12 Days of Thanksgiving 2017 - AR Challenge: Day 5

"One of the greatest gifts you can give is your time."

Today I am thankful for the opportunity to get involved.  Yesterday, I posted how thankful I am for the game of golf in my life.  Later that morning, I was notified I have been elected to a 3-year term on the Three Lakes Public Golf Course Board of Directors. 

We had two women on the Board and both of their terms were expiring.  I was encouraged to run for an open position so the two women's leagues would have representation on the Board.  I had mixed feelings about running.  My biggest hesitation was my come-and-go lifestyle.  However, I felt strongly that we needed at least one woman on the Board, so I agreed to put my name on the ballot.   

Now that it's official, I am looking forward to a very interesting and educational experience.  I've already started formulating some ideas, especially those relating to generating additional revenue.  

In his year-end report to the ladies league, our club manager/pro indicated the minimum wage increase for 2017 had cost the club an additional $12,000 in labor expense.  With additional minimum wage increases scheduled for this coming January and each year until 2020 the problem will continue to grow.  In order to provide an excellent golf experience for the public AND keep rate increases under control, creating additional sources of revenue will be an important objective.

For this upcoming opportunity, I am thankful.