Rafael Martinez, president of Republic Capital Corp., has been selected to join the Advisory Council for The Environmental Institute for Golf.
Martinez already had a relationship with The Institute, joining the board of trustees in 2006. He will serve in that capacity through 2008 and will now serve on the Advisory Council through 2009. The Institute’s Advisory Council is headed by World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman.
"Rafael brings a high level of ingenuity and creativity to the table," said Norman, chairman and CEO of Great White Shark Enterprises. "His leadership on the board of trustees has been of great value to The Institute and now his presence on the Advisory Council should help bring us closer toward our goals."
Republic Capital Corp. is a commercial finance company that utilizes technology to facilitate and expedite the processes associated with finance companies. With $25 million in receivables within the first year, the culturally diverse organization facilitates the targeting of young, up-and-coming organizations. Martinez, an innovative entrepreneur and avid golfer, serves as publisher and CEO of The Green Magazine, and was the recipient of the 2005 Urban League of Bergen County Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
The Advisory Council provides guidance to The Institute’s board of trustees in the areas of outreach, fundraising and strategic planning. The members were selected to enhance The Institute’s ability to cultivate relationships with current and potential donors, as well as communicate the importance of the work conducted by The Institute.
In addition to Norman and Martinez, the other members of the Advisory Council are: ClubCorp USA Inc; Tom Crow, founder of Cobra Golf and a retired trustee for The Institute; Dana Garmany, chairman and CEO of Troon Golf; Jack R. Harrell, Jr., CEO of Harrell’s Fertilizer; Paul C. Kanavos, chairman and CEO of Flag Luxury Properties, LLC; Bill Kubly, CEO of Landscapes Unlimited and chairman of The Institute’s board of trustees; Owen G. Larkin, president of the Vineyard Golf Club in Edgartown, Mass.; Gary N. McClung, president of Midway Ford/Sterling Truck Center and developer of Quintero Golf and Country Club, Peoria, Ariz.; Ken Melrose, retired chairman and CEO of The Toro Co.; Jaime Ortiz-Patiño, owner of Valderrama Golf Club in Sotogrande, Spain; David Pillsbury, president of PGA Tour Golf Course Properties and vice chairman/treasurer of The Institute’s board of trustees; Joe Steranka, CEO of PGA of America; Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World; and Weldon Wyatt, founder and CEO of Sage Valley Golf Club, Graniteville, S.C.
The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. The Institute concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course. For more on The Institute, visit www.eifg.org.
Celebrating its 80th anniversary, GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.
Contact:
Rafael Martinez, president of Republic Capital Corp.
(212) 629-4920
Teri Harris, GCSAA managing director, development
(785) 832-4465
tharris@gcsaa.org
Greg Lyman, GCSAA director of environmental programs
(785) 832-3625
glyman@gcsaa.org
