, equipment and furnishings, while building reserves. CALIBER OF STAFF AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE LEVELS 3 Ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentleman is a maxim of the finest Clubs. Clubs that provide an excellent work environment, compensation and benefits, attract outstanding employees in the community. The quality of management is reflected by a staff that is well trained, well-mannered and highly motivated to provide its members with an extraordinary experience. QUALITY OF MEMBERSHIP 4 Great members are the heart and soul of successful Clubs. Members that represent the best qualities are those that reflect the community values in which they live. They celebrate their heritage and religiously observe their time-honored traditions. In addition, great members work hard to attract prospective new members who are equally great. GOVERNANCE & PRUDENT FISCAL MANAGEMENT 5 Great Clubs are led by presidents, owners and directors who understand that their key role is strategy and setting policy. High caliber boards work hard at ensuring continuity of effort and direction, term after term. They possess the wisdom to plan well and invest well. Prudent boards understand the need for regular dues increases and occasional assessments, together with overall fiscal responsibility. ADAPTING TO CHANGING TIMES 6 Great Clubs work at anticipating their members and prospective members’ needs and interests. These Clubs adopt a mission statement that resonates with members about who they are and where they want to be and then develop a strategic plan to get there. Great Clubs are able to maintain traditions that reflect who they are and remain flexible to adapt to an ever-changing member market. OVERALL EXPERIENCE 7 Great Clubs provide an “Unparalleled Experience” every day, one member at a time. These Clubs work hard to make decisions in the best interest of their members and those serving them. They encourage their staff to take the initiative, and they support their efforts to deliver exceptional service. Outstanding Clubs continue to treasure their shared experience, celebrate their achievements and appreciate one another – just like family. PLATINUM CLUBS OF AMERICA PLATINUM5 STAR PRIVATE CLUBS CLUB PLATINUMOF AMERICA CLUBS 5 STAROF AMERICAPRIVATE CLUB PLATINUM5 STAR PRIVATE CLUBS CLUB PLATINUMOF AMERICA CLUBS 5 STAROF AMERICAPRIVATE CLUB 5 STAR PRIVATE CLUB Platinum Club Categories THERE ARE FIVE PLATINUM CLUB OF AMERICA CATEGORIES for election: Country Clubs, Golf Clubs, City Clubs, Athletic Clubs and Yacht Clubs.