On January 6, 2026, the Oregon GCSA Board of Directors met at Trysting Tree Golf Course for a facilitated Board Orientation and Strategic Planning Session led by GCSAA representatives. All board members were in attendance, and the focus of the day was simple and intentional: how we can continue to strengthen the chapter, support our members, and position OGCSA well for the future.

This session was about alignment, accountability, and setting a clear path forward.

Board Orientation & Focus
As part of the orientation, board members shared personal and chapter-related goals centered on relationship-building, clearer communication, increased participation, professional growth, health, and better delegation. There was strong agreement on the importance of being more accessible, following through consistently, and communicating the value of OGCSA membership more clearly.

We also discussed expectations for board service—creating structure through updated SOPs, distributing workload more evenly, and ensuring the board is operating in a way that is effective, sustainable, and supportive of our staff.

Strategic Review (SCOR Analysis)
We conducted a strategic review of the chapter to better understand where we are and where we can improve.

  • Strengths include a strong core membership, solid financial footing, successful education events (notably the pesticide seminar), scholarships, disaster relief, effective communication tools, strong support of Oregon State University, and professional chapter management.
  • Challenges identified were engaging younger members, geographic barriers to meeting attendance, keeping events fresh, improving vendor value, and strengthening consistent participation at the board level.
  • Opportunities include expanding member engagement and recruitment, growing Rounds 4 Research, increasing outreach to golfers and students (including FFA), leveraging social media, AI, and automation, and introducing trial memberships to lower barriers to involvement.
  • Risks discussed included financial losses from under-attended events, image concerns, legislative challenges, and fluctuations in overall golf participation.

This process helped clarify where we can build on what’s working while being honest about areas that need attention.

Mission & Vision
We reaffirmed our mission:

The Oregon Golf Course Superintendent Association is dedicated to providing education, a forum for communication, and enhancing the image of our members.

We also refined our vision to better reflect who we are becoming:

An organization with an engaged, diverse, and inclusive membership, seen as golf industry leaders.

This vision reflects our intent to not only serve our members well, but to lead positively within the golf industry.

Key Priorities Moving Forward
From this session, the board identified several clear priorities:

  • Trial Memberships: Each board member will offer one trial membership in 2026 to help introduce new professionals to OGCSA and encourage broader engagement. Progress will be tracked by the Membership Committee and reviewed in the fall.
  • Rounds 4 Research: Our goal for 2026 is to increase participation to 45 facilities, up from the 38 member facilities that donated in 2025. Proceeds will continue to support Oregon State University Turfgrass Research and OGCSA Scholarship funding. This will be supported through direct outreach, video and social media promotion, and clearer messaging around the value of participation.
  • Centennial Planning (2028): We will begin early planning for the OGCSA Centennial, including securing venues, forming committees by fall 2026, developing a historical timeline of the chapter, and issuing a “Save the Date” by August 2027.
  • Committee SOPs: All committee chairs will review and update their SOPs by February 28, present changes in March, and seek board approval in April to ensure clarity, consistency, and continuity.

Moving Ahead
The takeaway from the day was encouraging. OGCSA is on solid footing, and the board is committed to being proactive, organized, and member-focused. You can expect clearer communication, more intentional outreach, and continued efforts to make membership valuable at every stage of your career.

We appreciate your involvement and support, and we look forward to building the next chapter of OGCSA together. If you have ideas, questions, or would like to get more involved, please feel free to reach out to any board member.

Thank you for being part of the Oregon GCSA.

Sincerely,
Josh Loy
Vice President
Oregon Golf Course Superintendents Association