On Sunday, Assistant Superintendent Chad Stockton and I arrived in Myrtle Beach, SC for the the annual Carolinas GCSA (Golf Course Superintendents Association) Conference and Show. This event is critical for us to earn the continuing education credits that are needed to maintain our North Carolina pesticide applicator's license and other professional accreditations. It is also a great opportunity to network with all other Superintendents in both NC and SC, as well as other surrounding states. The Carolinas GCSA is a 3,000 member professional organization that I served on the Board of, since 2012. I was President for two years, in 2020 and 2021.
In addition to Superintendent education, our equipment technician team of Matthew Green and Darren Worley, also attend because their professional organization, TETAC (Turf Equipment Technicians Association of the Carolinas), also holds their educational event at the same time. As equipment continues to evolve, it's becoming more complicated and computerized with hybrid technology and even the changing emissions standards on diesel and small engines. These opportunities are a must for our team to stay on top of our game, providing you with the best conditions possible. In addition to what I mentioned above, the most rewarding part of the week is the quality time I'm able to spend with my core supporting cast. These guys are like family and our team becomes stronger every year because of these types of opportunities. The Club supporting our professional growth has a tremendous affect on morale and we all have a tremendous sense of pride in representing Highlands CC at events like this. I want to thank you, the Highlands CC Membership, for investing in us personally and professionally. I assure you there is a return on this investment.
To give you an idea on the educational opportunities available, today I am taking two classes. The first is a 4-hour class from 8AM to Noon called: Current trends in research and innovations from the USGA. This afternoon, from Noon-4PM, I have another class: Soil Tests and Interpreting Reports. This particular class is a refresher that I enjoy taking every 5-6 years. Tomorrow (Wednesday) morning is a 3-hour general education event (research updates from NC State and Clemson Universities) followed by the annual business meeting. At noon, its back to Highlands!