Feb. 7, 2006 -- The New Jersey Golf Course Owners Association's annual golf outing fundraiser was held at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, NJ, where the annual awards were presented.

The State of New Jersey Assembly Speaker, Albio Sires received the CHAIRMAN'S AWARD, which was presented for his tireless efforts in promoting the good of the golf industry in New Jersey.

In recognition of a lifetime dedication to the preservation of the traditions of golf in New Jersey, the TRADITIONS AWARD was presented to the Fraser and Siok families, owners of Mays Landing Golf and Country Club and The Majors Golf Club in Palm Bay, Florida and former owners of Atlantic City Country Club.

The 2005 COURSE OF THE YEAR award was presented to Cherry Valley Country Club, a private club located in Skillman, NJ, approximately four miles from historic Princeton. This member-owned country club is dedicated to family principles and committed to providing the highest level of hospitality for members and their guests. Situated in a beautifully picturesque and secluded setting, the Reese Jones designed golf course, tennis facilities, fitness center and dining venues are second to none.

NJGCOA also announced that a recipient of the prestigious Champion Award at the National Conference is the NJ Chapter. The conference was held in Atlanta, Georgia on February 8, 2006. The Champion Award is bestowed upon individuals who have succeeded in working on behalf of a group of owners and have acquired a significant victory for its members. Examples include legislative or regulatory successes, the creation of an indispensable benefit for NGCOA members or a public relations breakthrough that elevates the role of the course owner. The Board of the NGCOA determines the decision for this award.

This award was based upon the NJGCOA's success in fighting this year's proposed sales tax expansion, which would have been imposed on golf dues and initiation fees. This tax was quietly being put through close to the state budget deadline. The chapter launched a grass roots campaign with NJ chapter members to inform their own club members and customers to contact their NJ legislators. As a result of the campaign and the work of Issues Management, LLC, the lobbyists hired to work with the chapter, the sales tax expansion did not go through.

The New Jersey Golf Course Owners Association was founded in 1994 to inform and provide owners with the tools needed to be more profitable, more efficient and ultimately, more successful.