Impressive Speakers and Presentations set for Thursday's Golf Summit
MARCH 20, 2023 - The New Jersey State Golf Association Golf Summit will be held this Thursday, March 23 from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth. An array of decorated speakers and informative presentations aimed to help clubs and courses throughout the state will highlight the event, which will begin with a networking breakfast. To register, click here.
Meet Our Speakers:
Justin Avallone is the Vice President of Utility Programs for Donnelly Energy. The Wayne, N.J., based Donnelly Industries is the official construction partner and preferred energy partner for the New Jersey State Golf Association. Avallone will discuss the array of cost-saving opportunities available to NJSGA member facilities through energy efficiency programs, EV charging stations, and solar solutions.
The New Jersey Section of the PGA of America will lead a panel discussion and audience Q/A regarding their recent launch of the organization’s “Health and Well-being Initiative”. It includes elements of cultivating a strong partnership between a club's governance team and the golf staff, and strategies for attracting and retaining a talented golf professional staff. The panelists include:
Andrew Bostrom, Assistant GM/Head Golf Professional at Green Brook Country Club and member, NJPGA Board of Directors. Andrew is originally from Washington State and he played collegiate golf at the University of the Pacific. His professional experience has been in the Met area with stints at clubs like Southward Ho and Quaker Ridge. Andrew and his wife, Laura, have two children and live in northern New Jersey. (https://andrewbostrom.com/)
Jason Fiore, Head Golf Professional at Forest Hill Field Club. He is a graduate of the Coastal Carolina PGM Program. Jason’s prior experience came at Green Brook and Upper Montclair Country Club. Now at Forest Hill since 2015, Jason also serves on the NJPGA Board of Directors. He and his wife Tiffany enjoy traveling, skiing and rooting for the Giants and Yankees. (https://foresthillfc.com/meet-the-professional-staff)
Reed Lansinger, Director of Golf at Canoe Brook Country Club and Secretary on the NJPGA Board of Directors. Reed’s prior experience in the golf business comes from time at Baltusrol Golf Club and the Philadelphia Cricket Club after graduating from the Clemson University PGM program. Reed and his wife Kathryn have a 2-year-old son and they live in Morristown. (https://www.reedlansingerpga.com/)
Don McCabe, First Assistant Golf Professional at Plainfield Country Club. Don is a graduate of the Penn State PGM program and he has prior experience at the Chevy Chase Club, The Everglades Club and the Country Club. Additionally, he serves on the NJPGA Assistant’s Board. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-mccabe-pga-07240717a/)
Chris Carson is a highly distinguished Golf Course Superintendent who recently retired from his role as superintendent of Echo Lake Country Club after 36 years. His presentation, entitled 12 Things your Club should know about its Golf Course Superintendent, will outline the risks and challenges that Golf Course Superintendents manage on behalf of their clubs, the importance of clear and ongoing communication about expectations, as well as the important and critical science aspect of the job. Carson has served as president of GCSANJ, NJ Turfgrass Association, and the TriState Turf Research Foundation, and has been teaching in the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management Program since 2000.
Rand Jerris is the founder of Purple Valley Consulting which offers historical consulting services to museums and golf clubs worldwide. Previously, Jerris worked for more than thirty years for the United States Golf Association, including serving as the director of the USGA Golf Museum and Library from 2002 until 2012. Jerris’ presentation, entitled Celebrating Your History, Shaping Your Brand, will provide guidance to clubs as they plan and celebrate significant anniversaries and the opportunities to preserve, collect and celebrate their history. Many clubs chose to mark important milestones (a 25th, 50th, 75th or 100th anniversary) by publishing a club history or scheduling an evening of celebration for their members. Best practices for documenting a club's history, organizing a club archive, and, importantly, storytelling through traditional and non-traditional methods will also be discussed. The presentations will also consider the rationale and justification for investing in history as means of shaping a club’s brand and strengthening engagement with its members. Several case studies will be shared.
