The Canadian Society of Club Managers ________________________________________________________ La Société canadienne TM des directeurs de clubs Alberta Golf Awareness Day Photo credits: Walter Tychnowicz Alberta Golf Awareness Day April 19th, 2011 The Alberta 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 Alberta’s local economy and a vital way by which Albertans stay fit, get healthy and have fun. This year marked the first ever coordinated government advocacy effort put forth by local Alberta 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 Alberta golf industry representatives went to Edmonton to meet with Ministers and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to speak on the impact the golf industry has in Alberta, particularly in regards to the provincial economy and the industry’s role as an environmental steward. The golf industry of Alberta is a vital driver of the province’s economy, responsible for approximately $1.7 billion (1%) of its Gross Domestic Product. Overall, golf causes $4.4 billion in direct, indirect, and induced spending in the province. 754,000 Albertans play golf at 331 courses across the province, and the industry is responsible for over 50,000 jobs with $402.2 million in taxes paid to the various levels of government. Moreover, Alberta’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. Alberta’s golf industry wants to begin an ongoing dialogue with the Government of Alberta about environmental regulations that affect golfers and the golf business. 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. Golf industry representatives also wanted to speak to Ministers and MLAs in regards to inconsistent property tax assessment, and a fundamental misunderstanding of the golf industry when it comes to property taxes. In order to enhance the competitiveness of the tourism and recreation industry in Alberta, NAGA proposed that the Municipal Government Act be amended to include a “recreation” property classification to recognize the seasonal and unique nature of recreational properties, and to allow these properties to be more fairly and consistently assessed between regions of the province. Breakfast with the Minister of Sustainable Resource Development Alberta Golf Awareness Day To kick off the day, the delegates hosted a gourmet breakfast at the Matrix Hotel in downtown th April 19 , 2011 Edmonton. The fifteen delegates were joined by the Honourable Mel Knight, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development. The breakfast was an excellent opportunity for the delegates to introduce the association in a relaxed setting. Signage was prominently displayed to welcome the Minister and NAGA’s branding was present on the nametags, giveaways and background documents. As a token of thanks, each Minister Knight was given a set of NAGA branded golf balls; a unique souvenir to enjoy when he is next on an Alberta golf course. The Issue The Hon. Mel Knight, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development shares a laugh with Karen Rackel and Debbie Amirault. The Hon. Mel Knight, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development addresses the delegates while enjoying a gourmet breakfast. Meetings with MLAs Throughout the day, Alberta golf industry representatives met with key players from the Legislature from various ridings. Delegates met with the following MLAs: • Premier Ed Stelmach • The Hon. Ken Kowalski, MLA for Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly • Mr. Kent Hehr, MLA for Calgary-Buffalo • Ms. Bridget Pastoor, MLA for Lethbridge-East • Mr. Harry Chase, MLA for Calgary-Varsity • Mr. Evan Berger, MLA for Livingstone-Macleod • Mr. Wayne Cao, MLA for Calgary-Fort • Mrs. Teresa Woo-Paw, MLA for Calgary-Mackay • Mr. Art Johnston, MLA for Calgary-Hays • Mr. Tony Vandermeer, MLA for Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview • Mr. Arno Doerksen, MLA for Strathmore-Brooks • Mr. David Xiao, MLA for Edmonton-McClung • Mr. Paul Hinman, MLA for Calgary-Glenmore • Mr. Robins Campbell, MLA for West Yellowhead • Mr. Richard Marz, MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills 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. The entire team of delegates meet with Mr. Kent Hehr, Ms. Bridget Mr. Harry Chase, the Liberal Critic for Tourism, Parks and Pastoor and Mr. Harry Chase. Recreation poses with Gary Ward. Mr. Evan Berger, Parlimentary Assistant to the Minister of Sustainable Resource Development, welcomes Debbie Amirault and Dean Ingalls to his office. Mr. Ken Allred meets with Jim Hope, Dunc Mills and Gary Ward. Mrs. Teresa Woo-Paw, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Employment listens to Jim Ross, Glenn Genereux and Al Scofield. Mr. David Xiao speaks with Duane Sharpe and Gary Ward. Mr. Arno Doerksen discusses key issues with Karen Rackel, Brent Ellenton, Slade King and Craig Rusnak. The Hon. Ken Kowalski poses with Karen Rackel, Slade King, Craig Rusnak and Brent Ellenton. Mr. Paul Hinman speaks with Brent Hutcheon, Glenn Mr. Robin Campbell shares a laugh with Steven Young and Genereux, Al Scofield and Jim Ross. Debbie Amirault. Premier Ed Stelmach speaks with Duane Sharpe, Dunc Mills, Craig Rusnak and Jim Hope about current industry concerns. Press Conference Reception Dunc Mills, the NAGA spokesperson for Alberta’s Golf Awareness Day spoke at a press conference on the front steps of the legislature on the importance of golf in Alberta in terms of environmental stewardship, and the impact the sport has on the provincial economy. The presentation was a good introduction to Alberta’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 Alberta prior to the presentation. A press release detailing the event was subsequently distributed as well. As a result, The Edmonton Journal, CFFR-AM and CHQR-AM all featured stories on Alberta’s first ever golf awareness day, bringing great awareness to issues pertaining to the local golf industry. Dunc Mills answers questions from the local media. Dunc Mills speaks to Brian Mason, MLA for Edmonton- Highlands-Norwood. “Golf is big business....it’s the No. 1 participation sport in Alberta by a long ways.” -April 20th issue of The Edmonton Journal Reception A reception at the Royal Glenora Club 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 11 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. The Hon. Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Service Alberta speaks with Jim Hope, Steven Young and Dunc Mills. Mr. Arno Doerksen gets some swing advice from a local golf professional. Steven Young speaks to Mrs. Genia Leskiw, MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake. Mr. Paul Hinman practices his swing. The Hon. Hector Goudreau, Minister of Municipal Affairs, speaks with Duane Sharpe and Glenn Genereux. Mr. David Xiao enjoys a cocktail with Duane Sharpe and Karen Rackel. Please visit www.canadagolfs.ca for more information The Canadian Society of Club Managers ________________________________________________________ La Société canadienne TM des directeurs de clubs.