FROM YOUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Community outreach is one of the most effective ways to teach the public about our industry GCSAA offers several initiatives and programs to help you get started, and it is wonderful to see so many GCSANJ members take advantage of these programs this year

National Golf Day is a unique opportunity to advocate for golf, connect with your peers, and donate your time to the community service project on the National Mall Industry leaders meet with members of Congress, the Executive Branch, and federal agencies to advocate for golf's 15,000 diverse businesses and 2 million jobs

This year GCSANJ members Jennifer Torres, Golf Course Superintendent at West Lake Golf & Country Club, Keith Bennett, Sales Manager for Grass Root Turf Products, and Tyler Otero, Mid-Atlantic Sales Director for Harrell's were a part of the 220 members that attended National Golf Day to advocate for our industry.

Another effective outreach program is First Green, a STEM education and environmental outreach program that uses golf courses as learning labs for students First Green pairs golf courses with schools for unique learning opportunities Jill Seymour, CGCS, Golf Course Superintendent at Charleston Springs Golf Course, will be hosting a First Green field trip for Mercerville Elementary School at the beginning of June The resources provided by GCSAA, along with advice from GCSANJ members who have hosted a field trip in the past, helped Jill create a dynamic and interactive program for the day

Rounds 4 Research is also a community outreach effort

Donating a round at your golf course allows enthusiastic golfers to experience your facility It may seem like a small gesture, but it makes a significant impact when combined with all the rounds donated in New Jersey

Thank you to all the members who participated in these programs, and if you are interested in getting involved, don't hesitate to contact me

Sincerely,

MaureenSharples GCSANJ Executive Director

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