BRITISH COLUMBIA Regional Director Contact: Phone:

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1 NGCOA Canada News NGCOA Canada Chapter News BRITISH COLUMBIA Regional Director Contact: Phone: Update - BC Executive Directors Meetings The B.C. Executive Directors of the NGCOA, BCPGA and BCGA met again in September to discuss several cooperative initiatives. Arrangements were finalized to secure a fall 'Stakeholders Meeting' with the regional presidents of the allied associations. The meeting will be held in Vancouver on October 30th. WCB Update The steering committee last met at the Vancouver Golf Club to review the responses and comments from the 100+ participating courses prior to submitting the template to Victoria for the 'read and review' process. Please contact our BC office for further information. Golfmax Invitational Golf Tournament Gallagher's Canyon Golf & Country Club in Kelowna hosted the 4th Annual Golfmax Invitational Tournament on Monday, August 27. Participants from more than 25 courses enjoyed a glorious sunny afternoon of networking and golf. More than 80 people attended the auction and dinner where last minute auctioneers Don Seable and Colin Knight raised an impressive $9,200. Wow, a new BC record! Many thanks to all those who participated and to the Golfmax Suppliers for their generous contributions. Special thanks to Tammy Munn, General Manager of Gallagher's Canyon Golf & Country Club, and her professional and supportive staff. Update on BC Junior Helen Jung Since returning from the Tiger Woods junior golf clinic in Long Beach, California, Helen continues to improve and has lowered her handicap again, to an incredible 4. Helen attended our 2001 Golfmax Invitational Golf Tournament and addressed a captive audience on her personal experience in California. BC Membership Drive Competition Our Chapter President, Don Seable is challenging each member to sponsor a new member in the 2001 calendar year. A sponsor ballot will be registered with each new member at the NGCOA national office. Sponsor ballots may be accumulated. Members with 3 or more ballots will draw for the grand prize, a one-week golfing vacation for 2 including accommodation, golf and power cart. Members with less than 3 ballots will draw for 2 weekend golf packages for 2 including accommodation, unlimited golf and power cart. Ballots will be drawn and the winners announced at the NGCOA Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona.

2 Don Seable will host the winners at Fairmont Hot Springs renowned Riverside Golf Resort. Our 2001 Chapter goal is to increase membership by 30%. Are you up to the challenge? New Members Great News! Our 2001 Chapter goal is on target. More than 20 new courses have joined our Chapter in We now represent 104 facilities in British Columbia. Lets keep up the good work. Have you sponsored a new member this year? BC Chapter Executive Expanded The BC Chapter welcomes Ted Kaese (Cottonwood GC), Bill Dunlop (Pemberton Valley GC), Tammy Munn (Gallagher's Canyon G & CC), and Mike Smith (St. Eugene Mission Resort), as new Advisory Board Members. ALBERTA Regional Director Contact: Phone: gbosecke@shaw.ca Regional Director As of December 1st, 2001, the prairie provinces will have a full time regional director. Glen Bosecke, formally of Country Club Tours and a NGCOA board of director will join the NGCOA team as Regional Director for Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Glen's primary focus will be to increase our growing membership in the prairie provinces and develop revenue-generating initiatives for the chapters. Membership The chapter now has 103 members and is growing quickly. Chapter Meeting And Annual Golfmax Invitational Golf Tournament The Fall Chapter Meeting and Annual Golfmax Invitational Golf Tournament took place on August 30th at Willow Park Golf and Country Club. The day was a huge success with 68 golfers in attendance. Thanks to Peter Watts from the Four Seasons Golf Centre who stepped in as the auctioneer and helped raise $4,850 for the chapter. We extend our appreciation and thanks to Jon Fisher, Ken Bowie and the entire team at Willow Park for an outstanding day. Much to everyone's surprise, Willow Park arranged for some light comedy with a dinner theatre. The entire team went above and beyond what was expected. Business Meeting Update During the business meeting on August 30th a motion was passed to change the Northern Alberta Chapter into the NGCOA Alberta Chapter and incorporate all of Alberta. The regional advisory board will consist of 5 regional directors: One from each of Southern Alberta, Northern Alberta, and Central Alberta and two

3 directors at large. At this moment your board consists of: Ryan Seutter, Country Side Golf Club in St. Albert; Steve Adams, Fox Hollow Golf Course in Calgary and Reto Steiner, Woodside Golf Course in Airdrie. MANITOBA Regional Director Contact Info: Phone: Regional Director As of December 1st, 2001, the prairie provinces will have a full time regional director. Glen Bosecke, formally of Country Club Tours and an NGCOA Canada director will join the NGCOA Canada team as Regional Director for Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Glen's primary focus will be to increase our growing membership in the prairie provinces and develop revenue-generating initiatives for the chapters. Membership The Manitoba chapter now has 26 members and continues to grow. First Annual Chapter Tournament Our 1st annual chapter tournament was held on September 27th at Sandy Hook Golf Club. Thirty-seven players participated in the event on a gorgeous fall day. A chapter meeting was held prior to the tournament with a presentation from Jeff Calderwood, Executive Director NGCOA Canada. Thanks to Pat Doyle, one of our regional board members for hosting this event. Lobbying The chapter has been successful in obtaining permission to put highway signs on major highways approaching our golf courses. This past spring, the Manitoba Liquor Act standardized the time that liquor can be served at golf courses from 11:00 am to 9:00 am. Our chapter, in conjunction with the Manitoba PGA is now lobbying the Manitoba Liquor Commission to eliminate beer holes during tournaments held at our clubs. Course Information/Update Congratulations to Netley Creek for the opening of their back nine in July and the Bridges Golf Course for opening their new clubhouse in the spring. ALL ONTARIO WSIB - Workers Safety Insurance Board Reminder that Ontario WSIB is looking at our industry for regulatory compliance (see last issue of Golf Business Magazine or Central Ontario Chapter News on our website). The WSIB specialist for the golf industry is Nancy Dell'Osso. For further information she can be reached at

4 Property Tax While not much change is evident in the situation of golf course owners outside of the GTA (MPAC definition: Toronto, Durham, York, Peel & Halton regions), your Committee is very active in pursuing opportunities at all levels. Provincial - None of the recommendations made by the Beaubien Commission for golf course relief has been pushed through the Ministry of Finance. It appears to be stalled in Caucus and dormant in the hands of the Finance Ministry. We have engaged Peter Milligan of Poole Milligan to lobby staff to find out where the issue sits and what can be done to bring it forward. The race for the Premier's replacement will add to the difficulties of getting action. Assessment Review Board The golf courses in the GTA have received their notice of a group pre-hearing for November 19. This meeting will be attended by OPAC, municipalities and Golf course owners who have appealed their 1999 CVA for the 2001 tax year. This is a preliminary, perfunctory meeting to set dates to the schedule of events which makes up the appeal process. IT IS NECESSARY that all courses who receive the notice attend the meeting OR because Yeoman & Associates will be attending the meeting on behalf of their clients, members can sign a letter authorizing YEOMAN to represent that facility on a ONE TIME BASIS ONLY. As long as a member, or his appointed representative attends the meeting and is acknowledged, his appeal will be ongoing. Those not attending or not represented will have their appeals dropped. Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (formerly OPAC) We (NGCOA & Yeoman) continue to exchange information and requests for information before sitting down to negotiate any changes to the new methodology for calculating Current Value Assesments. MPAC has not backed down from their position that business income is the proper method of valuation. However, they do admit they are not experts at the golf business and are asking for our help to understand the factors in valuing golf on an income basis. They are preparing a form to be sent to golf courses (currently in the GTA area only covered by the new method) REQUIRING (by law) you to fill out financial information for the past few years. Pesticides With the Supreme Court decision affirming the right of the Town of Hudson, Quebec to enact legislation to regulate the use of pesticides, many Ontario municipalities are considering a similar action to "protect" the health & well being of their constituents. Your association is involved on many fronts to co-ordinate an industry effort to mitigate the impact of these considerations and has been involved in a presentation to a public meeting of the Town of Caledon. This is an important issue which will affect us all. All Ontario Chapters have agreed to cofund a Lobby effort at the Provincial Government level to preclude municipalities to pass by-laws on the use of pesticides. See our website at for background information and check "more links" to see

5 "NGCOA Local Plan" for what you can do in your area. For direct information, contact Vince Kishimoto at (905) or your Regional Director. This issue will be kept up to date on our website under Business Links - News- Central Ontario Chapter. SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO Regional Director Contact: Phone: susand@golfmax.ca Membership The Chapter currently has 148 members and is growing consistently. We have areas that need particular attention in member development and growing those areas will be our focus in A warm welcome to the following new members: River Valley Golf and Country Club, St. Mary's, Ontario; Bear Creek Golf and Country Club, Strathroy, Ontario; Deer Run Golf Course, Blenheim, Ontario. Wildwood Golf and RV Resort, Windsor entered the Golfmax Invitational Tournament on October 2 at Savannah Golf Links as non-members wishing to experience the NGCOA first hand! Low Water Conditions Impact the Golf Industry in Great Lakes Watershed Low water levels during 1998 and 1999 created a deficit in water levels of the Great Lakes and tributary flow. The lack of precipitation this year, particularly noticeable in August, contributed to a worsening situation. Lakes Superior and Huron are lower than they have been for many years and studies on changing weather patterns indicate that low water may become one of the greatest environmental concerns of the decade as the province's demands for water steadily increase. All of us will be affected by these conditions, but in areas of the Great Lakes watershed, the realms of agriculture, food processing and golf course operations are industries among the major water takers that will be the most severely and directly affected. As second level drought conditions developed during August of this year, some of our member clubs suffered severe water shortages. Various conservation authorities called Low Water Response Teams into action and invited representation from neighbouring industry, including local golf courses. The teams began their work in conjunction with Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of the Environment identifying actions needed to manage future drought or low water conditions. The role that golf course owners in watershed areas must play is one of voluntary stewardship. Conservation Ontario is clear about the fact that at this point, reduction is not being regulated. However, in preparedness, as an industry we

6 are well advised and being encouraged by the Province to collectively identify economies, develop conservation strategies and be ready to systematically implement them when necessary. It is relevant to note here that the MOE is becoming more aggressive in Water Permit renewal and new applications often contain increased assignment of restrictions and limitations. The MOE will delay approvals during level 2 drought conditions and has the ability to rescind water-taking privileges where a valid permit exists. There are contingencies and best practices which have, or are already being, practiced by our members. We call for information of this kind or any other relevant material to be coordinated and channeled through to the golf course delegates involved in these Low Water Response Teams. The chapter is putting together a list of delegates in Southwestern Ontario on these response teams. For a copy contact susand@golfmax.ca. In the meantime, NGCOA members are encouraged to be diligent about practicing water conservation in their operations. The Chapter will continue to update as specific strategies are formulated. Property Tax Lobby Work is continuing in this effort by the Property Tax Committee, which is detailed in the Central Ontario Chapter column. WSIB At the Chapter meeting in July at Westminster Trails, London, we were advised by WSIB that pro shops require mandatory registration with WSIB. While turf workers remain outside the regulation, there is definite risk to a facility in nonregistration. The WSIB has offered to enroll any facility before December 31/01 without applying fines or penalties who is not currently registered and who may have been operating outside of compliance in the past. Get in touch with Nancy Dell'Osso for further information at Municipal Ownership of Golf Related Businesses Understanding the terms around what is fair competition and what is unfair competition means creating awareness and establishing comparable systems of accounting across both public and private sectors in industries where government agencies are competing with the private sector. Accounting systems that are analogous reveal profits and losses in a context that is uniformly understood by all stakeholders, and by taxpayers. The NGCOA and the Southwestern Ontario Chapter continues its support in seeking fair competition at both municipal and provincial levels. It is noted that NGCOA also supports a membership structure that is inclusive of all types of clubs, including governmentowned clubs, to acknowledge the diversity of clubs that exist and to allow for better understanding in that diversity.

7 Savannah Golf Links Hosts Annual NGCOA Tournament The tournament was sold out weeks before, as if everyone knew the day was going to be the superb event that it was. Under blue skies and perfect weather, the competition of the day was mixed with fun and frivolity. Para Mutual winners didn't make much on the day, as Seaforth Golf Club once again took the prize for the day, with Cambridge Golf Club giving them a good run for the money. Congratulations to all winners. The funds raised through the auction and competitions will go a long way to assist in the many initiatives the Chapter is pursuing. The participants enjoyed the excellent conditioning of the course and many thanks go out to Geza Kocsis and John Medeiros for their warm and generous hospitality of the day. Thank you to all our supporters and sponsors. We look forward to Tournament 2002! P.S. Get your entries in early. Golf Links of Southwestern Ontario golf coupon book A new rendition of our Southwestern Ontario Golfer's Discount Book will be available in retail stores before Christmas in its new 6-coupon per page format. Over 120 member and non-member clubs and ranges from across the chapter have participated and over twenty of them are participating as 'Exclusives'. This tremendous show of support by members and non-members alike will be significantly important to the success of the book and thus to chapter funding. If you wish to offer these books for sale in your golf shops, contact Susan Danio at susand@golfmax.ca or call If you work with charities or know of organizations that might benefit from fundraising from the sale of these books, by all means call us. We would also be interested in hearing your suggestions of local golf or sports retail outlets where these books should be sold. CENTRAL ONTARIO Regional Director Contact: Phone: back9@sympatico.ca Summer Meeting - Angus Glen August 29, 2001 Thanks to the Stollery Family, Kevin Thistle and all the staff at Angus Glen for hosting an outstanding day for our Summer Meeting. As usual, member support and interest for the day was very strong with 75 members enjoying the lunch, facility tour, business agenda and twilight play on the new North Course. Chapter Integration Plans for integrating the Central Ontario Chapter activities with the National office are being finalized. As mentioned at our spring meeting, this process will be seamless for members. Our Chapter will still address the issues of importance to our region and will be guided by our Board within the National Policy for the common good and united advancement.

8 Golf Access Golf Access for 2001 has enjoyed a very successful year with a record number of coupon redemptions attributed to this year's edition. Financially, it will be the most profitable yet, with proceeds used to fund the Chapter's activities to promote golf and deal with issues affecting golf course operations. We have closed the publication of Golf Access 2002 with an additional 30 courses for next year. More than 30 new facilities have taxed our ability to photograph all the requests we have had. The popularity and recognition of the importance to our book to our industry has resulted in 62 facilities fortunate enough to be able to participate exclusively in NGCOA Canada publications. Golf Tournament With great appreciation and sincere thanks to the management & staff of Glen Eagle Golf Club, we are pleased to report another successful fund raising golf outing on October 10. For the first time in many years, we did not quite sell out all spots in the event, but the support from members present and sponsors was substantial. This year, more than ever, with issues on Property Taxes, the impending legislation by municipalities to regulate the use of pesticides and growing the game to accommodate the impact of new facilities coming on stream, the importance of funding our efforts on your behalf is of paramount significance. Congratulations to the team of Bobby Breen, Harry Allard, Dalt Hicks and Ron Craig, this year's lowest team score, proving once again that good things come to those who stand and wait. Thanks to Golfmax suppliers, Chapter Corporate sponsors and Glen Eagle suppliers whose contributions are gratefully acknowledged as the key ingredient to a successful event. The capable staff at Glen Eagles ensured that the day went off without a hitch on a superbly conditioned, traditional layout and rewarded participants with a delicious meal. A good time was had by all! See section "All Ontario" for an update on activities regarding proposed regulations by municipalities on the use of pesticides and also an update on the Property Tax issue. EASTERN ONTARIO/OUTAOUAIS Membership Our membership has now reached 131 and is steadily growing. Fall Chapter Meeting and Golfmax Tournament Many thanks to Michel de Champlain & the staff of The Meadows Golf & Country Club, who hosted our fall chapter meeting and 8th Annual Golfmax Invitational Golf Tournament on September 18th. Those who attended enjoyed an informative meeting and a great afternoon of golf. Mother Nature was much kinder this year and kept us all warm and dry. Dinner and a live auction followed the day's events. Many thanks to our auctioneer John Kerr who helped raise $6425 for the chapter.

9 Pesticide Issue During the September 18th chapter meeting, a committee was formed to address the proposed ban on the use of pesticides on private property. The members of this committee are; Mark Seabrook, The Canadian Golf & County Club; Michel de Champlain, The Meadows Golf & County Club; Rick Munro, Madawaska Golf Course; Steve Spratt, Raceview Golf Club and Jeff Calderwood, NGCOA Canada. On Thursday, October 4th the City of Ottawa held a meeting to review the possibility of activating a process on a pesticide use by-law on private property within the city of Ottawa. There was good representation from both sides of the argument. No decisions were made and further meetings will be scheduled. The committee will ensure that all affected golf courses are notified on any upcoming meetings. A message from the Health Dangers of Urban Use of Pesticides Working Group (HDUUP) was issued urging people to support a ban of pesticide use. For more information on the HDUUP and the material they have provided the public, please visit our website at Chapter Board Appointment Also during the September 18th meeting, Bill Brown, President of the Eastern Ontario/Outaouais Chapter appointed Dick Burgis, Briar Fox Golf Club in Belleville to the Eastern Ontario / Outaouais chapter advisory board. Reservation Outaouais Reservation Outaouais is an in-bound tour operator who offers a toll-free number to in-bound tourists and tailors golf packages to include golf, accommodations, meals and other area attractions. A contract has been signed between Reservation Outaouais and the Eastern Ontario / Outaouais Chapter and all members who would like to participate in this marketing strategy should contact Marc Cadieux of Reservations-Outaouais at or reservations@tourisme-outaouais.org. Golfers Discount Book The 2002 edition of the Golfers Discount Book is now in progress. Books will be in stores for the first week of December, 2001 in time for Christmas sales. Total sales for the 2001 edition surpassed the approved budget. This production continues to be a solid revenue source for the chapter and an effective marketing tool for the participating courses. Ottawa Golf & Travel Show The 8th Annual Ottawa Golf and Travel Show is scheduled for March 15-17, Exhibits are already close to 20% sold. For an overview of the 2001 show please visit

10 Eastern Ontario Golf Outaouais Brochure The Eastern Ontario Golf Outaouais Brochure edition is in progress. An additional focus on stay & play packages is expected to expand and improve on this publication. Advertising content is required by November 16th, 2001 for the 2002 edition. Nearly 70,000 copies go into distribution including Toronto, Montréal and Ottawa Golf Shows, 5 American Shows as well as local hotels, golf retailers, OTCA, CAA and various tourist outlets. Please visit the link to the 2001 edition online at: For further Eastern Ontario/ Outaouais Chapter details, contact Steve Meabry, Account Executive by phone (613) or NGCOA Canada Summer Board Meeting Highly Productive On August 10 and 11, the NGCOA Canada Board of Directors met in Kelowna, BC, for the Summer Board Meeting with attendance by 16 out of 17 board members. The agenda generated an intense workload for the board as they reviewed all aspects of the Association's business including a full slate of Regional Reports, National Reports, Secretary/Treasurer's Report, Strategic Plan Review and Renewal. Under New Business, portfolios were assigned to each board member, approval of the Integrated Chapter System was finalized, the Fiscal Year end was adjusted to June 30, a new Operating Budget was approved, the AGM was rescheduled to coincide with the Golf Business Canada Conference, a new Chapter Funding System was approved, a revised Corporate Membership Structure was implemented, the NGCOA USA Agreement was evaluated for renewal, a Government Golf Course Ownership Position was drafted, a more formal Lobby Strategy was defined, and the Executive Director's Performance Review was conducted. Municipal golf concerns and proposed pesticide bans were two of the higher profile issues addressed by the board. Action on both is imminent. Following the two-day meeting, Scott Atkinson, President, commented that "this board meeting was our most productive to date," signifying the success and growth of various NGCOA Canada initiatives as well as the cooperative spirit exemplified by the current Board of Directors. In addition to all of their hard work, the Board enjoyed three of Kelowna's finest golf courses: The Quail, Gallagher's Canyon and Predator Ridge. Special thanks to Bill LeClair, Golf BC, for hosting the event and Yamaha golf cars for their sponsorship. First Annual Regional Directors Meeting Sign of Association Growth

11 On July 12-14, the NGCOA Canada regional directors came together for two days of meetings. This was the first of what is to become an annual event. "With most of our regional directors in place we felt it was necessary to bring them together for a two-day session of team building, strategic planning and professional development," says Jeff Calderwood, Executive Director NGCOA Canada. "As a fast-growing and developing association it is imperative that all staff members be on the same page and up to date on all of the NGCOA initiatives. It is also a great opportunity for each of them to learn from each other and find out what projects or lobbying efforts are being worked on in the other chapters." Representing NGCOA Canada chapters were John Nick, British Columbia; Glen Bosecke, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba; Susan Danio, Southwestern Ontario; Vince Kishimoto, Central Ontario; Steve Meabry, Eastern Ontario/Outaouais; Michel Langlois, Quebec and Dave McCafferty, Atlantic Canada. In attendance from the NGCOA Canada national office were Jeff Calderwood, Executive Director, Nathalie Lavallée, Communications Director, Peter Leyser, Marketing Director, Pamela Wolk, Administration Director and Pamela Stewart, Marketing Coordinator. Special presentations were made by Steve Ball of Capital Publishers, Maurice Cutler, Editor of Golf Business Canada Magazine and Dennis Conly of Golmax.ca. There were 2 full days of presentations and discussions. The veteran regional directors shared their experience and ideas with the new regional directors and the rookies brought to the table new and innovative ideas. The regional directors reports, which gave an overview of each chapter's activities, were of specific note in this arena. All who attended went home with at least one new idea for their respective chapters from these reports. The regional directors were also given presentations from the NGCOA national staff on: Golf Business Canada Magazine; Golf Business Canada Conference & Trade Show; communications and membership strategies; lobbying strategies; Golfmax Group Purchasing Program; special events including the annual Golfmax tournaments and chapter meetings; golfmax.ca; and much more. "It was a highly productive, informative and well organized meeting," states John Nick. "I'm looking forward to our next meeting." A fun night was organized for Friday evening which witnessed the group boarding the Wakefield Steam Train for a beautiful sunset dinner ride through the Gatineau Hills. Spectacular views and food made for an exceptional evening. Special Thanks to Yamaha Golf Cars for sponsoring the evening. This event was a definite success with plans for next year's regional directors meeting already underway. Tee It Up For America

12 For a few days in October, birdies and bogeys were insignificant. On October 11th, twenty-seven courses in the Eastern Ontario/Outaouais area and twentyone courses in Atlantic Canada donated a portion of their greens fees to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Some courses opted for different forms or fundraising, with proceeds also being donated to the American Red Cross on behalf of the NGCOA Canada. Canadian golf course owners wanted to show their support to the September 11th US Victims of Terrorism. "We want to send our condolences to our "friends from the South" and this seemed the best and most efficient way of raising funds", commented Jeff Calderwood, NGCOA Canada Executive Director. This was an opportunity for both golfers and golf courses to make a difference. Although media coverage was not the reason for putting this event together, local papers and radio stations were extremely supportive in helping to get the word out to golfers. Using the golfmax.ca database, golfers in the participating regions were ed, encouraging them to "play a round" on October 11th. The marketing efforts proved successful with some golf courses reporting full tee sheets for the day. Once all monies have been collected, a cheque will be presented to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund on behalf of Canadian golf courses. A final tally of the amount garnered for this initiative was not known yet at the time of printing, however those interested can visit to determine the total NGCOA Canada contribution. The NGCOA Canada, once again thanks all of the participating golf courses. Million Dollar Shoot-outs Raise Funds for Canadian Liver Foundation As the first initiative of the National Golf Fund, the NGCOA Canada successfully operated Million Dollar Shoot-outs in Victoria, Ottawa and Moncton during specified days in August. The concept offered golfers the opportunity to pay for entry into Closest-To-The- Pin challenges at participating golf courses, with $1 million for any Hole-In-One during the finals. The events included numerous prizes, local celebrities, extensive media coverage, volunteer teams, sponsorships, and BBQ parties with the closing ceremonies. Participation by NGCOA golf courses consisted of 5 in Victoria, 15 in Ottawa and 11 in Moncton. Over $50,000 was contributed by golfers in support of the cause. "For the first year test, we have to be pleased with the funds raised", explained Jeff Calderwood, NGCOA Canada executive director. "We now have the opportunity to build upon our experience for next year".

13 Special thanks to all of the local sponsors in each city, as well as our national sponsors Air Canada, TopFlite, the Canadian Tour, Dollco Printing, Canwest Global, Golfmax.ca, Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort and Coke. NGCOA Canada Members to Combine Singapore PGA Show With Unique Golf Trip For those golf course owners looking for an exotic golf getaway and business trip, the Singapore PGA Show may provide the ideal combination. Eric Schmidt, who organized the previous NGCOA trip to Malaysia, is coordinating this exciting group package during the last two weeks of February. The Singapore PGA Show is Feb and the schedule of golf and sightseeing will revolve around those dates. In addition to the Show, the NGCOA group will play eight rounds of golf, including play at Pulai Springs Country Club and Desaru Golf & Country Club, both featuring Robert Trent Jones Jr. designs, and a round of night golf, which is quite common there. At $3,400 per person, the costs are very reasonable and include accommodations at some of the highest rated resorts as well as airfare, golf breakfasts and dinners. Most of the trip will be spent in Johor Bahru in the southern end of the Malay Peninsula. An excursion to Bintan Island in the South China Sea will also include golf at Banyan Tree Golf Club. For additional details, please contact Eric Schmidt directly, at (416) Space is limited to 24 delegates so NGCOA members are encouraged to inquire without delay. NGCOA Canada and Spalding Introduce 2002 Golfmax Program Prior to this fall's Canadian PGA Zone buying shows, Spalding Canada and the NGCOA Canada launched the 2002 Golfmax Program. Exclusive to NGCOA Canada members, the 2002 Spalding Golfmax Program includes special payment terms and 'no minimum' orders with maximum quantity discounts of between 10% - 15% on booking and repeat orders. Products include golf balls, range balls, golf clubs and auxiliary clubs, golf bags, shoes, gloves, accessories and clothing. In addition, Spalding Canada will partner with the NGCOA on various activities throughout 2002 including the Golfmax Demo Days, Golfmax Invitational Golf Tournaments, Golf Business Canada Conference & Trade Show and many more. "We are pleased to continue our long standing relationship with the NGCOA," states Glenn Townsend, National Accounts Manager of Spalding Canada. "Each year we continually improve the Spalding Golfmax program to meet the needs of the growing NGCOA membership."

14 For more information on the 2002 Spalding Golfmax Program, please contact your local sales representative. Reclaim Half Your Membership Join the Golfmax Insurance Program and receive back 50% of your NGCOA Canada membership fees The NGCOA Canada is pleased to announce a new promotion through the Golfmax Insurance Program, exclusive to NGCOA members. Upon enrolling in the Golfmax Insurance property & liability program, NGCOA members and new members will receive a cheque for half of their membership fee. Established in 1998, Golfmax Insurance is the "Number One" insurance program for golf courses in Canada with over 250 NGCOA member courses enrolled in the program. The coverage through the program is very comprehensive in scope, and competitive from a pricing standpoint. Many NGCOA members who have switched to the Golfmax Insurance program have seen their coverage increase, while their premiums decrease. "We recently joined the Golfmax Insurance Program and my premiums were immediately reduced by 20%, while my coverage increased to include business interruption and environmental coverage." stated Richard Burgis, President of Briar Fox Golf & Country Club in Marysville, ON. This promotion is on a one-time basis only and does not apply to NGCOA Canada members who are already enrolled in the program. For more information on the Golfmax Insurance Program, please contact Jim Ritchie at (888) or james@mooremclean.com. New NGCOA Canada Health & Benefit Plan The NGCOA Canada, through the Golfmax Group Purchasing Program, has worked very hard over the years to bring members value added programmes, including group insurance coverage. The NGCOA Canada is now offering an exciting, new, group benefit plan through Standard Life & UNUM. This professionally designed programme offers excellent, competitively priced, group life, accidental death and dismemberment, dependent life and health, dental and long-term disability coverage to NGCOA members. Standard Life covers the life, health and dental benefits. Standard is a respected, national carrier, with one of the strongest financial positions of any financial institution in Canada. UNUM covers the long-term disability benefit and is the largest group disability insurer in North America. Why Consider Joining The NGCOA Benefit Plan? One of the difficulties facing smaller employers in seasonal business is the lack

15 of availability of group benefit coverage. The NGCOA Canada programme provides access to a quality group benefit plan from superior providers. Tax Advantages The most over-looked and under appreciated features of group benefits are the tax advantages. Group accidental death and dismemberment, dependent life and health and dental premiums are tax deductible to the corporation. Premiums paid by the company are not taxable to the employees, including the owner. The only exception is the premium paid on the group life insurance, which is a taxable benefit. Claims paid from the group plan are non-taxable, which is another benefit. Long-term disability benefits can be received tax-free, in the event of a claim, if the owner or employee has paid all of the LTD premiums. Cost Plus The new plan also offers a terrific, additional option for owners. Cost plus allows owners to pay for medical and dental services that are not covered by the regular plan. By using cost plus, your corporation can deduct reasonable medical or dental expenses for you and subsequent to this you personally can receive payment from the insurance company tax-free. Pooling Medical and dental claims can be very expensive. Group insurance offers the advantage of pooling premiums and claims for a large number of businesses. This means in some years you will claim more than the premiums that you pay. Over time, claims and premiums should balance. Experienced Benefit Specialists to Serve Members To provide this coverage, Retirement Benefits Insurance Agency Ltd. has teamed up with Moore-McLean Insurance Brokers and the NGCOA Canada to better serve all NGCOA members. Retirement Benefits has over 21 years experience providing cost-effective group benefit plans to small and mid-sized businesses. Retirement Benefits also specializes in providing group retirement plans and life insurance to businesses and individual clients. We are confident that your new carrier Standard Life will provide you, your family and employees with comprehensive and cost-effective life, A.D.& D., dependent life, health and dental insurance. Please call me or my assistant Deb Murgas at (905) , toll free at 1 (888) or lgreen@retirementb.com for more details. Larry G. Green,BES,CFP,CLU,CH.F.C.

16 NGCOA Canada and Ontrak Reach New Golfmax Agreement The NGCOA Canada and Ontrak Purchasing & Consulting Services are pleased to announce they have reached a new three-year agreement. Ontrak has developed and is managing a comprehensive food & beverage purchasing program for NGCOA Canada members. The program is available to your course as an entitlement (no extra cost) with your NGCOA membership and includes purchasing agreements with over 20 suppliers and distributors including; Coca Cola, Ecolab, Kraft Canada, Hostess Frito Lay, Maple Leaf Meats, Canada Bread, Nestle, Canadian Linen, Gordon Food Services, Sysco Food Services, plus many more. Each of the supply partners undergoes an exhaustive quality assurance test in order to satisfy both the NGCOA Canada and Ontrak's standards for quality and safety. Pricing, quality and product value are the cornerstones of the Ontrak Program. Many NGCOA Canada members have reported overall savings of up to 15% in their first year with the Program. Currently, over 600 members of the NGCOA Canada are taking advantage of the savings through the Ontrak Program. "The Ontrak Program offers real savings through preferred pricing to NGCOA Canada members along with a commitment to maintain price stability," states Peter Leyser, Marketing Director, NGCOA Canada. "In addition, this new agreement includes a significant increase in funding support to the NGCOA Canada and local chapters, and a commitment from Ontrak and the supply partners to support all NGCOA Canada initiatives and events each year. For more information on the Ontrak food & beverage program, please contact Sandra Taylor (905) ext. 335 or sjtaylor@sodexhomarriott.com.