October 15, 2012
Golf links members in relaxed atmosphere
Denis Flanagan CLD
LO Manager of Membership and Public Relations
I must admit I’m not a great golfer. Proof is my record at the tournaments our Chapters host across the province.
This year I decided to attend as many as possible to add support and bring greetings and prizes from your Milton home office. During the process, I learned a few things.
First, I’m still a lousy golfer, but a good listener. I discovered that the golf gatherings are an integral part of member relationships and networking. The time spent on the course is obviously a valuable way for owners and employees to spend time with each other and link with associate members in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Ottawa golf committee did such an amazing job of keeping the event running on time, I was heading back to Milton by 6 p.m. sharp.
Again, the interaction among participants was the highlight. I discovered that Irene Bultena from Eloquip, in between helping to run a successful business and family, plus volunteering with 4-H Clubs, still has time to golf on a regular basis. This became evident as she rescued our team’s score on several holes.
It seems the London area must breed excellent golfers. Brian Lofgren, president of Horta-Craft and past chair of the LO Show Committee, has qualified for the Golf Town Can Am finals in Miami, Fla., in October. Good luck, Brian!
Our foursome included Matt Taylor from Bishops Seeds. As a result, the 18 holes turned into a great educational event as I learned all about the wholesale seed business and Matt’s knowledge and connections with courses throughout Ontario.
Hearing Matt’s and several others’ thoughts on my travels started me thinking that perhaps we should explore possibilities about province-wide golf connections, discounts, sponsorships, competitions, etc. How about LO Golfer of the Year? It certainly won’t be my name on the trophy!
In conclusion, the golf events at all our Chapters were fabulous. It was obvious that our members and guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves. What a great
member benefit!
A big thank you to all the hard work put in by individuals and committees, and thanks to Helen and Jane in Milton for helping to coordinate some of the details on behalf of the Chapters.
Denis Flanagan can be reached at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com or at 905-875-1805, ext. 2303.
LO Manager of Membership and Public Relations
I must admit I’m not a great golfer. Proof is my record at the tournaments our Chapters host across the province.This year I decided to attend as many as possible to add support and bring greetings and prizes from your Milton home office. During the process, I learned a few things.
First, I’m still a lousy golfer, but a good listener. I discovered that the golf gatherings are an integral part of member relationships and networking. The time spent on the course is obviously a valuable way for owners and employees to spend time with each other and link with associate members in a relaxed atmosphere.
Ottawa
At the Ottawa tournament, I had a great time golfing with landscape designer Patricia Stanish CLD, learning not only some valuable golf tips but also some advice on how we can improve communications with the Chapters.The Ottawa golf committee did such an amazing job of keeping the event running on time, I was heading back to Milton by 6 p.m. sharp.
Waterloo
The following month, on another glorious sunny day, Robert Ellidge, LO’s web editor and official golf photographer, and myself headed to the Waterloo Chapter (now seasoned veterans in running tournaments). The event was perfect and featured a mix of sponsors, prizes and food.Again, the interaction among participants was the highlight. I discovered that Irene Bultena from Eloquip, in between helping to run a successful business and family, plus volunteering with 4-H Clubs, still has time to golf on a regular basis. This became evident as she rescued our team’s score on several holes.
London
In London, our team survived with the help of local athlete Rob Drummond, former captain of the London Knights Junior A hockey team, and who later spent time as a professional in the AHL. Rob is now one heck of a good golfer, and also a truck sales representative for Carrier Centers, one of the sponsors at the London tournament.It seems the London area must breed excellent golfers. Brian Lofgren, president of Horta-Craft and past chair of the LO Show Committee, has qualified for the Golf Town Can Am finals in Miami, Fla., in October. Good luck, Brian!
Upper Canada
Smart new sponsor recognition flags were flying high at the Loyalist course in Bath to celebrate that the small, but mighty Upper Canada Chapter. It triumphed again by achieving a record attendance. The signing-in ceremony began an upbeat day.Our foursome included Matt Taylor from Bishops Seeds. As a result, the 18 holes turned into a great educational event as I learned all about the wholesale seed business and Matt’s knowledge and connections with courses throughout Ontario.
Hearing Matt’s and several others’ thoughts on my travels started me thinking that perhaps we should explore possibilities about province-wide golf connections, discounts, sponsorships, competitions, etc. How about LO Golfer of the Year? It certainly won’t be my name on the trophy!
In conclusion, the golf events at all our Chapters were fabulous. It was obvious that our members and guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves. What a great
member benefit!
A big thank you to all the hard work put in by individuals and committees, and thanks to Helen and Jane in Milton for helping to coordinate some of the details on behalf of the Chapters.
Denis Flanagan can be reached at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com or at 905-875-1805, ext. 2303.