2019 Annual Conference

Attendee Prospectus

Sponsored by:

Register and Book Today!Rooms available until

October 11th

Reservations can be made by calling 1-888-238-1803 or 303-279-9100

November 3-5, 2019Denver Marriott West

1717 Denver West BoulevardGolden, CO 80401

Hotel Information

Fun & Food Nearby:

...Plus much more!!

Welcome Dear Valued Members,

On behalf of the RMGCSA Board of Directors, I would like to cordially invite you to join us for the 3rd Annual RMGCSA Conference and Expo. We are continuing to build on the success of our prior two Conferences to bring even more value to your RMGCSA membership. This two-day event is a great way to network with RMGCSA members, learn more about our Affiliate partners and what they have to offer, earn your educational credits and have some fun. There will be a social event the Sunday prior to catch up and share stories of the season. As in previous years, there is a fantastic lineup of speakers to satisfy all your educational desires. Also, these few days will provide many opportunities to meet with our valued Affiliate partners to discuss their services and products. Don’t forget to grab a teammate and join in the fun cornhole match during Monday night’s Tailgate party! Along with the cornhole tournament, join us for great food and drinks. The RMGCSA is really excited to offer this two-day conference and expo. We think it is a fantastic opportunity to connect with friends, meet new contacts and work with the professionals within our membership. We look forward to your participation in this cost effective, worthwhile event and we hope to see you in November. Sincerely,

Craig CahalaneCraig Cahalane, 2019 RMGCSA President

Conference Registration Includes:

• All Classes • All Meals• Breaks• Conference Gift • Reception• Pesticide Education

Three ways to register: mail in form, scan and email form

or register online at www.rmgcsa.org

Denver Marriott West1717 Denver West Blvd.Golden, CO 80401

Room reservations can be made by calling either 1-888-238-1803 or 303-279-9100.

Reservation must be made no later than October 11, 2019.

Directions: From I-70 E or W take exit 263 toward Colorado Mills Pkwy. Turn west and the hotel will be immediately on your left.

$120.00

Conference Agenda

Sunday, November 3rd, 20196:30 PM - 9:30 PM Happy Hour - On Your Own!

Informal gathering for conference attendees

Monday, November 4th, 20197:00 - 7:30 AM Registration - Table Top Set-up - Breakfast

7:30 - 7:40 AM Welcome

7:40 - 8:40 AM What Every Community Should Know! The Value of Golf Course Sustainability - Gina Rizzi, Radius Sports Group The golf industry can positively impact communities and the environment through providing ecosystem services that communities value. These can include sustainability efforts around stormwater management, pollinator and wildlife habitats, and reduction in the urban heat island effect, to name a few. Learn how to value the sustainability impact of a golf course on local communities and communicate impacts through internationally accepted frameworks including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards. The SDGs (or Global Goals) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and promote peace and prosperity - these goals are being adopted throughout municipalities, states, corporations, and countries. GRI provides the world’s most widely used standards on sustainability reporting encompassing ethical procurement, natural resource use, diversity, inclusion, and governance - these Standards are used by more than 92 percent of the world’s largest 250 global corporations, including those owned and operated by club members. integration of these frameworks into processes and communications elevates the golf industry worldwide, creating awareness and platforms for community engagement. - Understand the community value golf courses provide through natural & social capital- Apply the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to show golf’s positive global impact- Have a core understanding of the GRI Standards & application to member/guest/public communications- Support advocacy messaging and communications with local and state legislators- Apply concepts to communications (CSR reporting, newsletters, conversations, blogs, social media, public relations, advocacy meetings at state/national golf days)

8:45 - 9:45 AM Drive Your Growth Rate - Dr. Bill Kreuser, University of NebraskaGrowth rate impacts so many aspects of turfgrass performance, yet few managers have growth rate goals. Learn how to adjust PGR and nitrogen programs to achieve optimum clipping yields at your course.

9:45 -10:05 AM Break - Visit Vendors

10:05 - 11:05 AM Selling a Project; Even an Eskimo Will Buy a Freezer IF you Create a NEED - Dean Graves, The Dean of Turfgrass Consulting, LLCDo you ever get frustrated because nothing at work really changes? They never buy the equipment, improve the irrigation system, do a project, increase the budget. Same old story; we don’t have the money, we’ll wait until next year, rounds are down, whatever. Do you ever think it may be the messenger and the way the message is given? Were you able to create that NEED? Learn some techniques to influence the decision makers and create that Need.

11:10 AM - 12:00 PM Hazard Ahead: The Challenge of Colorado's Weather - Chris Tomer, KDVR Fox 31The impact of Colorado's weather on golf course maintenance. The microclimates (Eastern Plains, 7 County Metro Area, Palmer Divide, Foothills, and High Mountains) deliver very different kinds of weather. This presentation will cover variables such as temperature, humidity, dew point, freeze/frost, growing season, wind, cloud cover, and precipitation.

12:00 - 12:45 PM Lunch

12:45 - 1: 25 PM Annual Meeting / Election

1:25 - 1:40 PM GCSAA Updates - Shelia Finney, GCSAA

1:45 - 2:45 PM There is No Shame in Feeling Better: Mental Health, Stress Management and Mindfullness for Turfgrass Professionals - Dave Wilber, Wilber Turf & Soil ServicesAgronomy Consultant, Writer and World Traveler, Dave Wilber will talk openly and lead a discussion about what he believes to be the most important topic in our business today. Based on his own honest story and the stories of others who have been brave enough to share and overcome.

2:45 - 3:15 PM Break - Visit Vendors

1.0 GCSAA Points approved when you attend the full conference.

Tuesday, November 5th, 2019

3:15 - 4:05 PM Our RMGCSA BMP Handbook Has Arrived! Learn the 12 Key Areas, Benefits, and Recommended Communications - Gina Rizzi, Radius Sports Group The RMGCSA’s Colorado Handbook of Golf Course Maintenance Best Management Practices provides a concise overview of twelve best management practices (BMPs) in golf course maintenance to support environmental stewardship and optimal course conditions in the state of Colorado. Having a BMP handbook is critical for education, community relations, and the health of the Colorado golf and tourism industries. It is important to demonstrate that our golf courses operate using sustainable methods of land and natural resource management.BMP guidelines are important for all golf courses in Colorado – they provide a roadmap for superintendents and a resource for additional stakeholders including golf professionals, general managers, owners, regulators, legislators, our communities, guests, members, and resorts. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), supported by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and PGA TOUR, initially started a nationwide initiative by providing base recommendations for BMPs. Our state association’s handbook customizes content to address local sustainability needs, aligning with the State’s Sustainability Goals, and regulatory areas of importance. - Gain an understanding of the 12 BMP Sections including: Planning, Design, and Construction, Irrigation, Surface Water Management, Water Quality Monitoring and Management, Nutrient Management, Cultural Practices, Integrated Pest Management, Pesticide Management, Maintenance Operations, Pollinator Protection, Landscape, and Energy. - Learn why we published the handbook and the key benefits of having it- Develop an understanding of stakeholders impacted by the handbook and how each can utilize it- Understand how to communicate benefits of the handbook for advocacy, community, and civic relations - Learn core messaging and social media strategies for communicating BMPs

4:10 - 5:00 PM 2019 US Open at Pebble Beach Behind the Scenes - Brian Whitlark, USGAPreparation for a US Open begins several years in advance and this year’s Open came on the heels of a successful US Amateur Championship in 2018. We will discuss highlights of the events leading up to the Championship as well as the details that went into daily maintenance operations from bunker raking to making decision on green speed, firmness and moisture management.

5:30 - 6:00 PM Reception - Visit Affiliate Partners Open bar to include beer, wine and sodas - will extend into Tailgate Party

6:00 - 9:00 PM Tailgate Party Enjoy Monday Night Football, cornhole, BBQ, wings, refreshments and prizes!

7:00 - 7:30 AM Breakfast - Visit Vendors

7:30 - 8:20 AM Economical Golf Course Maintenance: Adjusting to a Tight Budget - John S. Hoofnagle, John S. Hoofnagle LLCGolf has slowly recovered from the 2008 Recession. However, many course budgets remain the same or have been cut from pre-recession levels. This presentation will discuss what playing conditions and amenities are not really necessary. Practical ideas to save time and money will be covered while still providing golfers with a well-conditioned golf course.

8:25 - 9:15 AM Making Soil Testing Work for YOU - Dr. Bill Kreuser, University of NebraskaSoil testing has become overly complex; it’s time to get back to basics. Learn how to decipher that soil test report in minutes instead of hours and avoid unnecessary applications. It’s time to make soil testing work for you and your turfgrass.

9:15 - 9:40 AM Break - Visit Vendors

9:40 - 10:30 AM Appreciation: The Lost Art of Motivation - Dean Graves, The Dean of Turfgrass Consulting, LLCAttending an agronomy program and getting a degree only teaches us the least important part of our career, how to manage turf. During our professional growth we still focus on the course care of our livelihood. Hiring the best people, training those people, and retaining them is a critical skill ESPECIALLY in this job market. My presentation gives examples of how a once poor manager can grow past his weaknesses and create a wonderful environment and become even more successful.

10:35 - 11:30 AM The History of Irrigation and Getting Back to Common-Sense Water Practices (For a New Age??) - Mike Kuhn, MKA Irrigation Design ConsultantsExplore the history of golf course irrigation and how historical practices interact with today's technology, manufacturers' standards and golfers' expectations to influence the design of modern-day irrigation systems. An emphasis on "Distribution of Uniformity" should be the foundation of your irrigation plan, with necessary adaptations to local conditions for the preservation of water resources and turf health. Learn why more sprinklers is not always the answer.

11:30 AM Adjourn

12:15 - 5:15 PM Pesticide Education - Sandra McDonald, Mountain West Pest0.45 Education Points for GCSAA; 1 credit for 206, 6 CEC Credits State of CO

Speaker BiosShelia Finney - Senior Director, Member Programs, GCSAA Finney oversees four key programmatic areas in membership programs, chapter services, professional development and environmental programs. In addition to serving current members, she is responsible for the development and implementation of growth and retention strategies of new members. She spent two decades as a superintendent and is the former executive director of the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association.

Dean Graves, CGCS - The Dean of Turfgrass Consulting, LLCThroughout his 49-year career, Dean Graves has had opportunities to manage estate management, athletic fields, capital acquisitions, long-range planning, total renovations, rebuilds and redesigns of golf courses. His experience includes sustainable management practices, growth and development of innovative technologies in the field and the promotion of personnel management and motivational systems. During his 35 years of managing golf courses in the Washington, D.C. area, Dean’s courses were recognized as the consistently best-conditioned courses in the area. Dean graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Agri-Business and from The Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Golf Course Turfgrass Management. He is a Past President of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents, has received the GCSAA’s Presidential Environmental Award and was the first recipient of the GCSAA award for Government Advocacy.

John S. Hoofnagle, CGCS - President, John S. Hoofnagle, LLCJohn is a retired Golf Course Superintendent and President of John S. Hoofnagle, LLC, which provides agronomic services for golf courses, athletic fields and landscapes in the inter-mountain west. John holds a Bachelor of Arts from Hobart College, Geneva, NY, a Certificate in Turfgrass Management from the Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, and a Certificate in Management from the University of Denver, Denver, CO. He has 50 years’ experience in golf course construction, grow-in, remodel, maintenance and consulting. John is past President of the Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association, Rocky Mountain Regional Turfgrass Association and the Colorado Turfgrass Foundation. John has served on the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame Board of Directors since 1996.

Dr. Bill Kreuser - Assistant Professor of Agronomy & Horticulture, University of NebraskaBill Kreuser (Kroy-sir) is an assistant professor in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He serves as the state’s Extension Turfgrass Specialist with a focus on turfgrass ecology and precision management. Bill receiving his Ph.D. from Cornell University and his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focuses on soil and water management and turfgrass growth physiology.

Mike Kuhn - President, MKA Irrigation Design ConsultantsA graduate of the Turf Management program at Michigan State University, Mike meshes his knowledge of irrigation with his turf management experience to provide practical solutions to a variety of irrigation problems. His first-hand experience with irrigation installation and repair allows him to work effectively with contractors and superintendents to ensure that project specifications are met. Mike is also adept at educating superintendents and their members/owners on the reasons for a project and the result they can expect from their investments. As project manager and designer, Mike specializes in system hydraulics, site construction, observation, GPS as-built documentation and system programming on all major manufacturers’ systems. In his role as President of MKA, Mike enjoys providing follow-up client assistance and prides himself on maintaining the client/consultant relationships that develop during every project.

Sandra McDonald - Founder, Mountain West PESTSandra McDonald founded Mountain West PEST (Pesticide Education & Safety Training) in 2009. Prior to establishing Mountain West PEST, Sandra was the Environmental and Pesticide Education Specialist at CSU. She worked for 13 years at CSU where she was involved in specialty crop pesticide research in addition to her role as a pesticide safety educator. Sandra also has extensive teaching experiences in pesticide safety, pesticide applicator exposure, pest management and pesticides in the environment. She is an active member of the American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators, the Western Society of Weed Science and the Rocky Mountain Agribusiness Association.

Gina Rizzi - President, ARCUS Marketing Group and Radius Sports Group Gina Rizzi, President of ARCUS Marketing Group and Radius Sports Group, is a speaker and passionate advocate for helping businesses drive innovation and financial performance while positively impacting society and the environment. Founded in 2010, ARCUS works with Fortune 500 companies to accelerate growth through marketing strategy, sports marketing, media optimization, and corporate social responsibility. Radius, a wholly-owned subsidiary, provides sustainability consulting within golf and sports. Prior to founding ARCUS, Gina led business development operations at Avis Budget Group with responsibility for new store marketing and construction, diversity best practices, environmental sustainability, sports marketing, and strategic alliances. Under her leadership, Avis launched its first proprietary Carbon Footprint Reporting Model for North America. Gina received her MBA, Cum Laude, from the University of Notre Dame, BA in Advertising with High Honors from Michigan State University, Certificates in Sustainable Energy Management from Presidio Graduate School, Sustainability Best Practices from the Global Business Travel Association, and Certificate in GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards. She is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, WE ARE GOLF Diversity Task Force, GCSAA Affiliate, and consults with GCSAA state chapters on BMP development.

Chris Tomer - Meteorologist, KDVR FOX-31 Denver Meteorologist Chris Tomer forecasts weather for KDVR FOX-31 News and KWGN Colorado’s Own Channel 2 in Denver. Tomer earned a B.S. in Meteorology from Valparaiso University graduating with Honors – where he also played basketball. Tomer is a fully certified meteorologist having earned the CBM and NWA Seal’s of Approval. Tomer also serves on the NWA panel of Television Seal evaluators. Chris has specialized knowledge of Mountain Meteorology. In his free time, Tomer climbs mountains, runs trails, mountain bikes, and snow skis. Tomer climbs all over North and South America. Chris completed climbing all 58 of Colorado’s 14ers in 2009. Many of his adventures are showcased on KDVR/KWGN-TV under the name of “Tomer’s Trails”. Chris won an Emmy Award for his 2015 Tomer’s Trails stories.

Brian Whitlark - Agronomist, USGA Green SectionBrian Whitlark graduated from the University of Arizona (1999) with Masters in Soil Science with an emphasis in Turfgrass Science. He worked in the turfgrass industry for almost 10 years prior to joining the USGA Green Section. Brian joined USGA staff in February of 2008 as an Agronomist for the West Region. Brian is a certified professional soil scientist and visits over 80 golf courses per year while conducting Course Consulting Service (CCS) visits throughout AZ, CA, NM, CO, UT, HI and NV.

Dave Wilber - Consultant, Wilber Turf and Soil ServicesA Colorado native, Dave Wilber is an agronomy advisor and consultant with 27 years as owner of Wilber Turf and Soil Services with offices in Northern California, Colorado and Viet Nam. Dave has worked with turfgrass in over 70 countries as advocate and advisor to Golf Course Superintendents and Golf Course Architects. Dave is also Technical Evangelist for TurfNet.com where his blog and podcast has more than 3 million reads and listens. Dave is currently working on both Fiction and Non-fiction book projects.

2019 Annual Conference Attendee RegistrationRegister online at www.rmgcsa.org

Method of payment:

Check payable to Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association (RMGCSA)

Please send payment to: Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association (RMGCSA) 12110 N. Pecos St., Suite 220 Westminster, CO 80234

Please charge my: VISA MasterCard American Express

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Registration FeesRegistration Includes: All classes, all meals, breaks, conference gift, and reception

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Conference Registration - Includes Pesticide Education

Before October 3, 2019 Beginning October 4, 2019

Member Registration $175.00 $250.00

Non-Member Registration $250.00 $300.00

I will be attending the Sunday Night Event I will be attending the Monday Reception I will be attending the Pesticide Education

Donation for turfgrass research to The Rocky Mountain Environmental Golf Institute (RMEGI):

$25 $50 $100

Pesticide Education Only (0.45 Education Points for GCSAA; 1 credit for 206, 6 CEC Credits State of CO)

Before October 3, 2019 Beginning October 4, 2019

Member Pesticide Education $75.00 $100.00

Non-Member Pesticide Education $100.00 $125.00

Total $____________

Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association

2019 Annual Conference

Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association

12110 N. Pecos Street, Suite 220Westminster, CO 80234

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

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