News

Golf Industry Association 2010 Memberships Now Available

GIA MISSION STATEMENT:
To represent, advocate and educate for the environmental and economic well being of the golf industry in Arizona

We need your support!

The Golf Industry Association was formed in 1996 as a small group organized to protect the business of golf. Since that time we have evolved into a diverse alliance of industry professionals from nearly every segment of the golf industry. Many golfers are suprised to learn that individuals are welcome to join and get involved. Below is more information on the GIA. Click Here for a 2010 Membership Application

With your support in 2010 you will help the golf industry and the GIA achieve significant accomplishments:
The Commission of an updated Economic and Environmental Impact of Golf study. This study will detail golf’s overwhelming economic impact to our state annually!

Rounds and Revenue Reports. Detailed information on Rounds and Revenue is compiled for us monthly by Golf Data Tech and posted on the GIA website.

Monthly legislative updates and quarterly newsletter to keep you in the know regarding all issues affecting the golf industry in Arizona.

“Golf Industry Day at the Capitol” in March, will provide our members the opportunity to meet with their legislators and discuss the important issues related to our industry.

Continue to provide an effective presence before the Arizona legislature, State and Federal regulatory agencies and the media in order to represent your interests related to water, taxation and immigration.

In 2010 we will continue our mission to represent, advocate and educate. We MUST be proactively involved with legislation and regulations that may target golf in Arizona. We need your continued support to be successful.

Our Annual Membership is designed to allow you to become a part of the GIA’s mission of supporting and advocating Golf in Arizona. Don’t pass up this opportunity to become a part of that mission and to support your industry.

Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions regarding the GIA.

Sincerely,
Phil Johnston, PGA
Executive Director Golf Industry Association
Phone (480) 367-0353
www.azgia.com

2008 Arizona Republic Article on the GIA:

In a June 2008 article the Arizona Republic wrote… “The non-profit group works with members of the state’s golf community to identify issues and opportunities, set priorities and take action on behalf of the golf industry. According the U.S. Census data, the $76 billion U.S. golf economy is larger than the motion picture and video industries.

….the GIA is embarking on an Economic Impact Study to follow one completed in 2004. The report and summary proved to be an extremely valuable tool for the state’s golf business because it showed employers, the general public and state legislators how important golf is to Arizona’s $3.4 billion economy.

“The summary put the golf business in economic perspective for those who really had no idea of the significance of our business,” Sarah Glover said. “Not just in terms of economics but also in responsible environmental stewardship that includes added oxygen and important open space–as well as limited water and pesticide usage.”

The updated study will include a more expanded view of the economics of golf by adding a tourism component, golf course real estate premium impact and charitable contributions derived from tournaments.

…when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and devastated much of the Gulf Coast in 2005 there was no legislation in place to protect the golf industry in its recovery efforts. “In the beginning they had no assistance from the Federal government,” Glover said. “One of the things the GIA does (here) is proving how important golf is to our economy. We advocate and protect the golf industry by keeping track of what goes on in the legislature so if something like Katrina was to happen here it would be safer.”

Since the GIA was formed in 1996, Glover said the organization’s biggest accomplishments are the formation of a unified voice for each and every segment of the golf industry. Until then, no one represented the industry and the golf business was a large target for harmful legislation for taxation, water restrictions and overall public scrutiny from people who don’t understand golf’s benefits.

The effort has been worth the time and energy.

“For the last 10 years we’ve been working closely with a lobbyist that keeps us aware of anything on the forefront so that we can quickly communicate and take appropriate action before rules are made that could have an adverse effect on golf courses, owners, operators or anybody else in the business,” Tom Colceri said. “We’ve had a number of issues that have come up where we’ve been able to act quickly, be involved with agencies and help educate those who are in the position to make policy or in some cases leave existing policy alone.”

…the GIA’s biggest challenge, besides communicating with the Arizona golf community, remains the difficulty of getting people to understand the importance of the GIA and to get involved. “Our unified voice for the industry needs to be as big and diverse as possible,” Glover said. “Many people don’t see our “watchdog” approach or much of what we do because it happens behind the scenes on a government level. The attitude is often “we don’t see a problem so why should we be involved?”

“It’s much like homeowners insurance,” Colceri said. “It’s often forgotten until an adverse event takes place and you need some help. Our mission is to represent, advocate, and educate for the golf business. We do it with passion for the business and to protect the game that we all love and benefit from.”