Dear GCSAA members,
Often when I reach out to you, it is to give a status report on the association or to make you aware of a change at GCSAA. But, today I have the opportunity to share some significant news that has resulted from GCSAA’s dedication to advocating on your behalf.
Yesterday afternoon we were contacted by the EPA to let us know that GCSAA’s request for the extension of the fenamiphos (Nemacur) end-use date has been granted until Oct. 6, 2017. We have been given a three-year extension of use of existing Nemacur stocks. Nemacur is used to control the major genera of nematodes attacking turfgrass. This includes root knot, root lesion, sting, lance and ring nematodes. The EPA plans to publish a notice in the Federal Register on the extension next week. We greatly appreciate the EPA’s understanding of the needs of our industry.
Our advocacy efforts are a team effort and are making a difference for superintendents and their facilities. A large part of GCSAA’s advocacy efforts take place behind the scenes, with meetings in Washington or in statehouses around the country or in countless phone calls to stakeholders and decision makers. But it is not just GCSAA staff or the Board or the Government Relations Committee who are championing the cause. Outcomes such as this one would be impossible without an engaged membership playing a vital role.
We have often called on you to take part in Action Alerts on priority issues, but earlier this year GCSAA increased the opportunities for member advocacy engagement with the Grassroots Ambassadors program. This program is designed to establish a network of volunteers to build strong, one-on-one relationships with each member of Congress. If you would like help serve in one of these important leadership roles, please visit the government relations area of the GCSAA website or contact Chava McKeel, [email protected], associate director, government relations.
With GCSAA’s continued dedication to advocacy and through the engagement of our membership, I know we will continue to have golf’s voice heard on the issues that impact our industry.
Rhett Evans
Chief Executive Officer