Anderson wins GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Award
Golf course superintendent honored for advocacy efforts, advancement of association priority issues and congressional outreach.
Ben Anderson, golf course superintendent at Arrowhead Country Club in Montgomery, Ala., has been named the Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Award winner from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
The Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Award, presented quarterly in partnership with The Toro Co., recognizes and honors individuals who have demonstrated growth in advocacy and advancement of the GCSAA Priority Issues Agenda through congressional outreach and relationship development with a member of Congress. Through Toro, the winners will receive a trip to take part in the 2019 National Golf Day in Washington, D.C.
“Advocacy efforts are truly making a difference in the public perception of golf,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “We are fortunate to have highly engaged members like Ben who work with members of Congress to bring the issues that affect golf to their attention. Congratulations to him on this recognition.”
The GAL Award is part of the GCSAA Grassroots Ambassadors, a program that matches superintendents with members of Congress to build strong relationships with them. More than 335 GCSAA members currently serve as ambassadors.
A five-year member of GCSAA, Anderson was first approached about being involved in government affairs by GCSAA Southeast Regional Field Representative Ron Wright, CGCS. Anderson brought a unique perspective after spending seven years as an assistant superintendent at a military base.
“My involvement with GCSAA government affairs has helped to educate me on real issues that my colleagues and I must think about and approach in our careers,” Anderson said. “By learning what is happening on a national level, it helps to prepare us for how it can impact our local courses and employees.”
In his role as an ambassador, Anderson is paired with Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL). Anderson soon started a line of communication with Roby’s office, which led to a visit from her Legislative Director Mike Albares.
“We met for a few hours, had lunch and discussed topics such as the Clean Water Act and immigration laws,” Anderson said. “I shared with him a few of my experiences and some of the ways we engage in wildlife management and water conservation.”
Since then, Anderson has also been in contact with Roby’s office concerning the H-2B Visa program and met with staff members in Roby’s local Montgomery office in July.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’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, or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Associate Director, Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
