ACSG, ASGQ, APPQ…? Every branch of the turfgrass industry has got their own associations. But what is an association? As Ken Cousineau, executive director of the CGSA (Canadian Golf Superintendents Association) said in the GreenMaster September issue: “Most associations form out of a need for a group of like-minded individuals or companies to provide for themselves something that is currently not readily available from anywhere or anyone else.” The first goal of the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association is to represent the interest of the members.
Why should you be part of it? Because the association is helping you in different ways. They are responsible for the Canadian International Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show. Lucky we are, because this year, it is being held in Toronto. If you are part of the association, you have access to rebate for the registration to the event and for your stay (hotel, cars…) You are also invited to different lecture, so you are able to learn every year about the new products or the new ideas. Beside these events, they are providing the members access to cheaper rate for life and health insurance. There is an annual fee to get into the association, but the fee’s cost will benefit you in the end.
One sure thing, when i will be done with the turfgrass management diploma, I will be part of the QGSA (Quebec Golf Superintendents Association) and the CGSA. Even if I do not plan on being a superintendent, I will still be for sure in the industry.
