Newspaper Article

Brookstone Superintendent selected for Golf Industry Show

by Carlton D. White
cwhite@mdjonline.com

December 07, 2014 11:13 PM 

The Golf Industry Show is the biggest event of the year for golf enthusiasts, and Brookstone Golf and Country Club superintendent Joey Franco, Jr. will get his first opportunity to attend it.

Franco was one of 17 superintendents from across the country selected to attend the Golf Industry Show under the auspices of 2015 Melrose Leadership Academy, which is a program of the Environmental Institute for Golf — the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

As a member of the Academy, Franco will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the Golf Industry Show, Feb. 21-26 in San Antonio.

“I’m excited to be going,” Franco said. “It’s a great opportunity. I’ve never attended the show, but the Academy provided me with this opportunity and I was very thrilled when I got the call.”

Joining Franco at the Golf Industry Show will be University of Georgia Golf Course superintendent Hamilton Griffith.

“The Melrose Leadership Academy is not a performance or accomplishment based award,” said Craig Smith, communications and media relations director of the GCSAA. “It’s a philanthropic arm of the GCSAA for those interested in a chance to go to the show for networking and to get information and career development.

“Some superintendents don’t get the chance to go because of the costs associated with attending. This gives some superintendents a chance to attend. It’s all about giving superintendents a chance for professional development. Sometimes, that’s all they need to feel appreciated for what they do.”

Academy members were chosen through an application process based on financial need, volunteerism and desire for career advancement. During the Golf Industry Show, the academy will offer workshops and seminars geared to assist superintendents with their daily routines. Attendees will also participate in various leadership activities.

Almost 100 superintendents applied to become members of the academy.

“Superintendents apply for the academy and winners are drawn at random,” Smith said. “The association has a lot of awards and the show is the biggest event the industry has. We want everyone to have a chance to attend.”

Franco has worked at Brookstone since Feb. 2011. He’s been a maintenance superintendent for eight years and spent six years as a golf course construction superintendent. He received word that he’d be attending the industry show last month.

According to Smith, the week-long trade show starts with educational opportunities for two days and the last two days are the trade show. Franco will be exposed to seminars and offerings related to his job, while golf industry companies showcase their wares on the trade floor.

“There are a lot of educational opportunities, career development options and networking opportunities at the show, so I’m really looking for it.

“I’m hoping that I can learn more about the business aspect of golf course management and bring some of those ideas to Brookstone. There are some good things happening here, and if I can put into practice what I learn there, then that will benefit the club and its members.”

The Golf Industry Show attracts more than 25,000 people annually and there are roughly 18,000 members of the GCSAA.

Read more: The Marietta Daily Journal - Brookstone superintendent selected for Golf Industry Show