President's Report - Summer 2014

Time is the one thing we can surely count on in life; it passes quickly and leaves us with the things we have accomplished and the things we have left to finish.  Each of us has a personal relationship with the work that we do, it is different for everyone and each person has his or her belief as to what the end result should look like.

An association, as a group of individuals, encounters the same issue.  How does that association attempt to interpret the needs, desires and direction of the group without first understanding what it is the group wants?

That is the fundamental reason an association has a board of directors, elected or appointed, to jointly carry out the activities of the organization.  It is the responsibility of that board to interpret future direction and at the same time, create stability within the organization to support the mandate as set out within the constitution and bylaws.

Change is the other thing we can surely count on in life.  It happens quickly or it happens slowly but one thing for sure, it is inevitable. 

Coupling change with the need for stability is a difficult balancing act for a board.  On one hand, it is the board’s responsibility to interpret what is going to happen in the future and adequately provide direction.  On the other hand, it has a responsibility to create stability and follow the existing mandate and bylaws.  Managing change is the responsibility of the board of directors, and so, it must be responsive to creating the mechanism for change within an association.

You are responsible for your career, no one else is.  If you feel an association has the ability to help you advance in your career and you are a member in that association, then it is also your responsibility to assist the board of directors by providing input. Get involved if you don’t like the direction something is taking.  Get involved and voice your opinions.

The turfgrass industry is an amazing industry to be employed in with many facets of opportunity available to those employed in it. We all need to be able to work together to avoid the potholes in the road ahead, by being pro-active, aware and engaged.

Support yourself, your career and your association by actively participating!

Have a great summer!

Trevor Smith
President Western Canada Turfgrass Association