December 6, 2024
Professional Development
World Conference & Club Business Expo Early Registration Deadline Approaching
Start your CMAA World Conference and Club Business Expo adventure at the Opening Business Session on Thursday, February 6 with Chef Carla Hall. Chef Hall cannot wait to share her adventures from food and television and discuss the art of bringing people together. Watch now!
Chef Hall is one of the six featured speakers sharing their wisdom in Tampa, FL, February 5-9, 2025. The robust professional development agenda offers curated information for your World Conference journey through concurrent education sessions, featured general sessions, and optional Workshops.
Approximately 50 percent of the Conference speakers are new, ensuring fresh and novel educational presentations.
Register by December 11 to qualify for the best available pricing!
Learn more, access the schedule, and review registration options
Register for the 2025 Communications Summit
The Communications Summit is geared toward those who directly manage or oversee the communications and marketing efforts at the club, or simply are looking to learn more about this very important and constantly changing aspect of club operations. The 2025 Communications Summit is scheduled for March 31-April 3 in Charleston, SC.
Attendees will learn effective strategies and tactics to communicate with club members and the greater club community, while visiting impressive Charleston-area clubs, including Daniel Island Club and Kiawah Island Club.
Access the schedule, registration information, and more
Forty Club Management Professionals Achieve Certification
The Club Management Association of America (CMAA) announces the 40 newest club management professionals to attain the designation of Certified Club Manager (CCM). This diverse group of individuals represents professionals from across the country and Canada.
Established in 1965, the CCM designation is the hallmark of professionalism in club management. It is a valuable, internationally recognized, and widely respected mark of an individual’s commitment to professional development and the club industry. The CCM designation indicates that a club management professional has completed a rigorous and extensive course of study and training and demonstrates a dedication to proficiency and expertise in club management. To achieve and obtain the CCM designation, one must invest time in specified education requirements, attend at least one World Conference & Club Business Expo, and maintain activity within their local chapter. After these conditions have been met, the individual must pass the CCM exam.
The club management professionals who met their CCM requirements in November are:
- Scott Acken, CCM, West Shore Country Club, Camp Hill, PA
- Jessica N. Arnold, CCM, Burlingame Country Club, Hillsborough, CA
- Richard T. Bayliss, III, CCM, Pinehurst Country Club, Denver, CO
- Angel M. Blanco, CCM, Bay Colony Golf Club, Naples, FL
- Moiz Bootwalla, CCM, Capital City Club, Atlanta, GA
- Sean Brown, CCM, Trenton, MI
- Patrick F. Casey, CCM, PGA, Santa Monica, CA
- Andrew Coleman, CCM, Belmont Country Club, Belmont, MA
- Shawn Costello, CCM, Coldstream Country Club, Cincinnati, OH
- Eduard M. Cristal, CCM, Country Club at Mirasol, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
- Rusty Denner, CCM, Walden Community Improvement Association, Montgomery, TX
- Kerry Donohue, CCM, San Ramon, CA
- Jesse Dumais, CCM, Bob O'Link Golf Club, Highland Park, IL
- Dustin A. Dunn, CCM, Berkeley Hall Club, Bluffton, SC
- Abigail Fry, CCM, Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, PA
- Curtis J. Garner, CCM, Shoal Creek Golf Club, Shoal Creek, AL
- Jennifer Garrott, CCM, Princess Anne Country Club, Virginia Beach, VA
- Debra J. Gerlach, CCM, Spring Island Club, Okatie, SC
- Madeline Grillo, CCM, Saddle & Cycle Club, Chicago, IL
- John V. Guzman, Jr., CCM, Innis Arden Golf Club, Old Greenwich, CT
- Stephan E. Harrington, CCM, Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, Centerville, MA
- David Heiser, CCM, Manor Country Club, Rockville, MD
- Mihaela Macrina Hillhouse, CCM, Boca Woods Country Club, Boca Raton, FL
- Charles O. Holmes, III, CCM, PGA, Bear Creek Country Club, Snohomish, WA
- Spaska Georgieva Ivanov, CCM, Rehoboth Beach Country Club, Rehoboth Beach, DE
- Kimberly Matthews, CCM, Sankaty Head Golf Club, Siasconset, MA
- Justin McNaughton, CCM, Omaha Country Club, Omaha, NE
- Michael Meissner, CCM, Shannopin Country Club, Pittsburgh, PA
- Michael T. Mueller, CCM, Bay Colony Community Association, Naples, FL
- Anita Nalepa, CCM, Forest Lake Club, Columbia, SC
- Casey Paulson, CCM, Driftwood Golf & Ranch Club, Driftwood, TX
- Brooke Radcliffe, CCM, Riomar Country Club, Vero Beach, FL
- Michael D. Reed, CCM, Grandfather Golf & Country Club, Linville, NC
- Josiah L. Smith, III, CCM, Countryside Golf & Country Club, Naples, FL
- Benjamin L. St. John, CCM, Rock Barn Country Club & Spa, Conover, NC
- Melanie Kristin Stacklie, CCM, Newport Beach Country Club, Newport Beach, CA
- Hendrick van der Geld, CCM, The Club at North Halton, Georgetown, ON, Canada
- Natasha Walton-Diaz, CCM, Dallas Country Club, Dallas, TX
- Michelle D. Weigner, CCM, The Merion Cricket Club, Haverford, PA
- Amanda R. Wilson, CCM, Shaker Heights Country Club, Shaker Heights, OH
The Club Management Association of America extends its sincere congratulations to these newly certified professionals and encourages them to continue their professional development in the future. To learn more about the CCM, please visit the CCM designation and requirements page.
Membership and Member Benefits
It’s Time to Cast Your CMAA Vote!
Voting is one of the most significant privileges of CMAA Professional membership. Take a moment to review all the information you’ll need to participate in the 2025 CMAA Election. This year’s ballot features a strong slate of candidates ready to serve the Association, along with one national Bylaw proposition for your consideration. Be informed and make your voice heard by consulting the details below:
Candidates
At its spring meeting, the CMAA Board of Directors approved the appointment of Joe Krenn, CCM, CCE, as the 2025 Secretary-Treasurer. This announcement was shared during the 2024 Leadership/Legislative Conference (LLC) and via Outlook, social media, and related press releases.
In August 2024, the national Nominating Committee prepared the slate of National Director candidates for the 2025 election. The candidates are:
- Judy Higgins, CCM, CCE*, Valley Lo Golf Club, Glenview, IL
- Rob Oosterhuis, CCM, CCE, PGA, Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, Boca Raton, FL
- Josh Paris, CCM, CCE, Old Town Club, Winston-Salem, NC
- James Reisig, CCM, CCE, The Tokeneke Club, Darien, CT
* Denotes incumbent
The slated candidates first addressed CMAA members at the 2024 LLC and will have another opportunity to speak to CMAA voters during the Opening Business Session at the World Conference & Club Business Expo in Tampa, FL this February. There are four open positions on the Board: three, three-year terms; and one, one-year term.
You can view detailed profiles of the candidates online.
Eligibility Requirements to Vote
To vote in the 2025 CMAA Election, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a current Professional, Alumnus, Continuation, or Retired-Professional member, or an eligible Honorary member.
- Have renewed your CMAA national membership for 2025.
- Your membership type can be found on your digital membership card, valid through 10/31/2025.
Online and On-site Voting
You have two options to cast your vote in the 2025 CMAA Election:
Online Voting: Request and use a Voting Authorization from now until February 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Eligible voters will receive a unique voting code via email. Once you cast your vote using this code, your submission is final and confidential.
On-site Voting: Visit the voting kiosks at the 2025 World Conference & Club Business Expo in Tampa, FL. On-site voting will be available during designated hours on February 7-8. 2025.
Election Results
The 2025 election and bylaw proposition results will be tabulated by secure voting software and announced at the Closing Business Session in Tampa, FL on February 9, 2025. Results will also be posted on the CMAA website.
Let your voice shape the future of CMAA. Join your peers and cast your vote today!
Enter the 2025 Idea Fair
The CMAA Idea Fair, presented at the 2025 World Conference and Club Business Expo, gives you the opportunity to showcase your innovative ideas. With 16 categories, we are sure that you have something to enter. All information including categories and entry instructions are now available. Simply submit your entries electronically and CMAA will print them for you!
This year there will be three overall award winners: the “Most Innovative Idea Award,” the “Show Stopper Award,” and the “Chairman’s Award” that will be given out by the judging committee. Make sure your ideas stand out from the rest to be considered for these exciting awards!
The deadline to enter your ideas is January 7. Please contact Erica Benjamin with any questions. We look forward to seeing your ideas in Tampa, FL.
Thank You for Our Giving Tuesday Success
Each year on Giving Tuesday, individuals across the nation donate to make a significant difference in The Club Foundation’s ability to fund grants and scholarships in the coming year. On the heels of Thanksgiving, our feelings of gratitude for all those who participate in this annual campaign are a powerful reminder of the strength of the club community, and all those who contribute to bettering the lives and careers of others.
A total of 201 generous donors gave a total of $32,250.28. We exceeded our fundraising goal by 225%. Thank you!
Congratulations to Giving Tuesday winners:
- Chapter Challenge: The Georgia Chapter exceeded their goal by 86% earning them the title of Best Chapter for Giving Tuesday 2024. The top Chapters were as follows:
- 1—Georgia Chapter, 244.86% Goal
- 2—Florida Chapter, 241.34% Goal
- 3—Greater Michigan Chapter, 158.64% Goal
- Honorable Mention—Chapters who each exceeded their fundraising goal with more than 100% raised: Greater Illinois Chapter, New York State Chapter, Wisconsin Badger Chapter, and Alabama Chapter.
Our Chapter Teams are extraordinary partners in this event and we are so grateful to everyone who participated and joined the fun this year!
- Overall Drawing: Each won a free (Education Only) registration to the 2025 World Conference & Club Business Expo in Tampa, FL. Congratulations:
- Robert Dandy, Dragonridge Country Club, Greater Southwest Chapter
- David Mancini, Beverly Country Club, Greater Illinois Chapter
- Caffé Umbria Coffee Hour: Each won one bag of Caffé Umbria’s Gusto Crema Blend, one bag of Bizzarri Blend and a Caffé Umbria Mug. (Visit Caffé Umbria during the Club Business Expo in Tampa, FL, in Booth #642.) Congratulations:
- Kathleen Cork, Sailfish Point Country Club, Florida Chapter
- Jennifer Mang, CCM, CCE, Wyoming Valley Country Club, Central Pennsylvania Chapter
- Mark Tunney, Union League Club of Chicago, Greater Illinois Chapter
- Island Grove Wine Co. Lunch Hour: Each won three bottles of Island Grove Wine Co.’s amazing and unique fruit wines. (Visit Island Grove Wine Co. during the Club Business Expo in Tampa, FL, in Booth #536.) Congratulations:
- Terra S.H. Waldron, CCM, CCE, Desert Mountain Club, Greater Southwest Chapter
- Kevin S. Kennebeck, CCM, Ruth Lake Country Club, Greater Illinois Chapter
- Vaughan Smith, Chattahoochee Country Club, Georgia Chapter
- RAK Porcelain USA Happy Hour: Each won two extraordinary “Have Dinner with RAK” place settings. (Visit RAK Porcelain USA during the Club Business Expo in Tampa, FL, in Booth #427.) Congratulations:
- Sandro Arce, Piedmont Driving Club, Georgia Chapter
- Jeff S. Isbell, CCM, Renaissance, New England Chapter
- Demietres A. Jackson, St. Louis Country Club, St. Louis District Chapter
Thank you to Caffé Umbria, Island Grove Wine Co., and RAK Porcelain USA for sponsoring this event. Their generosity and excitement about participating was remarkable.
Just for Students: Conference Awards Programs and Year-End Deadlines
Submit Your Entries to Conference Award Programs
Showcase your innovative ideas to the Student Chapter & Faculty Idea Fair at the CMAA World Conference & Club Business Expo! This annual award program offers Student Chapters and Faculty a chance to present creative initiatives and gain recognition. Winning entries will be celebrated during the conference and beyond. Submit your ideas today and be part of this exciting opportunity to collaborate and shine!
All submissions are due by 12:00 noon EST on Friday, January 7, 2025.
Do you have a groundbreaking product, software, or concept that could transform the club industry? Now’s your chance to showcase your innovative idea and compete for a chance to win $1,000! Enter the Student Shark Tank Competition today.
All submissions are due by 12:00 noon EST on Friday, January 3, 2025.
Please Submit Your Student Chapter Officer Report Form
Complete and submit the Student Chapter Officer Report Form to National Headquarters by December 13 to close out the calendar year. This is how CMAA officially recognizes your chapter’s executive board and ensures your officers receive crucial information, updates, and member benefits.
Features
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Featured Discussion: Exploring 401(k) Matching Practices in the Club Industry |
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Featured Jobs: |
Resources
Economic Impact Report: Private Clubs Are Vital Contributor to National & Local Economies
A landmark study, conducted jointly by Club Benchmarking, the Club Management Association of America (CMAA), and the National Club Association (NCA), reveals the vast economic impact that private clubs have across the United States. The research indicates these clubs collectively generated $32.6 billion in direct revenue in 2023, supported a $17.4 billion payroll, and employed 573,000 workers, underscoring private clubs as a vital contributor to the national and local economies.
This research marks a significant step in quantifying the economic influence of private clubs, demonstrating their role not only as exclusive social hubs but also as economic engines within communities across the country.
CMAA encourages you to share this information with your board of directors, members, leaders, staff teams, and your community.
- For High-Level Information in a Digestible Format, access and share the Executive Summary.
- For Comprehensive Information including detailed regional Breakdowns, access and share the Full Report.
To learn more about the data, join the Research and Collaboration Team for an upcoming industry webinar on Tuesday, December 17, at 1:00 p.m.
Compensation & Benefits Report Now Available
The 2023 Compensation & Benefits Report, a detailed report of salary, benefit, and labor key performance indicators, is now available to all CMAA members. This report is based on FY2023 data.
This report is a collaboration with Club Benchmarking, a CMAA Executive Partner.
New Culinary Training Now Available on CMAA University
CMAA’s Club Resource Center (CRC) course line-up has added 23 new culinary training courses from Auguste Escoffier. That’s almost 50 hours of culinary training! From Culinary Essentials to Sexual Harassment Prevention to Communicating Effectively, the CRC brings you a broad scope of online interactive training courses for all your club’s staff. Contact Bob Gould for a CRC course list or more information.
Trends and News
DOL’s Overtime Rule Struck Down by Federal Court
On November 15, Judge Sean Jordan of the Eastern District of Texas of the US District Court vacated the 2024 overtime rule changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act. This decision invalidates the increased salary thresholds and automatic updates. This nationwide decision restores the previously established standards of $35,568 annually (or $684 weekly) for exempt employees and $107,432 annually for highly compensated employees) and halts any further implementation of the 2024 rule.
DHS and DOL Announce Intent to Release Additional FY2025 H-2B Visas
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in conjunction with the Department of Labor (DOL), has announced its intention to release nearly 65,000 H-2B Visas for FY 2025. This action mirrors the supplemental visas made available in FY2023 and FY2024. Currently, the program is capped annually at 66,000 available visas.