CLUB MANAGEME NT ASSOCIAT ION CA NA DA 2022 CLUB OF THE YEAR NOMINATION
ALONE WE CAN DO SO LITTLE TOGETHER WE CAN DO SO MUCH HELEN KELLER 1 London Hunt and Country Club Nomination
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT An institution in the London community for 138 years the London Hunt and Country Club is actively involved in many of the region s largest fundraising events Each year the Club is privileged to host the Big Brothers Big Sisters Gala Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area has championed youth health and wellbeing for over 50 years stepping in before it s too late so all children can reach their full potential This is done through mentoring programs that match children facing adversity Littles with a caring adult volunteer Bigs Funds raised from the annual gala contribute to the programs overhead cost allowing Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area to reach and leave a positive impression on as many children as possible This is just one example of how the Club as a venue gets involved in assisting charities reach their goals The truth is because of the philanthropic culture of our club community most of the local charities are championed by members of our Club either as Chair volunteer or supporter In addition to offering our exceptional facilities to outside organizations the London Hunt and Country Club membership supports a designated local charity annually at the Men s and Women s Christmas Parties Each September the Club invites members to propose a deserving local charity to be the recipient of proceeds raised at the Men s and Women s Christmas Parties that December Applications are submitted and voted on by the Board of Directors Please see below for the list of our deserving charities and funds raised fluctuating depending on the number of members and guests in attendance over the last five years Kids Kicking Cancer Dunn with Cancer Camp Oochigeas Big Brothers Big Sisters 2022 2021 2019 2018 TLC2017 7 402 08 8 951 01 14 330 36 17 224 94 9 069 16 Complimenting the Club s charity work is the investment the London Hunt and Country Club makes in the future leaders of the hospitality industry through our strong relationship with Fanshawe College General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Jon Nusink was honored in the past to author four courses currently being taught in the Club Management Program and one in the Hotel Management Program and previously taught part time for 5 years In 2022 he served on the College s Hospitality Advisory Panel which he has been a member of since 2005 assessed the course curriculum served as a mentor for four aspiring students and was a guest presenter for two of their classes Jon maintains a close relationship with the program Chair offering valuable input where he can and touring the Golf and Club Management Students annually for their Facilities Maintenance class Michael Hearse Director of Clubhouse Operations also resides on the Golf and Club Management Program Advisory Committee for Fanshawe College He was a guest speaker for a class in December sharing not only his insights on the industry but his own personal career path and journey In the past the Club has offered a scholarship to a deserving Fanshawe College student in the hospitality sector London Hunt and Country Club Nomination 2
THE GOAL OF LIFE IS LIVING IN AGREEMENT WITH NATURE ZENO ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Whether it s on the course in the Clubhouse or part of the dialogue among the membership the London Hunt and Country Club prides itself on being a steward of the environment Our commitment to the environment is evident the moment members and guests enter the gates to 275 acres of property most of which is greenspace To maximize enjoyment of the property and nature Director of Agronomy and Grounds Jayson Griffiths and his team maintain cross country ski trails and walking trails during the winter months This access to the course and property 12 months a year instills an appreciation for the natural environment that influences decision making whether it be deciding to walk versus taking a cart or refilling a reusable water bottle versus purchasing water in single use plastic bottles The most significant investment the Club has made in recent history in reducing our environmental footprint was the approval of a new irrigation system In August 2022 work began on the golf course to install a new top of the line irrigation system Previously if only one small spot needed water three or four sprinkler heads would have to run Now the irrigation system can operate targeting select areas at a lower water consumption which is easier on the irrigation heads valves pipes and pumps This means longer life expectancy less power requirement less wasted water less need for chemicals and fertilizers and greater efficiency 3 London Hunt and Country Club Nomination
In addition to the Club s efforts on the course and surrounding property management has continued to reduce its ecological impact through paperless statements bill payments and quarterly member magazines In 2022 Director of Clubhouse Operations Michael Hearse partnered with Green Cricket for high quality products with natural ingredients that are healthy and safe for member use in the Clubhouse washrooms and locker rooms while also being eco friendly London Hunt and Country Club Nomination 4
A GUEST NEVER FORGETS A HOST THAT TREATED HIM KINDLY HOMER 5 London Hunt and Country Club Nomination
HOSTING AN EXCEPTIONAL EVENT As an extension of the irrigation installation previously noted the London Hunt and Country Club took the opportunity to make changes to the existing golf course Designed in 1958 by Robert Trent Jones and renovated by his son Reese Jones in 2000 the Club engaged Michael and Chris Hurdzan to analyze the existing course and provide insight and expertise into areas of opportunity for change These changes which began in 2022 and will be completed in 2023 will create a versatile course providing the capacity to host a PGA or LPGA competition in the future For example the championship length from the black tees was 7 249 which while acceptable presented less challenge today with longer hitting equipment than that same length or equivalent length did back in 1960 when the course opened Opportunities for additional back tees were addressed presenting an option not an obligation to be exercised during competitive events The London Hunt and Country Club has a history of hosting exceptional events Several important championships have been held at the London Hunt and Country Club over the years including the Canadian Amateur Open 1930 1938 1954 2010 the Canadian Ladies Amateur Open 1953 1980 the Canadian Women s Open 1993 2006 2014 and the Canadian Open 1970 The Club is currently in discussion with Golf Canada to host both the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women s Canadian Open before the end of the decade The course also achieved worldwide recognition in 1969 when it was featured in the Shell s Wonderful World of Golf series and national recognition in 2018 when it played co host to Hockey Canada s Golf and Gala fundraiser event meeting the criteria as a Top tier course with clubhouse for 350 golfer reception The London Hunt and Country Club s hosting abilities don t end on the golf course In 2022 The Club hosted the Gordon Trophy an annual tennis competition between the United States and Canada that was started in 1949 to encourage camaraderie and competition amongst the highest caliber of tennis for players 45 and older Additionally in 2022 and annually the London Hunt and Country Club hosts the ITF Seniors Tournament which draws some of the top players aged 35 and up to the Club s ten professional Har Tru clay courts for five days of competition London Hunt and Country Club Nomination 6
GOOD LEADERS DEVELOP IDEAS GREAT LEADERS DEVELOP PEOPLE THE BEST LEADERS DEVELOP NEW LEADERS BOBBY UMAR LEADERSHIP IN DEVELOPMENT In 2022 the London Hunt and Country Club embarked on two considerable journeys the commencement of a Golf Course Master Plan project and the presentation of a Restaurant Master Plan project Both projects took extensive planning expertise and most importantly leadership These traits were highly demonstrated in 2022 by Jon Nusink General Manager and Chief Operating Officer and Jayson Griffiths Director of Agronomy and Grounds Jon s ability to think strategically while remaining open minded flexible and confident in 2022 while presenting the Restaurant Master Plan for member approval and the initiation of the Club Course Master Plan project were key to the success of both projects In addition to the leadership Jon showed during the construction and presentation of the previously noted projects Jon has mentored numerous employees who have gone on to become managers of other clubs during his time in the club industry including Brad Adams Sunningdale Golf and Country Club Michael Hearse Sarnia Golf and Country Club and Matt Kerr Highland Golf Club 7 London Hunt and Country Club Nomination
Jon s confidence in the Golf Course Master Plan project can be largely attributed to Jayson s expertise Despite the demands of maintaining the Club s top 20 nationally ranked golf course and surrounding grounds in 2022 Jayson not only took on a significant role with the Golf Course Master Plan Ad hoc Committee but embraced every element of the process Jayson s knowledge and insight is not only valued by the London Hunt and Country Club membership but by his peers both nationally and internationally London Hunt and Country Club Nomination 8
THE PURPOSE OF LIFE IS TO CONTRIBUTE IN SOME WAY TO MAKING THINGS BETTER R F KENNEDY 9 London Hunt and Country Club Nomination
CMAC CONTRIBUTION A long time contributor to the Club Management Association of Canada London Hunt and Country Club hosted a branch meeting on Golf Course Renovations on October 31 2022 highlighting work taking place at the Club Additionally Michael Hearse CCM is the Vice President of the Southwest Ontario Chapter of CMAC and has previously held positions on both the National and Branch Boards Jon Nusink CCM CCE has also spent significant time on the National and Branch Board in the past Both Michael and Jon have been Chair of National Conferences held in London Ontario with the London Hunt and Country Club being host to the President s Dinner in 2019 The London Hunt and Country Club believes that industry education and participation is crucial to the growth of its Managers and Team Members and as such continues to invest in Memberships for Michael Hearse CCM Jon Nusink CCM CCE and Pete Willems Furthermore brings several Team Members to each Branch event held throughout each year London Hunt and Country Club Nomination 10
COMPETENCE GOES BEYOND WORDS IT S THE LEADER S ABILITY TO SAY IT PLAN IT AND DO IT IN SUCH A WAY THAT OTHERS KNOW THAT YOU KNOW HOW AND KNOW THAT THEY WANT TO FOLLOW YOU J C MAXWELL CLUB MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES FINANCE While the Club continued to face some long covid impacts in terms of banquet bookings expenses were very well managed and revenues exceeded budget and 2021 Despite inflation and a minimumwage increase 2022 concluded with 1 504 689 in net revenue continuing to maintain a strong balance sheet MEMBERSHIP AND MARKETING Interest in membership remained high throughout 2022 with the Club enjoying a robust waitlist consisting of 57 approved applicant families at the close of the year Now in an enviable position of having a waitlist representing a 3 4 year wait the Club will turn its attention in 2023 to ensuring that the families on the waitlist stay engaged and feel connected to the Club for the duration of their time on the waitlist 11 London Hunt and Country Club Nomination
SPORTS To enhance the Club s current offerings of golf tennis trap and skeet and fitness 2022 was the first year the membership enjoyed the addition of pickleball as an amenity In early 2022 Adam Baranowski Director of Racquet Sports attended a pickleball certification clinic in Ottawa with his two assistant tennis pros With their tennis background understanding and learning the sport came naturally and although they were certified Adam felt it was necessary to hire someone with experience and a passion for the game After many months of going through the interview process meeting potential candidates in person as well as on Zoom he found someone that would be a perfect fit and exceptional pickleball resource to the membership Her passion enthusiasm and energy were undeniable Carolyn Stevens joined the team and went to work organizing leagues clinics and events to introduce pickleball to every age and ability at the London Hunt and Country Club and participation has been rising ever since London Hunt and Country Club Nomination 12
GOLF Much has been noted of the Club s investment in the Golf Course Master Plan that began in August 2022 While this plan required as noted a great deal of expertise and planning the construction was not the only success story in golf in 2022 With the knowledge that parts of the course would be handed over to KCM the general contractor for the project Jayson Griffiths Director of Agronomy and Grounds and his team and Chris Lawson Director of Golf and his team had their work cut out for them to condense a full golf calendar into three months Despite the tight timelines a full calendar of events was enjoyed by the membership with our Club Championships wrapping up July 31 2022 R E C R E AT I O N Children s PA Day Camps were a first at the Hunt Club in the fall of 2022 The Fitness Centre was happy to host these camps keeping members children active stimulated and entertained for the day The children were happy to take part in cooking classes where they made their own lunch such as build your own pizza and design your own salads but most of their energy was exerted in the fun fitness classes where children built on their teamwork strengths competitive attributes and athletic skills This offering is an extension of the annual summer camps the Club hosts for Junior members weekly in July and August providing an opportunity to introduce young members to all the amenities the Club has to offer while keeping them active throughout the summer months WELLNESS In 2022 the Club introduced a Next Level Training Program designed for women 40 This program was designed specifically and tailored to each woman in the program with emphasis on changes throughout the stages of life and how to adapt and change workout routines to optimize these changes This 8 week program included two workouts a week based on recent research guest speakers who addressed nutrition pelvic floor strength how to help the hormonal changes that occur during this life stage and plenty of helpful information to carry into everyday life This program was a huge success reaching capacity quickly and prompting a modified version for men that included a men s only workout and health related talks by guest speakers in 2023 Other areas the London Hunt and Country Club enhanced member wellness in 2022 was the organizing the expansion of wellness services including RMT Athletic Therapy and Dieticians which all launched in early 2023 because of the leg work done in 2022 DATA ANALYTICS ANNUAL SURVEY RESULTS 2022 marked the 7th edition of the Club s annual Member Satisfaction Survey It was completed by 545 respondents at the end of November and December and conducted by GGA Partners Based on the results provided by GGA Partners the Club continues to rank among the top clubs in North America in terms of member satisfaction which supports our vision to be one of the premier private golf and country clubs in Canada offering an exceptional total membership experience Overall the results were very positive with 87 of respondents indicating that the Club is meeting their expectations which is at the high end of the industry benchmark GGA reports that overall satisfaction remains at the top of the benchmark range for Canada s top clubs Results show we remain in an envious position where almost all aspects of the Club are within or above benchmark ranges including all aspects of the Golf Shop Operations Golf Course Conditioning Fitness Clubhouse and Tennis Pickleball Operations The Club s communications are reported to be the highest in North America according to GGA with 97 of respondents claiming that the Club communicates effectively and 99 answering that the weekly 13 London Hunt and Country Club Nomination
email communication provides adequate information The intention is to continue this satisfaction survey annually to allow consistent benchmarking and collection of data driven feedback Which in turn serves as a launching point for the Board to direct Management s efforts in each year s updated version of our Strategic Plan and departmental goals and objectives INVESTING IN STAFF The Club recognizes that quality staff are vital to the Membership experience and will hire develop and reward the best people available In 2022 the Board of Directors added the new strategic pillar Be an Employer of Choice to ensure it attracts and retains the best key staff who in turn deliver and excellent member and employee experience Also in 2022 the Board commissioned a compensation review with GGA Partners to ensure the Club was paying our best people the best rates In addition to the compensation review the Club award s two 1000 scholarships to staff each year organizes various training and covers professional fees for our CPGA Pros Director of Finance General Manager Director of Clubhouse Operations and Bar Manager Another way the Club aims to be an employer of choice is by annually sharing the opportunity for our members to contribute to a gratuity fund to be shared amongst locker attendants starters back shop cleaners grounds maintenance and others working behind the scenes employees who do not share in food and beverage gratuities This program is embraced by our members who in 2022 donated 45 850 to be shared among our deserving staff Creating an environment that can be considered an employer of choice means listening to and engaging our staff which is successfully accomplished through our annual employee engagement survey and the efforts of our employee engagement committee who plan and execute a variety of social events each year London Hunt and Country Club Nomination 14
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THE LONDON HUNT AND COUNTRY CLUB FOR THIS AWARD