Atlanta, Georgia – The National Golf Buyers Association (NGBA) celebrated the noteworthy achievements and commendable community service of its members during its Annual Corporation Meeting & Show held in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 5th. The prestigious event recognized individuals and entities that have made a significant impact in the golf community through their selfless services, leadership, and continuous support.
Charpentier Founders Award Recipient
The honorable Charpentier Founders Award was conferred upon Bill Mitchell of Mitchell Golf in Billings, MT. Recognized for a lifetime of contributions to the organization. His unwavering dedication has significantly helped in steering our organization towards success, and his contributions have been pivotal in bolstering the NGBA’s growth and development.
Patricia Baker Award Recipient
The Patricia Baker Award, erstwhile known as the President’s Award, was graciously awarded to Mike Schuchmann of Golf Headquarters in Waterloo, IA, for his work with community services and charitable foundations.
Polivka Founders Award Recipients
In the spirit of recognizing undeterred support to the NGBA Special Programs, the Polivka Founders Award was presented to three esteemed members this year:
Mark Clavey of Chicago Bills Golf – Hanover Park, IL
Rick Kline of Sittler Golf Center – Sinking Spring, P
Jon Williams of Golf Headquarters – Chattanooga, TN
The award is designed to recognize and be given to the NGBA members who, determined by NGBA staff, were leaders among the buying group in unilateral vendors support and assistance behind the scenes championing initiatives and private label efforts. They were selected by member participation numbers to compile a hybrid measurement that factored broadest category support as well as dollar volume for support of the organization as a whole. And their selection is just another in a long line of deserving recognitions that each of the facilities have received over the years.
The award is named after Bob Polivka of The Golf Shack, one of the two driving forces behind creating the NGBA/GHQ buying group- and an early leader to growing the organization into what it is today.
A Note of Gratitude
The NGBA extends heartfelt congratulations to all the award recipients and expresses sincere gratitude for their dedicated service and formidable contributions to the golf industry and the wider community. The endeavors of these members embolden the NGBA’s mission, and their inspirational actions resonate deeply within our organization and the communities they serve.
It is the hard work and benevolence of such members that enrich our association, ensuring the game of golf not only remains a celebrated sport but also serves as a catalyst for positive change within our communities and beyond.
NGBA History:
In the early 1980s, 10 owners of 20 golf specialty stores founded the NGBA as a buying group specializing in the procurement of golf equipment and related merchandise. At that time, the members had annual sales of about $15 million. Today the NGBA is comprised of over 40 technically competent members and is recognized by the golf industry as a professional organization, formally structured and organized. Standards for achieving and sustaining membership have been set at levels that maintain the reputation of this major golf retailing organization. Many of these stores utilize the name Golf Headquarters exclusively, while others use it in conjunction with their name and/or advertising. An exchange of best practices centering on enhancing the consumer experience, post-sale customer service and operational improvement frequently occurs amongst the membership. The group’s reputation and buying power provide access to special buys and closeouts and involvement in regional and national promotions on the latest product introductions.
For golf specialty retail stores or vendors that would like more information about NGBA membership, please visit the group at https://golfheadquarters.com or by calling at 843-402-0142.
Contact:
Joe Costa
Director of Operations
843-402-0142 x204
jcosta@golfheadquarters.com
