It was 6 a.m. on Wednesday, February 20 in St. Paul, Minn. As I ripped open the curtains to my hotel room, I saw that the predictions were true. Our friends from the National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning beginning at midnight.  By 7 a.m., at least four inches of snow had fallen...and it was not letting up.

That morning, I knew it would be a hearty drive of about 5 miles to Christ Lutheran Church, the meeting spot to go over strategy and to discuss issues for the attendees meeting with House and Senate members in Minnesota. The site was a simple walk across the street to state buildings, including the Capitol. An underground tunnel system was a welcomed option. After 45 minutes on the road, I had arrived!

During our briefing meeting, six items of discussion were highlighted. The first was a recently completed Economic Impact Study on golf in Minnesota. Golf is a $2.3 billion industry for the state, $743.3 million in wage income and accounts for roughly 25,000 jobs. The Minnesota Golf Association, who were the drivers of the economic impact study, were well represented.

Working for the MGA in the late 1990s, I was able to catch up with former staff and meet new individuals. It was great seeing the participation.

Of course, members from the Minnesota GCSA made up the majority of attendees.  Roughly 50 individuals were registered for the event. A few folks were unable to attend due to the weather, however the spirit of the event was strong.  

This leads me to our discussion with legislators on the other items of importance:

• Environmental Initiatives and Agency Partnerships — the industry is very proactive working with the Department of Agriculture. Practices are in place, including BMPs that guide usage of golf course inputs
• Support of HF 790 to define the ability for 16 and 17 year old's to operate lawn mowers. The golf industry needs youth to fill employment opportunities
• Pesticide applications in cities — Bill HF 1255 will allow any city to create pesticide regulations, penalties and licensure. All pesticide applications on turf must be posted with signage. This has been a major discussion item in the state. The message to legislators was to highlight the extensive BMP work created in partnership with state agencies. There are regulations and laws in place.

With the help of MGCSA Executive Director Jack Mackenzie, teams of individuals, based on residence, were developed. This allowed groups to move from visit to visit effectively. The goal was to make sure at least one person in the group was a constituent of a legislator on each visit.

Being from outside the state and limited on time, I wanted to focus my visits strategically. So, I wanted to make sure I visited an author of bill HF 1255. I wanted to hear their side.

So, a visit to representative Anne Clafin was on the docket. I was with two seasoned MGCSA members who both resided in Anne's district. We were ready to make our point heard...

Until we discovered she was in committee, and the committee meeting was running late. We were offered the opportunity to reschedule. Ultimately, this became a drop-off, meaning our materials were provided to her assistant and follow up would be necessary.

But that visit aside, teams worked their way around the House and Senate and provided success in telling the great story of golf. This is the second time that I've attended the event. These meetings show dedication to our industry.

$2.3 billion in economic impact and 25,000 jobs in Minnesota? Yes, golf is vital!

It's been said many times that if you're not at the table, you're on the menu. Certainly in Minnesota and other areas, members are at the forefront of issues and staying ahead.  

We encourage you to participate and stay engaged. Regardless of the weather, your voice and presence on issues is appreciated, needed and important!