(SARASOTA, Fla.) – GPS Industries (GPSI) – the world’s leading provider of GPS tracking technology for low speed vehicles (LSV) used in 10 million rounds of golf annually across America – has appointed former PGA of America CEO Joe Steranka to its Advisory Board.
Steranka, who led the PGA as CEO of an association that serves 27,000 PGA club professionals and runs events that include the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup, the PGA Grand Slam of Golf and the Senior PGA Championship, has an extensive network in the worlds of both golf and media. Mr. Steranka will assist GPS Industries in formulating content and sales strategies for GPSI’s Visage Media Network (VMN).
The recently-launched VMN represents the largest connected audience of golfers at golf courses, country clubs, resorts and communities. It leverages GPSI’s state-of-the-art Visage fleet management system to deliver sponsored content to 10-inch touch screens mounted to golf carts and other LSVs.
“Joe is one of the most respected, well-liked and smartest individuals in the sports industry,” says Ben Porter, CEO of GPSI. “We’re excited to draw on his business acumen and global connections as we build out the strength of the Visage Media Network.”
Steranka began his PGA tenure in 1988 as Director of Communications. He is widely recognized for commissioning the acclaimed Golf 2.0 / Future of Golf study; negotiating landmark rights fees for TV coverage (CBS, NBC, Turner Sports, ESPN, Golf Channel) of the Ryder Cup, PGA Championship and sister tournaments; helping lead the industry’s winning bid to return golf to the Olympic Games in 2016; and establishing the first-ever golf trade shows in China.
“I’m excited to join David Moross, one of the pioneers in sports business ventures, and Ben Porter in contributing to the evolution of GPSI,” says Steranka. “The Visage network has delivered new revenue streams while creating significant operational savings for its customer courses In the process, Visage installed golf facilities established a media platform to enhance the enjoyment of a morning or afternoon on the golf course.”
Other GPSI Board members are Moross (Chairman and CEO of Falconhead Capital), Greg Norman (former World No. 1 golfer), M.G. Orender (past President of the PGA of America), Charley Moore (member of the Falconhead Advisory Board) and Dave Marr III (Golf Channel host for Champions Tour events).
The Visage fleet management system raises productivity, protects assets and increases revenue for golf course operators. Used at more than 900 public and private courses globally, marquee properties include Congressional Country Club, Trump National Doral Miami and several TPC clubs such as San Antonio, Las Vegas and River Highlands. GPSI predicts 35% year-over-year growth in 2014.
The VMN carries hole-by-hole graphics and flyovers, scoring and gaming, on-course food and beverage options, and relevant, addressable promotional messages and content.
About GPS Industries
Formed in 2009 by Falconhead Capital in partnership with legendary golfer and businessman Greg Norman and in cooperation with Club Car, GSPI is the world’s leading developer and supplier of GPS tacking technology for LSVs. Specializing in the golf industry, its Visage fleet management systems helps golf-facility operators monitor the whereabouts of golf carts and LSVs while delivering course information and promotional messages. The Visage Media Network allows for golfer interactivity and sponsored content during play. GPSI and Club Car have made it affordable for courses to begin generating revenue from golf cart fleets, notably with the industry’s first CONNECTED™ model, the Club Car Precedent i3.
GPSI is headquartered in Sarasota, Fla. with offices in Austin, Texas; Great Britain and Hong Kong. For more information: www.gpsindustries.com, 888.575.2901.
Contact:
Kevin Carpenter
kevin.carpenter@gpsindustries.com
941.894.8030
