Dallas, TX – The National Golf Buyers Association/Golf Headquarters members, comprised of many of the most highly regarded off-course and on-course facilities in the business, celebrated the return of their Annual Meeting & Show earlier this month with the unveiling of their first awards program in the group’s history. With over 65 locally owned and operated associate golf retail stores, it’s the largest dollar volume golf buying group in the nation and is committed to partnering with their vendor partners in a commitment to enhancing our member’s locally owned and operated facilities with the mutual goal of being a consumer experience that turns customers into ambassadors.
The winner of the group’s Inaugural Charpentier Founders Award was the longtime member and Golf Headquarters Store Owner in Youngstown, Ohio, Joe Thomas. The award is designed to recognize and be given to the NGBA member who has given a lifetime of contribution to the organization, with one member being selected each year. Joe has been the backbone of the organization both in leadership as well in support, serving unselfishly on committees and the Board, supporting group initiatives almost since the day he joined, including as a past President. His passion for the group and his veteran insight will be missed day to day but will occasionally be tapped.
The award is named after Harold Charpentier of Strictly Golf, one of the two driving forces behind creating the NGBA/GHQ buying group- and an early driving force to growing the organization into what it is today.
NGBA Executive Director Lee Clapp said about Thomas and his award, “at the time I came aboard he was President of the group, and I leaned on his counsel to the extent I nicknamed him the Godfather. And it’s fair to say he was the Godfather of many of our special programs and group buys. In the first few years, if I called him and asked for help hitting our minimums or helping us with some leftover inventory-he was there. He is a legend in our business and I’m honored to call him both a friend and a mentor.”
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.
For more information contact:
Lee Clapp, NGBA Executive Director
843-402-0142
