Executive Director Report for the 2025 AGM
Executive Director Report
For the 2025 Annual General Meeting
prepared by Jerry Rousseau
On behalf of the WCTA Board and staff, thank you for your continued support of turf management professionals in western Canada. This report highlights our accomplishments, the impact of recent events, and our forward-looking initiatives over the past year.
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February: 60th Anniversary Conference & Trade Show
Our 60th Annual Conference and Trade Show returned to the Victoria Conference Centre and Fairmont Empress Hotel for the first time since 2015. This flagship event, requiring over four months of planning and execution, saw strong attendance, a sold-out trade show, and exceeded financial expectations. Special thanks to WCTA Directors, speakers, and all participants.
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March: New Directors & Financial Transition
Our post-AGM Board meeting welcomed two new Directors, Nick Barbour (District of North Vancouver) and Nathan Hagel (Kamloops Golf and Country Club). The WCTA also concluded its administrative role with the Canadian Turf Research Foundation, focusing solely on bookkeeping.
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April: Golf Tournament & Membership Changes
Early April marked the successful Pat Dooley Memorial Golf Tournament at Hazelmere Golf Club, raising $6,000 for turf research. Unfortunately, the longstanding collaboration with Sports Turf Canada (STC) ended. Dual WCTA/STC members were refunded, and future partnerships were deemed unlikely.
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May–June: Directory & Advocacy Work
The Annual Member Directory production, a four-week project, was completed in early June. Field Day planning and preliminary conference work also began, alongside advocacy efforts addressing anticipated provincial water restrictions.
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July–August: Behind-the-Scenes Work
While summer is less busy for the Board due to their professional commitments, significant groundwork continued. Field Day production, conference planning, and administrative tasks were prioritized. Additionally, we celebrated Stan Kazymerchyk’s retirement from Kwantlen University.
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September: Challenges & Fiscal Year-End
The Canadian Rental Mart Show, held September 11–12 in Calgary, saw lower-than-expected turnout. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to an injury. Fiscal year-end on September 30th included year-end reporting and membership assessments. Financial stability and strong membership numbers were maintained (see Financial Director report), with just 20 members unpaid.
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October: Conference Preparations
Conference planning took center stage with contractor agreements, budgeting, and registration launches. Membership dues invoicing, involving over 700 members, also began. Efforts to update the IPM Manual for Turf Managers and hire a lobbyist for water advocacy were delayed due to an Allied Golf Association of BC meeting cancellation.
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November: Strategic Planning
The November/December Turf Line News was delayed due to a Canada Post strike. However, digital issues ensured continued communication. The Board held its first in-person strategic planning meeting since pre-COVID, fostering collaboration and advancing a comprehensive planning primer for the February AGM.
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December–February: Conference Preparations in Full Swing
The lead-up to the February conference is our busiest period. The Turf Line Conference Edition serves as the show program, while membership dues and registrations accelerate. E-newsletters continue to keep members informed. The mid-January Board meeting concluded the term, preparing for Executive Board elections at the AGM.
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Closing Thoughts
This report provides a snapshot of the WCTA’s efforts over the past year. For more detailed updates, stay engaged with our magazines and e-newsletters. Thank you for your continued support.
Jerry Rousseau
Executive Director, WCTA