Support for the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association’s annual Conference and Trade Show continues to grow with revenues topping $600,000 for the first time. A record total of 222 exhibiting companies occupied a record 428 booths at a show that generated $623,000 in revenues. Demand for education also hit a new high with a total of 1,278 seats sold across three full-day and 23 half-day seminars.
"The relationship that exists between our industry partners and our superintendent members is something pretty special, I think," said Chuck Borman, Carolinas GCSA executive director. "That, as much as anything, is the reason why this conference and show continues to enjoy the success that it does. I think everyone understands that if the golf industry does well then so will they. They really share a commitment to making the game successful."
One number that did dip slightly in November was overall attendance, down from 2,131 to 2,086, a shortfall of 45. Of those, 42 were from a decline in exhibit booth personnel. Borman said the number of superintendents and assistant superintendents at the show was as strong as ever.
Other highlights from the 2007 event included:
* Mitchell Wilkerson, CGCS director of golf and grounds at Moss Creek Plantation in Bluffton, S.C., was elected president. Paul Jett, CGCS at Pinehurst No. 2, is the new vice president.
* Dyrck Fanning, from The Bayonet at Puppy Creek in Lumberton, NC won the Carolinas GCSA golf championship.
* David Bowbliss, from National Golf Club in Pinehurst, N.C., won a golf trip for two to Scotland in the 27-Hole Challenge.
