Coalition to share stories, data about game’s impact on millions of Americans
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – WE ARE GOLF — a coalition of the game’s leading associations and industry partners, will meet with Members of Congress on National Golf Day, Wednesday, April 18, to share stories and data about golf’s diverse businesses, employees, tax revenue creation, tourism and charitable benefits, and environmental leadership.
Organizations participating include: Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, PGA of America, National Golf Course Owners Association and World Golf Foundation. Officers/representatives in attendance:
• Joe Steranka, CEO, PGA of America
• Steve Mona, CEO, World Golf Foundation
• Jim Singerling, CEO, Club Managers Association of America
• Michael Hughes, CEO, National Golf Course Owners Association
• Rhett Evans, CEO, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
• Leading golf course superintendents, small business owners, manufacturers
WE ARE GOLF will again bring a cast of story-tellers to Capitol Hill to discuss what golf has meant to them, and will continue sharing data about golf’s economic contributions to cash-strapped states around the nation. A new set of “Shared Principles on Sustainability” will be unveiled – a unified commitment from industry professionals to design, construct and manage environmentally responsible golf courses.
A day-long exhibit in the Rayburn Foyer will feature live lessons (9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.) for Members of Congress from Golf Channel’s Michael Breed (Host of “The Golf Fix”); a golf simulator; a Republican vs. Democrat putting challenge; photo opportunities with the Wanamaker Trophy; and an educational display illustrating golf’s cutting-edge environmental stewardship.
About We Are Golf
WE ARE GOLF was formed three years ago, in part because it had become clear the industry was misunderstood by too many elected officials. Longstanding perceptions of the game simply didn’t square with the facts. By focusing on the nearly two million Americans whose livelihoods are tied to golf, WE ARE GOLF has leveled the playing field for the thousands of small businesses that make up the industry.
As a result, golf is no longer being excluded from important legislation. Members of Congress now better understand the myriad benefits the game brings to their communities.
The nearly 2 million US jobs generated by the multi-billion-dollar golf industry, and its vast economic reach, are at the core of WE ARE GOLF’S message. Given the scope and pace of federal government activity and the impact on small businesses, the golf industry can play a vital role as policymakers continue efforts to boost employment and get the nation’s economy back on track. Beyond better demonstrating golf’s profound economic clout, WE ARE GOLF illustrates the industry’s health and wellness benefits, its unparalleled charitable giving, and its environmental sustainability initiatives.
For more information, visit http://wearegolf.org/; to join the Twitter campaign, visit http://twitter.wearegolf.org/ to tweet why golf is more than just a game.
Contact:
Shane Sharp
Buffalo Communications
704.519.8381
ssharp@buffalocommunications.com
Glenn Gray
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3511
ggray@buffalocommunications.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
