2017 marked another successful year for NCA and NCA CONNECT. It was also a very active year politically for the private club industry. After January’s inauguration, the Trump administration sought to set a new course in American politics, putting forth new initiatives that made significant impacts on businesses and clubs. Many of these headlines included your most read stories of the year. Here’s a look at NCA CONNECT’s most popular stories from 2017.
1. President Trump Begins the Process to Remove WOTUS – (March)
On February 28, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) that has been long sought-after by the private club industry. The EO, entitled Restoring the Rule of Law, Federalism, and Economic Growth by Reviewing the “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) Rule, will provide the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the ability to rescind or revise the WOTUS rule.
While the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is expected to stimulate the economy and reduce tax burdens for many individuals and businesses (which should help private clubs), there are several provisions that could pose challenges to club staff, executives and members. Here are three ways the tax reform bill could affect your club.
3. DOL Takes First Crack at New Overtime Rule – (August)
The Department of Labor (DOL) took its first formal step to remove the Overtime Exemption Rule. We expect the DOL to recommend a new threshold to be around $634 per week or $33,000 per year, up from the current rate of $455 per week or $23,660 per year.
4. 12 Unforgettable Quotes from the 2017 National Club Conference – (June)
The 2017 National Club Conference was held in New York City on May 22-24 at premier clubs including the New York Athletic Club, The University Club of New York and The Friars Club. Attendees enjoyed informative and inspiring education and entertaining social events that made it NCA’s most attended and highest rated conference to date. Here are some of the most memorable moments from the conference.
5. The Top 10 Mistakes that Clubs Make – (August)
Clubs strive to be the best they can. In this pursuit, clubs are interested in what other well-run clubs do. In some cases, it may be just as instructive to know what mistakes other clubs have made. NCA goes back into the vault to bring to you one of its most popular articles ever.
6. How Trump’s Immigration Executive Order Will Impact Clubs – (February)
Late in the afternoon of Friday, January 27th, President Trump issued an executive order entitled “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States.” Learn how it will impact the club world.
7. Best Practices: Member Communications – (December)
In this letter to members published in its October newsletter, Farmington Country Club explains the importance of committee service as well as the function and role of club committees.
8. Golf By the Numbers – (May)
Much is discussed, or spun, about the game of golf, whether it is attracting new members, recapturing the magic of the Tiger Woods’ boom, renovations, Topgolf, twists on the game or a litany of other topics. Here are a few statistics to aid your discussions about the game.
9. Building Trust in the Boardroom – (January)
Many clubs struggle to build and sustain trust in the board and the club’s governance. Find out what trust-building actions can club boards take in the untrusting times.
10. Congress Hears Your Voice on Capitol Hill – (May)
As part of National Golf Day, the National Club Association (NCA), joined by the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), went on Capitol Hill to discuss key issues for the private club and golf industries with some of the nation’s highest-ranking leaders. Here are some highlights from the meetings.