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Brae Burn Hosts 2017 MGA Presidents Council

PURCHASE, N.Y., (October 10, 2017) – The MGA’s annual Presidents Council Fall Conference was held on October 10, and brought together 200 MGA members, club leaders, and special guests at Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, N.Y. The theme for the Presidents Council, held annually each fall, is to discuss trends and issues affecting area clubs, and this event is part of the MGA Foundation's series of educational programs. The day's program featured presentations from industry leaders and was a great day to network and meet with other club leaders and personnel.

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This year's presentations began with Henry Wallmeyer, Presidents and CEO of the National Club Association. Wallmeyer provided updates on key legal and legislative issues facing the private club industry, and touched on topics such as healthcare reform, real estate evaluations, private club status, immigration, taxed and other issues that pertain to clubs.

Rand Jerris, Ph.D., the Senior Managing Director of Public Services at the USGA, spoke to the group about how advances in technology have shaped all aspects of our daily lives, including the time we spend at the golf course. As we work collectively to build a stronger and healthier game, Jerris stressed that data collection is critical for enhancing the quality of the experience that golf facilities and clubs can offer to their customers and members on a daily basis.

A topic of interest for many clubs is club renovations and planning for the future, and Peter Cafaro, Senior VP at Judd Brown Designs & Jefferson Group Architecture presented a case study of Canoe Brook Country Club's recent successful clubhouse renovation project. Cafaro shared thoughts and tactics of how to determine what work needs to be done, how to gain member approval, and tips for planning and financing a renovation project.

Glenn Smith, partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, concluded the program with a discussion about caddie programs and independent contractors. Smith outlined the elements that clubs should be aware of regarding their caddie programs and independent contractor status, a growing concern amongst private clubs in the Met Area.

MGA Vice President Tod Pike also provided an update to the group on activities of the MGA and MGA Foundation, including a recap of the season's championships. 

The MGA would like to thank the 2017 Presidents Council Fall Conference Partners, who had representatives on hand throughout the day: GOLFZON, vineyard vines, MetLife, Donnelly Construction, Callaway, EZ-GO, Canon, LG Signature, The Westchester Bank, Lexus, The Network Support Company and Nestle Waters.

For more information about the annual Presidents Council Fall Conference, please call the MGA Member Services Department at 914-347-4653. To find out more about the MGA’s extensive member services, click here.

 

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