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exclusive coverage endorsed by the

Michigan Golf Course Owners Association

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3March/April 2010

PRESIDENTBob KoutnikFox Run Country Club

VICE PRESIDENTJim ScottGull Lake View

TREASURERJeff HoagScott Lake Country Club

PAST PRESIDENTBill FountainMajestic at Lake Walden

Kathy AznavorianFox Hills Golf & Banquet CenterLarry BowdenThe NaturalEd ClarkSandy Ridge Golf CourseJim DewlingTotal Golf Inc.Frank GuastellaFranklin GolfToni JoersConcord HillsSusan VanderburgIndian Lake HillsLarry MooreU.S. Golf CarsCarolyn OlsonElmbrook Golf CourseSteve RameyChisholm HillsDave RichardsResort & Golf Marketing ServicesDan RooneyGrand Haven Golf ClubTom SchwarkSycamore HillsCurtis WrightCopper Hills Golf Course

Special Tribute to John Dodge

MGCOABoard of Directors

By Tom Schwark, owner of Sycamore Hills Golf Course in Macomb and chair of the MGCOA Government Affairs Committee

Carpe Diem…Seize the DayMany years ago, when I began to serve as president of the MGCOA, I went to a NGCOA Key Leaders meeting with Kate Moore and John Dodge in Charleston, South Carolina. We were riding in a bus and I sat next to John. I’ll always remember him telling me that as the president of the MGCOA, “take an issue and run with it”. When the issue of municipal golf starting creating problems for many of our members, especially in southeastern Michigan, I took his advice and wrote quite a few articles about the unfair competition they represented.

John saw the need for the MGCOA to be involved in the state legislative process. When laws were being proposed, John knew it was important that the MGCOA was at the table to make sure the legislation did not adversely affect the golf industry. John always said there were two ways to make an impact in Lansing. It was either through money or relationships. Since the MGCOA didn’t have much money, we built relationships. John encouraged all of the MGCOA board members to get to know their state legislators. Invite them out to our golf courses for lunch and discuss issues which concern us. John assured us that these legislators would gladly talk to us and sincerely listen to our concerns. John took up the task of being the MGCOA government affairs coordinator. Thanks to his leadership, the MGCOA is well known and respected in Lansing. With John’s help, we have been successful in legislation regarding water usage, pesticide application, the short lived service tax for golf, and now the smoking ban. All of these laws could have been extremely bad for the golf industry, if our voices had not been heard. However, our voices were heard in Lansing and the resulting legislation was never harmful to the golf industry.

When John sent personal emails, they were always signed “Carpe Diem…Seize the Day”. It doesn’t matter if you’re around for 20 years, 60 years, or 100 years. Life is too short. John’s message was to make the most of whatever time you have, because it is never enough. John was a leader among leaders. He will always be loved. He will always be missed. He will never be forgotten.

In Memory of John Dodge1950 - 2010

1992 - 2001 MGCOA Board of Directors1995 - 1998 MGCOA President of the Board1996 - 2010 Educational Support Foundation Trustee1998 - Lyle Leeke Distinguished Service Award1999 - 2002 MGCOA Association Adviser2003 - 2010 MGCOA Government Affairs Coordinator

Tom Schwark

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4 Tee-Off Times

Every day say to yourself, “how am I going to create a fun experience for myself, my staff and my customers today because after all, I work in an industry that is all about a game and let’s not forget that games are fun.”

The golf industry in Michigan touches millions of people each day: our staff, suppliers, magazine and newspaper publishers, educators, photographers, tourists, and politicians, fund raisers, to say nothing of the enthusiastic golfers from high school golf team member to retired devotee. Our industry has so much to be proud of and so much to honor in a state that is so dedicated to the great game of golf. At the Michigan Golf Business 2009 Conference the MGCOA paid tribute in fi ve categories: Lifetime Achievement in the Industry, Distinguished Service to the Association and the Industry, Player Development Leadership, 2009 Golf Course of the Year and Award of Merit.

Bruce Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual or organization that over the span of a lifetime has provided steadfast leadership, outstanding service, and continuous commitment to the Michigan golf industry. Past recipients are W. Bruce Matthews (1996), Everett Kircher

(1997), Bill Howard (1998) Darl and Letha Scott (1999), the Kapnick Insurance Company (2000), Terry Moore (2001), Art McCafferty (2002), Estelle Dul (2003), Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (2004), Jerry Matthews (2005), Rolla Frisinger (2006), Ron Otto (2007) and Jack Berry had the honor last year.

The MGCOA recognized The Buick Open as 2009 recipient of the Bruce Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award. Rich Fairman of Warwich Hills Country Club, Rob Grainger of General Motors, and the Buick Open committee co-chairs Ted Addington and Howard Foote were on hand to accept this award.

Jim Scott, board director and owner of Gull Lake View Golf Course, had the pleasure of presenting the “Lyle Leeke” Distinguished Service Award to his brother Charlie Scott. The recipient of the award is an individual who has displayed distinguished service to the MGCOA and the golf industry.

Past winners are Lyle Leeke (1996), Cecil McKay (1997), John Dodge (1998), Marcia Johnson (1999), Jeff Hoag (2000), Jim Scott (2001), Kathy Aznavorian (2002), Meriam Leeke (2003), Lynn Miller (2004), Tom Schwark (2005), Larry Moore (2006), Dave Richards (2007) and Bill Fountain (2008). Charlie is the longstanding chair of the Scott Family Educational Support Foundation for the MGCOA which is instrumental in the development and promotion of all education programs for the Association.

In 2003 MGCOA created the Dul Family Player Development Leadership Award in the spirit of recognizing programs that overcome the newcomer’s perceived barriers to getting started in the game. The trustees of the Educational Support Foundation award a $1500 grant to the winning

Michigan Golf Business Industry Awards

Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the Buick open are Rich Fairman, Warwick Hills GM and committee members Ted Addington and Howard Foote.

Nothing but smiles from Distinguished Service Award winner Charlie Scott as he takes the trophy from brother Jim.

Jason Guss, golf instructor, thanks the audience as Treetops director of Golf Kevin McKinley and award sponsor and MGCOA board director Kathy Aznavorian look on.

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5March/April 2010

applicant of the Dul Family Player Development Leadership Award. The winning program, from Treetops Resort, will be featured in the July 2010 edition of the Tee Off Times. Kevin McKinley, director of golf, Jason Guss, Rick Smith Golf Academy Instructor and Treetops general manager Mike Fernandez were on hand to receive the award.

Having a beautiful golf course is not all it takes to earn the distinction of Golf Course of the Year. The Golf Course of the Year Award honors a member in good standing with the MGCOA demonstrating four criteria:

1. exceptional quality of the course

2. exceptional quality of ownership and management

3. outstanding contribution to its community

4. signifi cant contribution to the game

Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, family-owned & operated, sits in the beautiful rolling landscape of Northwest Lower Michigan just minutes from miles of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The have been a member of the MGCOA for 2 decades. Crystal appeals to a diverse customer base thanks to its selection of family activities and amenities, outdoor recreation, wellness classes, fi rst class lodging, and the new Crystal Spa. Crystal Mountain plays a pivotal role in the local economy as one of the Top 10 largest employers in the fi ve-county Grand Traverse Region. Crystal Mountain Resort is an icon for the state of Michigan’s proud golf industry and the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association. Brad Dean, director of golf and Rich Schmitt, Vice President at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa attended the Awards Banquet to receive the award.

From Texas to Maine, Florida to Oregon, Michigan is having an impact on the way golfers from across the country are looking to Michigan. Armed with an unprecedented $30 million in marketing money last year, Travel Michigan kicked off the state’s fi rst national tourism advertising campaign. The $10 million campaign featured the state’s highly touted “Pure Michigan” ads shown on 15 cable channels. How often have you heard “Your trip begins at Michigan.org?” If you are like all other tourism related businesses in the state, your answer is, not enough. The MGCOA with great pleasure introduced George Zimmerman, vice president of Travel Michigan to receive a special recognition, The Award of Merit, for the exceptional work done by Travel Michigan.

Brad Dean (left) of Crystal Mountain Resort gets a hardy handshake from MGCOA board president and long time friend Bob Koutnik.

Michigan’s best advocate George Zimmerman once again delighted the crowd with statistics proving the effectiveness of the “Pure Michigan” campaign

Bob Koutnik presents a gift to outgoing board president Bill Fountain who served in that capacity for two years.

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6 Tee-Off Times

2009 was a bad year for fi res in the golf industry. There were fi ve major fi res in our region, not counting others unknown to us. The estimated $3,000,000 in losses could have been avoided with just a little effort. We can choose to implement proactive management or wait until something happens (reactive management or “damage control”). Here are some simple ways these fi res could have been avoided:

1. Trash should be removed from the building at the end of each day. Metal trash cans with lids are ideal.

2. Inspect all ceiling can lights, being certain insulation or other fl ammable materials are not in contact.

3. Inspect electrical panels, plugs and lights. Review the entire load on each circuit to avoid overload conditions. Panel and box covers should always remain installed properly. Discontinue extension cords or at least replace them regularly. Cracks, cuts, stretched or damaged cords must be eliminated.

4. Have furnace and all heaters serviced and inspected on a regular basis (wall heaters especially). Mark the service dates on your calendar. Remove old heaters from service. Keep fl ammable materials and liquids well away from these heating units.

5. Maintain a high level of housekeeping throughout your operation, especially in maintenance and storage areas. Upon your inspection, look for unwanted cigarette butts (and you thought you were a non-smoking facility). Clean up trash debris above, under or behind furniture, equipment and storage rooms/closets. Eliminate aroma sticks, candles and plug in wall devices.

Now is the time to take action, before the fast approaching golf season arrives. Start by giving a copy of this article to each employee involved and circle the job that person is to complete. Have that person report back to you, the owner/manager. They will feel more important and included in the operation.

Prevention is far less expensive than rebuilding your business from the foundation. Need a “no harm”, “no cost” inspection of your premises? Give us a call: 888.263.4656, and ask to speak with a Kapnick Insurance Group golf course program representative.

Preventing Fires Will Protect Your Business SuccessBy John Seiser, Senior Vice President, Kapnick Insurance Group

A tradition of excellence, dependability and service to the golf turf managers of Michigan since 1947.

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7March/April 2010

With 2009 and the entire “aughts” decade now in the rearview mirror, there seems to be a fresh sense of optimism that better things are to come, both in 2010 and over the entire next decade. And why shouldn’t there be? There is good reason to reference the past 10 years as the forgotten decade and to assume that a recovery is inevitable.

So what are some signs to watch for in 2010 to determine if we are moving in the right direction? Here are fi ve things I will be watching in Michigan during the coming year.

1. The employment picture. A jobless economic recovery is simply not a possibility in Michigan. Our decade-long recession has decimated our employment ranks, impacting families, government revenues, property values, our businesses, and nearly every other aspect of the economy. As a result,

we can only truly point to signifi cant economic improvements if our employment levels notably increase, and those who are working see earnings rise.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes monthly labor force statistics for the state and its 17 largest metro areas. The data - which can be found at www.bls.gov/eag illustrate not only the rate of unemployment, but also the total number of people actively seeking and being able to fi nd work. Evidence of more people being confi dent enough to look for work, followed by signs that they are fi nding employment, will be early indicators that a recovery is underway, and that people will again start spending more, both on necessities and luxuries.

2. The real estate market. The price of real estate is a good measure of the level of interest that people have in living or doing business in an area. There are, of course, many other variables impacting real estate today, such as interest rates, credit availability, and the still-signifi cant fallout from the sub-prime lending crisis. But the main factor that will result in more home sales, higher property values, and increased commercial rents is a demand for the space.

So, as 2010 progresses we can watch Michigan’s real estate market and hope to see increases in both sales volume and prices. This will signal not only a continued availability of credit, but also provide a sign that investors see value in the state and are interested in coming (or staying) here to live and work. In addition, real estate activity will provide a key measure of the nation’s economic stability. This may prove especially tedious later this spring as homebuyer tax credits expire, and pressures mount to raise interest rates.

3. Structural reform of Michigan’s state government. Lansing has a problem, and it centers on not being able to adapt to the reality that we are no longer a rich and growing state. It is a tough but necessary truth to swallow. State spending is still set using a top-down approach, whereby what was spent in prior years is the primary driver of what will be spent today.

Unfortunately, the strong economic picture that drove yesterday’s spending has not been with us for quite some time, and the failure to address the resulting structural defi cit becomes more apparent with every budget process. Moving past this requires making tough calls to end or completely transform many government programs. When a strong leader prevails with the willpower to champion this process, we will have tangible proof that the tide is turning in Michigan.

Five Economic Signals To Watch For in a Better 2010by Scott Watkins, Anderson Economic Group

Reprinted from Michigan Retailers Association

Continued on page 15

www.AndersonEconomicGroup.com517.333.6984

East Lansing | Chicago | Los Angeles

How Has the Changed Economy Affected your

Business?

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Market and Trade AreaAnalyses

Demographic Reports

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8 Tee-Off Times

Legislative Bulletin

Michigan’s Smoke-Fee Law: Compliance Checklist for Businesses

Before May 1, 2010

√ Learn about the new law, and how it affects your business. Please visit www.michigan.gov/smokefreelaw

√ Plan how this new law will be implemented in your establishment. Understand what is required, and make sure those provisions are implemented.

√ Discuss the new law with your employees. Explain how the new law applies to your business using routine methods such as staff meetings or communication

through email. If you have employees who are open to quitting, let them know there are resources available to them at www.michigan.gov/smokefreelaw

√ Train employees on the new law. Provide training for managers and staff about the new requirements. For establishments that serve customers,

prepare employees for what to say to customers who may want to smoke. For example: “State law no longer allows smoking inside here, I’m sorry, but you’ll have to step outside to smoke,” “The new smoke-free law prohibits smoking indoors, Thank you for cooperation, or “We are under a smoke-free law now, I need to ask you to put out your cigarette.” If customers refuse to comply, stop service and ask them to leave. If necessary use your normal protocol for removing a disruptive customer from your premises. Document the steps taken to handle the situation.

On May 1, 2010

√ Post the required no-smoking signs. Downloadable will be available for free at www.michigan.gov/smokefreelaw

√ Remove indoor ashtrays and other smoking paraphernalia. Any items that used to extinguish or dispose of a tobacco product must be removed from indoor areas.

√ Direct any person who is smoking to extinguish the cigarette, cigar or other lighted tobacco item.

If customers refuse to comply, stop service and ask them to leave. If necessary use your normal protocol for removing a disruptive customer from your premises. Document the steps taken to handle the situation.

After May 1, 2010

√ Continue to comply with the law. Ensure that the required signs are posted, ashtrays are

removed, and smoking is prohibited in required areas of your business.

√ Keep information and resourced about the law on hand.

Information about the law, compliance and enforcement of the law and quit smoking resources may be helpful to keep for easy access and are available at: www.michigan.gov/smokefreelaw

The Michigan Department of Community Health recently launched a website that answers questions related to the interpretation, implementation, and enforcement of the state Smoking Ban, which goes into effect on May 1, 2010 - www.michigan.gov/smokefreelaw . Here you can fi nd a Frequently Asked Questions Page, a Guide for Business Owners, and a Compliance Checklist for Business Owners. The website also posts the Exemption Affi davits that must be fi led by June 1, 2010 for a Tobacco Specially Retail Store or Cigar Bar to qualify for an exemption from the smoking ban.

Michigan Department of Community Health

Launches Smoking Ban Website

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9March/April 2010

Legislative Bulletin

Michigan’s new smoking ban takes effect May 1. As a golf course owner, you do not have to be the “smoking police”. However, there are steps you have to take to conform to this new law. You must post no smoking signs at all entrances to your clubhouse. If you have a patio where food is served, you must also post no smoking signs there as well. There will also be no smoking around your beverage cart and your halfway houses. I presume the beverage cart and the halfway house will also require a no smoking sign. In addition to the no smoking signs, you must also remove all smoking “paraphernalia”, which includes ashtrays. You can still sell cigarettes and cigars.

If a person smokes in these prohibited areas, you are required to ask them to stop smoking at once, or to step outside to smoke in a non foodservice area. If they do not stop, you are required to stop serving them. If they still do not stop, you must request them to leave your premises. It is suggested that this situation be documented with the person’s name and actions taken in case a complaint is made against the smoker or your golf course. If that happens, and you have done all of the above, the smoker will receive a citation, not the golf course.

Thanks to our legislative day efforts, smoking is allowed on the golf course itself and anywhere else outside, other than foodservice areas. I point this out because golf courses are unique in that we are allowed to serve liquor anywhere on the golf course, which means the entire course is a “licensed premise”, and as such, was included in the smoking ban. However, when it was brought up on legislative day, a clarifi cation was made in the law. The end result is that smoking was only banned at the beverage cart and the halfway house. This is a law that we can now easily live with. Thanks to everyone on legislative day that helped to make this happen.

Adapting Your Golf Course to Michigan’s Smoking Ban

By Tom Schwark, owner of Sycamore Hills Golf Course in Macomb and chair of the MGCOA Government Affairs Committee

Traditionally, there are three accepted valuation methodologies utilized to determine a Fair Market Value for golf course facilities:

1. Replacement Cost - A comprehensive analysis is undertaken to establish a land value, and then a cost to replace the existing improvements on that land. A value is established for all physical components, including building structure, paving, cart paths, etc. The total replacement cost is then depreciated to account for the age and general condition of the existing facility. This is the most commonly utilized approach by an assessor, since it is straightforward, and relies on minimal subjective judgment. It also usually achieves the highest value for the property.

2. Comparable Sales - Sales of existing properties are compared to develop an average value for all “similar properties” in a “limited geographical area”. This is the most subjective approach since it requires knowing the specifics around each transaction that has taken place. Many transactions are considered “distressed sales” and are not considered to be arm’s length and useable to develop accurate comparable sales. It is also not appropriate to “chase individual sales” to determine an accurate value for

Real Estate Valuation Methodology

a property. Again, this can be the most diffi cult and subjective approach to value.

3. Income Approach - A comprehensive analysis is completed of the historical fi nancial performance of the actual facility. A modified “net operating income” is determined and a “market capitalization rate” is applied to determine an accurate fair market value based upon the actual performance of the property. An Income Approach is usually the most accurate indicator of value, since it develops a value that an investor would pay for the facility based upon actual fi nancial performance and return on investment.

There are many hybrid valuation approaches that may combine one or more of the approaches described above or more complicated discounted cash fl ow valuations that may also be utilized. Please seek additional information from your tax advisor or appraiser for further information.

By Tim Miscovich, Hospitality Asset Advisors

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10 Tee-Off Times

The gol f indus t ry’s educat ion experience, the Big Ideas Conference, proved that the best ideas come to those who wait. Our industry waited long enough to realize the impact each of the segments has on one another and the continued success of the golf business in our state. As the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association endorsed and participated in the Michigan Golf

Course Owners Association’s annual conference and vendor fair, it became evident that being together at this and other events is tantamount to the continued strengthening of our industry and positions us as a leader in Michigan’s economic recovery. With golf being a major segment of the tourism industry, and that industry being the 3rd largest in the state, it is imperative that the allied associations not wait any longer to develop programs and events for and with each other.

The Start of Something BIGBy Kate M Moore, Executive Director

Leading the way to this collaboration was the 2009 Legislative Day, held last March. Golf course owners, operators, superintendents and professionals all descended on the state capitol to deliver the news about our economic position and what legislative actions affect us. With approximately 150 in attendance at the luncheon with state representatives and senators, the message was clear that our industry, while made up of a wide variety of facilities, suppliers, employees, and budgets, is strong and ready to lead into the next decade.

This year, the golf industry’s Legislative Day took place on March 3 in downtown Lansing. Position papers were distributed to legislators during office visits. Owners, operators, superintendents, pros and industry suppliers attended this important event which included lunch with the legislators, sponsored by Troszak CPA Group and Foresight Group Printers.

It’s time to step outside and set your sights on industry wide collaborations. What can we do together, better? Don’t wait.

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11March/April 2010

The WE ARE GOLF coalition, launched at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando and the Golf Industry Show in San Diego, is looking for partners from all aspects of the industry with the common goal of enhancing golf’s stature and image at the federal, state and local levels of government. The face of this campaign is the stories of the dedicated men and women who directly and indirectly benefi t from the greatest sport in the world.

WE ARE GOLF will make its fi rst public appearance April 28 at National Golf Day in Washington, D.C. It builds on the momentum of the past two National Golf Day events and our collaborative efforts in executing numerous state economic impact studies. The 2 million jobs generated by the multi-billion-dollar industry, and the industry’s vast economic impact, are at the core of the coalition’s message.

But we need your help. This is not a program that your national professional association and other partnering organizations can execute on their own. For WE ARE GOLF to be successful, members must become engaged. We are asking you to join us in affecting change. Each of you has

Golf Prepares To State Its Casethe opportunity to work with your elected leaders, be it on the local, state or national level, to advocate for your industry and the game. Grassroots efforts can make a difference, and as the WE ARE GOLF campaign develops, we will be providing resources for you to join the effort.

To create these resources and to execute programs, we also need fi nancial resources. We are in the process of reaching out to every corner of the industry to seek this support. The purpose of this letter is to ask for your facility’s participation in WE ARE GOLF. Individuals at your facility who are members of the partnering associations have received this same letter. We are asking you to work together to secure a $1,000 donation from your facility to support the campaign.

We look forward to signifi cant and enduring success for WE ARE GOLF. While the fi nancial support of golf facilities is important, it must be a byproduct of collaboration. Please visit www.WeAreGolf.org to register today. At no other time have we been more committed to working collaboratively for the good of facilities, the industry and the game. We encourage you to join us.

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12 Tee-Off Times

Thankfully in 2010 we will see the election of a new governor and many legislators. Honestly there are times when I look at Michigan and wonder what has gone wrong. Tell Michigan politicians we will no longer tolerate their “me-fi rst and you last” attitude.

The importance of “Legislative Day” is to let our politicians know we are fi ghting to retake Michigan from the

special interests that have infested Lansing and replace those interests with common sense conservative leadership which understands the need for a responsible system.

It is a Michigan golf course owner’s responsibility to control costs so that the course will survive. The Michigan Legislators must provide a tax system that promotes an effi cient and fertile business environment.

The major issue for a golf course owner (the golf industry in Michigan is heavenly taxed) is that the current Michigan tax policy is being legislated faster than the average astute businessperson can rationalize the impact upon their operation.

United Voice for Golf NeededBy Doug Troszak, CPA and Corporate Sponsor of the 2010 Legislative Day

It appears the tax changes being considered by Michigan’s legislators will use rather broad strokes rather than subtle change; the anticipated proposal will directly affect your golf operations. The golf industry is still reeling from the last drastic change in tax policy in Michigan which gave rise to the Michigan Business Tax (MBT).

As we discussed at lunch on “Legislative Day” due to the heavy union activity in Michigan, which has produced a strong contradiction in our industrial sector, Michigan politicians will be seeking tax revenue from businesses that cannot leave the state. Businesses with investment in real property should be aware of the increased tax bite which would further dampen the golf industry in Michigan.

A united voice has the power to sway Legislation. Be aware and stay in touch with the MGCOA.

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Page 13: ?9>?=7DÅ EB

13March/April 2010

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Page 14: ?9>?=7DÅ EB

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15March/April 2010

4. Coherent economic development strategy. What industry is key to the state’s future and worth spending millions for economic development incentives? A look back at recent economic development strategies in Michigan reveals a long and scattered list: biotechnology, fi lm production, tourism, non-automotive manufacturing, battery production, “green power,” homeland security and military-focused manufacturing, among others.

Despite billions in tax incentives to attract and build these industries, the majority of Michigan’s businesses have actually seen their tax liabilities go up in recent years, while the state’s revenue from business taxes declines. There can be no clearer evidence that our recent economic development strategies are failing, and a more coherent plan is needed. Strategic moves to focus on reducing the tax burden faced by all business, not just the industry du jour, will offer a good sign that Michigan’s economic development strategy is back on track.

Also notable would be a focus on our state’s many hard-to-duplicate assets, like our one-of-a-kind water resources, tremendous universities, some of the world’s greatest automotive engineers, and valuable base of agriculture and tourism. Other states cannot easily compete with Michigan in these areas, and will not be able to, unless we neglect them and lose our competitive advantage.

5. Message from voters this fall. Michigan’s gubernatorial election this fall will offer a measuring stick of the public’s sentiment. The fi rst signs will likely come in the Democratic primary, where the party will be tasked with choosing between more traditional, labor-friendly and strongly liberal candidates and those who are more fi scally conservative, reform minded, and farther from the party’s traditional views.

Should the latter type of candidate prevail, it may widely be read as a mandate for reform throughout the state, regardless of which party prevails in November’s election. If a strong liberal carries the nomination, we will have to wait until the general election to see if Michigan voters see a need for a signifi cantly new policy direction in the state.

The outcome will also be carefully watched in Washington, where President Obama will be determining whether to hold course or change his political strategy in advance of the 2012 presidential election.

Scott Watkins is a senior consultant and director of the market and industry analysis practice area at Anderson Economic Group, LLC. The firm, with offices in East Lansing and Chicago, provides economic, policy, and fi nance consulting services, including retail market analysis, location analysis, site selection, demographic analysis, and business valuations. The website is www.AndersonEconomicGroup.com.

Continued from page 7Five Economic Signals To Watch For in a Better 2010

Mark your calendar!August 19

17th Annual Golf Outing and Supplier Field DayBedford Valley Golf Course, Battle Creek

Nov 30 Dec 2Michigan Golf Business Conference

and Vendor FairAmway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids

Page 16: ?9>?=7DÅ EB

Presort StandardU.S. Postage

PAIDLansing, MIPermit #1096

Tee-Off Times is published by the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association. Editor - Kate Moore. MGCOA offi ces are located at 603 S. Washington, Suite 303, Lansing, MI 48933. ph (517) 482-4312, fax (517) 267-8984. Articles written by outside authors do not necessarily refl ect the view or position of the MGCOA. MGCOA’s position on key issues will be clearly stated. Manuscripts are accepted at the approval of the editor, who reserves the right to reject or edit. Appearance in the Tee-Off Times does not constitute endorsement of the advertiser, its products or services, nor does Tee-Off Times make any claims or guarantees as to the accuracy or validity of the advertiser’s offer and reserves the right to reject any advertising deemed unsuitable. Advertising rates and other information available upon request.

603 S. Washington Suite 303Lansing, MI 48933

ph 517-482-4312www.mgcoa.org

Address Service Requested