December 18, 2008
As the year draws to a close, I hope you are all enjoying some much-needed rest and spending time with family and friends. As I look back at 2008 I will remember many things - inclement weather, a challenging economy - but I will also remember the opportunity you have given me as the President of the Ottawa Zone. This role and responsibility is certainly not the reason I initially joined the Board of Directors some years ago. I suppose over time things change, along with ambitions, and it is with great anticipation I look ahead to what the next two years offer.
There have been several changes within the Board during the last two months and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce some new Board members and thank those moving on. Since the Annual Meeting in October, Vice-President Peter Hale has faced some difficult decisions. In light of a new opportunity, Peter has left not only the Board of Directors, but also the CPGA. Both the Board and the Association have lost the services of a great professional. I wish Peter much success in his new career and hope to cross paths with this fantastic professional again.
In response to this, Ron Healy moves to the Vice-President’s position and will assume the traditional roles of Membership and Finance, and Dany Lacombe moves into the Secretary Role. Both of these members have been with the Board for some time and I am confident that Board business will continue as expected with these changes.
New member Marc Foucault joins returning Board member Luke Saunders and the two take over as co-captains. As expected, they have already begun creating the tournament schedule for 2009. Also returning, Phil Rankin takes over the Education portfolio and will be offering a variety of programs to suit the needs and interests of members.
Jeffrey Corcoran and Scott Johnson have both recently joined the Board and take over the Ottawa PGA Junior Tour. They will enjoy the assistance of all candidates in 2009 whose participation is now part of the entrance requirements. However, I am sure they will also be looking for CPGA members to assist in rules and operations at the many events.
Cody Barbeau moves into the Past Presidents position and will be a great source of information for myself and the Board, and Dan Kolar continues as National Rep for the Ottawa Zone. Last month, Harry Hereford and I had the opportunity of joining Dan, along with Zone Presidents, Zone Reps, Zone EDs from across Canada, along with the National Office staff for a series of meetings. There is significant progress being made in many areas and Dan will have a full report for everyone at the spring meeting.
As you can see, there have been many changes within the Board, but I am confident that this Board will not only continue the many great things established, but also create some new and exciting ventures in 2009 and beyond. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, concerns or ideas for your Association.
I wish you and your family all the best this holiday season and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.
My regards,
Dale Pedersen
President – Ottawa PGA
Head Professional, The Landings GC
613-876-3253
Message from the President
I hope that this message finds you all well. By now we are approaching the midway point of the golf season and it looks like we are finally getting the weather we need in order for all to enjoy.
I want to remind everyone of some key dates coming up namely the Summer Open as well as the Serge Giroux Golf Dream Classic. If you have never taken part in the aforementioned event, you should consider it for the following reasons:
- In my opinion, this tournament is the signature event of the Ottawa Zone and as such should continue to be strongly supported by our members.
- It consistently raises enough money to send sick children and their families to enjoy a stress free and fantastic environment in Florida all the while allowing the families a chance to get away from the rigors of constant medical care.
- It is our ability to give back to events like this that makes the CPGA the tremendous association that it is.
In closing, I wish you all continued success in all your endeavors and I look forward to seeing you all at the Serge Giroux
Warmest regards,
Cody Barbeau
President, CPGA Ottawa Zone
General Manager / CPGA Executive Professional
Hylands Golf Club
Well, here we are past the half way point of the season and I find myself feeling very happy for multiple reasons. Firstly, the Serge Giroux Golf Dream Classic held on August 7th was a resounding success. Consequently, four (4) families will get to experience the trip of a lifetime to Florida in November. Having experienced the trip myself, I can truly say that it is an experience that they will never forget. As a result, these families will come away from this experience with new friends and positive memories that will last a lifetime.
Secondly, I feel fortunate and proud to be a part of the Canadian Professional Golfers' Association. I am living my dream and get to share it with the many great people that make up the CPGA both here and across the country. You see, I have had first hand experience dealing with many great associations across this country of ours and all of them are all excellent. Yet, the one association I am most proud to be a member is the CPGA. The reason I feel this way is simple, we may all be different as members but, we all share the same passion and we are willing to sacrifice for the betterment of the game. And in my opinion, that characteristic is what makes the CPGA and our industry successful.
In closing, I would like to thank all The Rivermead Golf Club, all participating professionals, amateurs, sponsors, volunteers, and families that helped make this years' version of The Serge Giroux Golf Dream Classic a massive success. I look forward to seeing you on the links.
Sincerely
Cody Barbeau
President, CPGA Ottawa Zone
It is my great honor to be president during a time of new direction and self improvement. The CPGA has worked very hard over the last several years to ensure that our members have the ability to cement an even greater foot hold in the Canadian Golf Industry.
Over the next months and years, you as members and non members, will see a shift occur within this industry as a result of diligent work done by both regional and national boards in the following areas; Membership and Education Reform, Governance, and Play Golf initiatives. Never before has the Canadian PGA Professional had a bigger stage on which to perform. As a result, I feel compelled to be a part of the team that will assist our Executive Director and National Board achieve all our goals for the future.
In closing, I would like to thank all our current and future partners who help the multitude of initiatives that are undertaken by our zone. I wish you a joyful 2007 golf season.
Sincerely
Cody Barbeau
President, CPGA Ottawa Zone