Club Management - September/October 2007 - (Page 51) CMAA Corporate Advantage Program Maximum of 15 Partners Three (3) Platinum Partners Three (3) Gold Partners Three (3) Silver Partners Three (3) Bronze Partners Service is at the Very Core of CMAA, The Club Foundation and The Corporate Advantage Program The club manager knows, perhaps better than any other hospitality industry professional, that service is all about making a personal connection. Each company invited to participate in the Corporate Advantage Program has proven that they are committed to the same intrinsic values relative to customer service, integrity and doing business the right way. Michael Leemhuis, CCM, PGA, general manager/ chief operating officer at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, lives this philosophy every day. “I believe that private clubs are at the forefront of the service industry. The Corporate Advantage Program is comprised of a very select, exclusive group of companies who have made a long-term commitment to building relationships in our industry. When I need to make a purchase, I know that I can trust these firms to meet the high product and service standards that I have set for our club and its members.” CAP Helps Club Managers Sort Through the Sales Clutter Sales calls and literature flow to the desk of a club manager in a steady stream of marketing noise that can make it dif- ficult to differentiate which company’s product or service is truly best for their club. Recognizing this as a growing issue among its members, CMAA established its Corporate Advantage Program, in part, to separate from the fray those companies that truly support the club management profession and are serious about longterm relationships with CMAA members. Bill Langley, CCM, managing director of clubs at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas, says the program serves as a bridge between club management professionals and the companies most closely connected and committed to serving our industry. “I am more likely to support a company who has made a long-term commitment to CMAA and The Club Foundation than an organization who is only interested in selling me their newest product and moving on to the next lead,” he said. “If a company has made a commitment to the association through the Corporate Advantage Program, I know that they see me and my club as more than just another sales opportunity.” Building a Stronger Industry CMAA members thrive because, through the association, they have access to the richest collection of resources and services available in the industry. They have been very receptive to the Corporate Advantage Program because the fi nancial resources generated through this initiative are used to enhance the quality education and programming offered by the association and enriches the Foundation’s funding of grants, scholarships and research. The CMAA staff also wants to ensure that the products and services highlighted through the Corporate Advantage Program provide a diverse range of marketplace solutions and expertise from which to benefit all members and enhance club operations. Even though the Corporate Advantage Program is just getting started, the association is extremely encouraged with how well it is being received by members and suppliers. Discussions are under way with several industry leaders with the hope of announcing some new additions to the program by the end of the year. ❚❘ To learn more about the Corporate Advantage Program, please contact Michele Klecha, director, corporate relations, at (703) 299-4269 or michele.klecha@cmaa.org. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 • 51
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