Nike Inc. has renewed its support of The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), with Nike Vice President Bob Wood continuing to serve on The Institute's Advisory Council.
The Advisory Council, headed by World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman, provides guidance to The Institute's board of trustees in the areas of outreach, fundraising and strategic planning. The members are selected to enhance The Institute's ability to cultivate relationships with current and potential donors, as well as communicate the importance of the work conducted by The Institute.
"Nike is a leader in the business world and we value its continued commitment to The Institute," Norman said. "Bob is a valuable member of the Advisory Council and has done a commendable job leading the board of trustees as well."
Wood joined Nike in 1980 in the advertising department and worked his way up through the company's innovative marketing department. He became president of Nike Golf in 1998, and served in that capacity for 10 years. He is responsible for establishing Nike Golf as one of the most desired brands in golf around the world. Wood helped Nike Golf become a successful, stand alone division within Nike that is the most diverse, single brand in golf which offers golfers everything from equipment, balls and clubs to footwear and apparel. Wood received the 2002-03 International Network of Golf Industry Award for Business Achievement. He currently serves as a Vice President of Nike Inc., and general manager of the SPARQ Training business.
"I am honored to continue being involved with the Advisory Council and look forward to building upon the momentum created over the last few years," said Wood, who also serves as chairman of The Institute Board of Trustees. "The Institute has assumed a leadership position in charting the course for environmental sustainability for the golf facility. I am excited about the future."
Nike sees sustainable business and innovation as an integral part of how it can use the power of its brand, the energy and passion of its people, and the scale of its business to create meaningful change. Nike believes the opportunity is greater than ever for sustainability principles and practices to deliver business returns and become a driver of growth, to build deeper consumer and community connections and to create positive social and environmental impact in the world. Nike recognizes the impacts of declining natural resources and the need to move to a low-carbon economy. The company's vision includes reaching a closed-loop business model with a goal to achieve zero waste throughout the supply chain and have products and materials that can be continuously reused — no pre or post consumer waste. Visit www.nikebiz.com.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. The Institute concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course. For more on The Institute, visit www.eifg.org.
GCSAAGCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top 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 20,000 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 Environmental Institute for Golf Advisory Council:
* Greg Norman, Advisory Council chairman, Great White Shark Enterprises
* Gregg Breningmeyer, John Deere Golf
* John Donnelly, Golf Channel
* Pete Dye, golf course architect
* Steven Fisher, Plaza Construction Corp.
* John Foster, West Coast Turf
* Sergio Garcia, PGA Tour professional
* Dana Garmany, Troon Golf
* Bobby Ginn, Ginn Resorts
* Morgan Gregory, GlenArbor Golf Club
* Michael Happe, The Toro Co.
* Jack R. Harrell Jr., Harrell's Fertilizer
* Bill Kubly, Landscapes Unlimited
* Owen G. Larkin, Vineyard Golf Club
* Gary Michel, Club Car
* Andrew Mittag, Agrium Advanced Technologies
* David Pillsbury, PGA Tour Golf Course Properties
* Vijay Singh, PGA Tour professional
* Joe Steranka, PGA of America
* Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Dubai World
* Bob Wood, Nike Inc.
* Weldon Wyatt, Sage Valley Golf Club
For more information contact:
Teri Harris, EIFG senior director, development, 800-472-7878, tharris@gcsaa.org
