Club Management - September/October 2007 - (Page 54) EVOLUTION continued from page 53 technology, it can’t justify the expense of a comprehensive computer system, Borders said. Technology “can be a handful. We’re in a touchy-feely business, and having no receptionists and automated answering systems can be a tough sell,” Thorpe said, adding that it’s a must to offer Internet hot spots, and the club is adding business rooms with wireless connectivity. The club also has a biometric entry system, which frees up staff. “We can’t really keep up; we use the technologies that are most appropriate,” he said. Skyline bans cell phones from its dining room, but in Las Vegas they were a huge issue. “They were everywhere, and we had to impose restrictions,” Thorpe said. “The issue was did they slow down play or interrupt people? Here, most people leave them in their lockers. It’s less of a problem in the West than in the East.” At Century, said Ward, “We have it all. I have been around long enough to have moved from an IBM card service bureau to a Basic Four/MAI mini-computer to our current system, with many in between. We look at every new technology available and see if it is a fit, is cost-effective and will improve service or make life easier. The club is WiFi for members and has a computer console for their use.” Century recently added an Internetbased program for reservations and remote bank deposits that scan checks and deposits facsimiles over the Internet. Greening and Environmental Issues Ward said thinking green is a necessity. “We recently had to go in front of our local planning board, and one thing that helped us through the process is that they know we have an environmentally friendly approach to what we do. All the projects had a component meant to improve the environment that, after completed, would have a positive impact on our property.” Borders said his club’s superintendent has been much better trained over the last 10 years in environmental concerns regarding golf course maintenance, chemical treatments, etc. The club uses waste water from a treatment plant to irrigate its courses. Peachtree recycles paper, and although it’s not entirely an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, Grady said it doesn’t use chemicals on the golf course. It also re-grassed with a more drought-tolerant, tighter strain that’s weed resistant and uses fewer herbicides. Environmental friendliness will continue to grow as an issue, Thorpe said. “We do all the right things we can.” On its course, Skyline uses fungicides and herbicides, but the Environmental Protection Agency and Arizona have restrictions on such things and how much water can be used. New and better methods of cleaning lawnmowers and other machinery save water, and waste is recycled. It’s the appropriate thing to do, but it costs money, he said. With food and beverage, to recycle everything, you need space for bins, and Skyline still uses a certain amount of chemicals. Thorpe praised CMAA’s Audubon initiative, which can enable clubs to do “green” inventories of their facilities. ❚❘ About the author Gary Tufel was senior editor at Tradeshow Week magazine, where he worked from 1989 to 1999. From 1999 to 2002, Tufel was editorial director for the International Association for Exhibition Management (IAEM). Since 2002, he has been a contributing editor for Tradeshow Week, and has written for numerous other exhibition industry publications, as well as for publications in the medical industry. He resides in Venice, California. Impress your Guests Premium With Manchester Farms Bacon Wrapped Appetizers CUSTOM PRINTED CARDS Try our Bacon Wrapped Quail and Bacon Wrapped Chicken Appetizers for a Gourmet Presentation with Affordable Pricing. Your club logo printed on the finest quality playing cards. Bee, Bicycle, Gemaco ALWAYS IN STOCK. FREE GAME ROOM CATALOG & SAMPLES. 48 DECK MINIMUM. 1-800-233-0828 www.manchesterfarms.com For Samples Call 1-800-845-0421 KARDWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC. Visit us at: www.customplayingcards.com or www.kardwell.com 54 • CLUB MANAGEMENT 338896_Manchester.indd 1 8/22/07 2:53:44 PM 339861_kardwell.indd 1 8/23/07 10:32:12 AM http://www.manchesterfarms.com http://www.kardwell.com
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