Golf course superintendent honored for advocacy efforts, advancement of association priority issues and congressional outreach
Lawrence, Kan. – Christopher Reverie, golf course superintendent at Allentown (Pa.) Municipal Golf Course, has been named a 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 2021 National Golf Day in Washington, D.C.
“Congratulations to Chris for his hard work and dedication to the golf industry,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “He is a great example of how building personal relationships with lawmakers and their staff members can truly make a difference.”
The GAL Award is part of the GCSAA Grassroots Ambassadors program, which pairs superintendents with members of Congress to build strong relationships between them. More than 430 GCSAA members currently serve as ambassadors.
“A lot of superintendents do not realize that advocacy is at the heart of our profession,” Reverie, an 8-year member of GCSAA, said. “Wearing as many hats and reporting to as many different people as we do – it is near impossible to get anything done without being an effective advocate for ourselves, our course and the game of golf.”
Reverie is paired with Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA-7) and has worked hard to create a relationship with the congresswoman and her staff. He’s hosted Megan Beste, district director for Wild, at Allentown Municipal, and met with Zach Fowler, Wild’s senior legislative council, during National Golf Day in Washington, D.C., in 2019.
“The relationship I have developed with Rep. Wild’s district and Washington, D.C. offices were created through persistent outreach efforts and patience between responses,” Reverie said. “While those are important factors in where I am as a Grassroots Ambassador today, the key in maintaining these relationships has been sharing my experiences, challenges, and knowledge with them.”
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 19,000 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
Director, Marketing and Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
Mike Strauss
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 5164
mstrauss@gcsaa.org
