March 1, 2006 -- The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and the National Golf Course Owners Association have been recognized by the International Network of Golf for their communications surrounding the 2006 Golf Industry Show.

The announcement came during the ING Industry Honors program in January. The program was created to recognize outstanding achievement in various business categories. ING is a non-profit, media-based networking organization whose mission is to bring golf media together with representatives from all walks of the golf industry to discuss issues, exchange information and improve communication.

The associations earned top honors in the Public Relations Campaign/Event category for their outreach with a multitude of constituents (members, media, exhibitors, vendors, golf associations, etc.). ING executive director Mike Jamison noted the award was based on the comprehensive, timely and widespread distribution of communications that was necessitated by moving the Golf Industry Show from New Orleans to Houston to Atlanta as a result of the devastating hurricanes last fall.

“There were numerous logistical issues to address as we condensed a two-year planning horizon into essentially four months,” GCSAA Chief Executive Officer Steve Mona, CAE, said. “Communicating in a timely manner was crucial to our successfully hosting the event. It was also imperative that our communications engage members throughout the process.”

Presented by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), the Golf Industry Show is an innovative trade show that features unparalleled networking opportunities and hands-on access to golf course and facility management solutions for professional members of the golf industry. Also participating as supporting organizations are the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) and the National Golf Foundation (NGF). The 2007 Golf Industry Show will be conducted Feb. 22-24 in Anaheim, Calif.

“The award is a testament to the skills and dedication of the GCSAA and NGCOA staffs,” NGCOA chief executive officer Mike Hughes said. “The success of our show and the feedback from the attendees, exhibitors, media and other groups tells us we were solid in our execution, notably in the area of communications.”

Since 1926, GCSAA has been the leading professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 individual members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA'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.

The National Golf Course Owners Association is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management. The Association represents the key decision makers with ultimate responsibility for golf courses throughout the world. Through advocacy, information resources, purchasing programs and networking opportunities, the NGCOA helps golf course owners and operators run more successful businesses. Visit NGCOA at www.ngcoa.org.

For more information contact:
Jeff Bollig, GCSAA Director of Communications, 800-472-7878, ext. 4430
Joe Rice, NGCOA Director of Marketing and Communications, (800) 933-4262, ext. 222