THE QUESTION THAT I GET ASKED MOST often from people I meet is, “What does the National Club Association do?” After letting them know that we are a trade association that advocates on behalf of private clubs and provides insight on club trends and best practices, as well as guidance on proper club governance, I then get two questions: “What issues do we lobby on?” and “Can you get me on (you name it) golf course?” After letting them know that I can’t even get on that course, I explain the issues affecting the private clubs industry that we advocate for and against.
Several days prior to President Trump’s inauguration, I had the opportunity to discuss these issues in an interview with TRT World, a Turkish-based English language news television station. The interview took place at the University Club of Washington, D.C., just blocks from the White House (see photo below). They wanted to talk to NCA about our calls for changes and improvements to labor laws that were highlighted in the NPR’s “All Things Considered” December piece on Trump and workers at his clubs.
I sensed that they weren’t looking to do a favorable piece on the president and his clubs. They concentrated on what he was going to do to benefit his clubs. I explained that what he will be doing is good for businesses—especially small businesses, including private clubs. I talked specifically about how the new president and his administration will support businesses and clubs.
These benefits are explained throughout this legal and legislative issue of Club Director. NCA’s VP of Government Relations & General Counsel Brad Steele recaps the elections and what a Republican-controlled House, Senate and presidency means for clubs. Attorneys Thomas Lenz and Jonathan Judge from Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo analyze the specific labor issues up for change through the different regulatory agencies, and McMahon Group President Frank Vain details how the administration and its policies can help and potentially hinder the industry.
These changes are creating an unprecedented opportunity for NCA and what we do. We now have a chance to be on the offense to affect change for the industry after playing defense for eight years. However, although the prospect of a new, pro-club administration and Congress bodes well for our industry, it is imperative that clubs stay active and increase their voice on key club issues.
As the new administration and Congress takes the helm, I encourage you to remain vigilant in your private status, watch for changes coming fast and furious out of Washington,D.C., and be sure to take advantage of all that your association offers.