October 18, 2024
Professional Development
Educate Your Board Members This November
CMAA's symposiums bring together the GM/CEO/COO and their club’s elected leaders for cooperative and interactive education on governance best practices and industry trends. Invite your Board members to CMAA’s Governance & Leadership Symposium, November 10-11, at Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, NC. The Symposium will begin on the evening of November 10 and will continue November 11 for a full day of education.
Prepare your club’s elected leadership for success with focused information on relevant strategic governance topics, including:
- Governance and Leadership - informed leadership, strategic stewardship, empowered management and staff, and compelling Member Experience
- The Political Climate and the Impact on Clubs – presented by the President and CEO of the National Club Association, Joe Trauger
- Club Trends – change and adaptation in the post-COVID world
These highly rated Summits are presented in partnership with KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE, a CMAA Executive Partner.
Registration ends November 6.
Learn more and access registration rates
Take Your Career to the Next Level with the Mid-Manager Power Hour
Mark your calendars! The next Mid-Manager Power Hour is slated for Wednesday, October 30, from 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Whether you're just starting out, contemplating a major career change, or seeking inspiration to elevate your current path, you’re sure to take something away from a superstar panel of club managers. We’ll explore varying paths and perspectives from the experiences of industry leaders who have navigated the ups and downs of their own career journeys. Together, we'll uncover practical strategies, valuable insights, and heartfelt stories that can help you chart your own course. Explore career path development and navigating your way to the right fit.
Learn more and join the conversation
Understanding Your Credits: Chapter Education Credits
CMAA Chapters are an excellent resource for earning Education Credits. Credits earned at the in-person Chapter-level programs are classified as Chapter Education credits.
Examples of education offered at the Chapter level are:
- Speaker-led presentations
- Case studies
- Demonstrations
- Round-table discussions
Chapter Education credits can also be earned by attending workshops offered by the Chapters.
CMAA members need to earn 25 Chapter Education credits to be eligible to sit for the Certified Club Manager exam. Chapter Education credits also count toward the Certification Maintenance Requirement as well as Honor Society eligibility.
The general rule is that one Chapter Education credit is awarded for each full hour of in-person instruction. Fractional credits are awarded for chapter education programs if they are longer than one hour in length (i.e., if a session is 90 minutes, attendees receive 1.5 credits). When calculating credits, time for breaks, meals, and other non-instructional activities are excluded.
Questions? Contact the Education Department.
Membership and Member Benefits
President & CEO’s Perspective: Continuing to Build a Stronger CMAA Organization
President & CEO Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE, delivered a mid-year State of the Association Update on Monday, September 16, in Washington, DC, at the Leadership/Legislative Conference. In this month’s blog, gain insights into what the Association has accomplished so far in 2024, and what lies ahead including:
- Contemporary Club Management textbook updates
- The Certified Chief Executive (CCE) Program review
- Program offerings for Mid-Level Club Management professionals and Students
- The CMAA Faculty Development & Immersion Program
- CMAA Communities
- The CMAA Centennial Task Force
Showcase Your Club’s Most Successful Ideas in the 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. You 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 “Showstopper 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!
Please contact Erica Benjamin with any questions. We look forward to seeing your ideas in Tampa, FL!
Congratulations to the Winners of the 2024 Student Chapter of the Year
The Student Chapter of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding work and successful accomplishments of our Student Chapters. This program reflects the academic year and runs from August 1-April 30. Thank you to all the Student Chapters that submitted applications for the 2024 Student Chapter of the Year award. Congratulations to the following universities:
Small Chapter of the Year—University of Delaware
Medium Chapter of the Year—Virginia Tech
Large Chapter of the Year—Johnson & Wales, Providence
Six Club Management Professionals Awarded Sally Burns Rambo Scholarship
This year’s Sally Burns Rambo Scholarship awardees were notified in early October that they had been chosen to receive one of this year’s awards. Congratulations to these six amazing women who are excelling in our industry and will receive funding for a BMI course of their choice and accompanying travel funds:
- Christina Gusella—Assistant General Manager, Flint Hills National Golf Club, Andover, KS
- Alisha Hurtado—Director of Membership & Communications, Houston Country Club, Houston, TX
- Karen Kooi, CCM, SPHR—Assistant General Manager, Atlantic Golf Club, Bridgehampton, NY
- Kasey Romano—Clubhouse Manager, River Oaks Country Club, Houston, TX
- Erin Schlegel, CCM—Youth & Activities Director, Myers Park Country Club, Charlotte, NC
- Nicki Skipper, CCM—Assistant General Manager, Governors Club, Chapel Hill, NC
Many thanks to our dedicated Club Foundation Allocation Committee team of industry leaders who diligently and carefully evaluate applications throughout the scholarship season. They are critical to the success of scholarship programming from The Club Foundation!
Scholarship Awards
Two more opportunities to apply for scholarships during 2024 are right around the corner.
- Willmoore H. Kendall Scholarship—Due Date: November 1
- LaRocca Family Executive Scholarship—Due Date: November 1
For more information, please visit our website.
CMAA Announces Passing of 1997 President John A. Jordan, MCM
With great regret, CMAA announces the passing of Past President John A. Jordan, MCM. His career in club management spanned more than 45 years, highlighting numerous contributions to the Association and profession—his spirit will remain a guiding force within the CMAA family.
John received his Bachelors’ degree from Michigan State University in 1960 in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management. He began his career as a Summer Intern at the Wisconsin Club in 1957 and joined Cherokee Town and Country Club as Town Club Assistant Manager in 1960. The following year, he took a leave of absence for military service in the US Army. In 1964, he returned to the Club and was appointed Country Club Manager. In 1967, he was appointed the Club’s General Manager and served until his retirement in 2003. His successor Michael Wheeler, MCM, CCE, shared “During his tenure at this Atlanta landmark, he helped build Cherokee’s reputation as one of the best private clubs in the country.”
John first joined CMAA in 1965 and earned his Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation in 1970. He was elected to the national Board of Directors in 1989, reelected in 1992, and served as CMAA President in 1997. During his nearly 60 years of membership, John was actively involved with several CMAA National Committees and the CMAA Wine Society. John was actively involved with the Georgia Chapter, serving as President and Education Chairman.
John was the ninth CMAA manager to receive the prestigious Master Club Manager designation in 1998. He was the author and creator of the famed wine affinities dinner performed at the BMI Club Management, which was the basis for his 1998 monograph, The Marriage of Four California Wines (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc) and American Food. Thousands of club management professionals attending this BMI have experienced this memorable and educational dinner held at Cherokee Town and Country Club.
As we honor John’s memory, we are inspired by his enduring commitment to professional excellence, and his legacy will continue to guide and influence CMAA for generations to come. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the Jordan family and loved ones during this time.
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Resources
Capital Improvements Handbook Release: Chapters 5-7
CMAA is excited to release the third section of the CMAA Capital Improvements Handbook. The CMAA Capital Improvements Handbook looks at the process and best practices/suggested procedures discussed at the CMAA Capital Improvements Symposium. This is done while also emphasizing the significance of building high-performing project management teams and engaging various stakeholders, including club members, throughout the journey.
Chapters 5-7 of the handbook focuses on:
- CONSTRUCTION PROJECT COST ESTIMATING & PROJECT DEVELOPMENTS
- CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS & PROJECTS ADMINISTRATION
- SPECIFICATIONS, CONTRACTS, AND SCHEDULING
This handbook also delves into common pitfalls such as lack of strategy and leadership, unanticipated costs, and inexperienced project management. Emphasizing the necessity of time, patience, and strategic planning, this white paper aims to equip club decision-makers with the knowledge required to make informed choices, ensuring each capital improvement project contributes to the club’s long-term success and reputation.
This handbook serves as a comprehensive guide for club decision-makers embarking on capital improvement projects. By adopting a strategic and collaborative approach, engaging stakeholders, ensuring robust financial planning, and adhering to regulatory requirements, clubs can successfully navigate the complexities of capital improvements.
Explore chapters 5-7 of a valuable tool that clubs will be able to use for years to come.
Year-End Reminders: Audits, Cyber Readiness, and Strategic Planning
As we approach the end of the year, it’s time to shift our focus to critical tasks that ensure the smooth operation of your clubs. As your trusted cyber security service partner, we want to provide timely reminders:
- Cyber Security Readiness:
- Cyber threats evolve constantly. Regular assessments help identify vulnerabilities. Let’s work together to strengthen your defenses.
- Financial Audits:
- Transparency and accountability are paramount. Consider reviewing your financial records to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Insurance Reviews:
- Adequate insurance protects your club against unforeseen events.
Why prioritize these tasks?
- Risk Mitigation: Address vulnerabilities proactively.
- Compliance: Stay aligned with legal requirements.
- Cost Planning: Allocate resources wisely.
- Member Trust and Reputation: Secure clubs foster trust.
- Strategic Investments: Plan for long-term success.
Cyber Readiness Survey: We invite you to participate in our quick 10-minute survey. Your input will help us understand your organization’s cyber readiness. Take the survey.
Remember, Pulsar’s success is intertwined with yours. Navigate these tasks together and set the stage for a prosperous 2025. Book your complimentary consultation with Katie Gusella today.
Trends and News
On the Horizon: 2025 Tax Showdown Holds Potential Impact for Non-Profits
Congress’s major priority for 2025 will be addressing expiring tax cuts and other considerations. As they consider offsetting these tax cuts for the future, they will be seeking new avenues for revenue. One of the areas for new sources identified to offset deficits is new taxation for non-profits (across the 501c spectrum).
Think tanks like the Tax Foundation have already identified the non-profit sector as a potential source of revenue and suggested that non-profits, including 501(c)(7) clubs and 501(c)(6) associations, should face new tax rates.
Standing Together with the Victims of Hurricane Helene & Milton
Hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused widespread devastation, impacting countless lives across several states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Many individuals, including club staff and their families, have been severely affected, facing challenges such as property damage, loss of homes, and disruption to their daily lives.
In the wake of this tragedy, several CMAA Chapters have risen to the occasion, taking immediate action to help those affected. These Chapters have organized efforts to collect and distribute funds, demonstrating the power of our community and the importance of standing together during difficult times. The funds being raised will go directly to those individuals who need it most, ensuring that the support reaches the club staff and their families impacted by this catastrophic event.
To support these efforts, CMAA and The Club Foundation have each contributed $10,000 to the organized efforts in the Carolinas, Florida, and Georgia Chapters to help these individuals to rebuild their homes and lives.
CMAA members can contribute directly to these efforts:
Carolinas Chapter Effort: Support their efforts in the Carolinas or Text to Give: MTNUPST to 41444.
Georgia Chapter Effort: Support the Chapter’s effort
Florida Chapter Effort: Support their efforts or Text to Give: HELPCLUBSTAFF to 44321