In the early 1920s, club managers recognized the impact clubs had on the American way of life and the need for a professional association for managers of these clubs. A Boston group pioneered the movement to establish such an association limited to that geographic area. Detroit and New York managers followed and established two organizations, one for city club managers and one for country club managers.

By February 1927, the first annual meeting of these groups took place in Chicago, IL, where the organization and bylaws were created for what is now the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA).

From 1927 to 1949, all business operations were handled by the Association’s elected officers. The first National Headquarters opened in 1949 in St. Louis, MO; 10 years later, the Association moved operations to its current location in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

The Club Managers Association of America represents and responds to the needs of all its members and is a strong and effective advocate for professionalism in club management. CMAA strives to meet all managers’ expectations and provide them with the resources needed to be successful in the club industry. In addition to the benefits, services and resources available, the Association annually draws upon hundreds of its members to participate on national committees, task forces and in focus groups. These members willingly contribute their time and energy toward enhancing the effectiveness of the Association for the mutual benefit of all members. CMAA member committees are charged with the responsibility of shaping creative ideas into new programs, which must be approved by the national Board of Directors and implemented by the national staff. Also, the committees are responsible for working with and providing direction to the 50 CMAA senior chapters and the approximately 40 student chapters and colonies throughout the world.

Overview

The Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) is the professional Association for managers of membership clubs. With close to 7,000 members across all classifications, our manager members run more than 3,000 country, golf, city, athletic, faculty, yacht, town and military clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote and advance friendly relations among persons connected with the management of clubs and other associations of similar character; to encourage the education and advancement of its members; and to assist club officers and members, through their managers, to secure the utmost in efficient and successful operations.

The Association’s Club Foundation supports the advancement of the club management profession.The Club Foundation sponsors research, funds industry education programs, provides financial assistance to educational institutions and awards scholarships to outstanding students interested in the club management profession.

CMAA’s budget is $8 million. The staff numbers 40. There are 50 senior chapters and 40 student chapters and colonies, both in the United States and abroad.

Member Club Facts and Figures:

Club Type and Location:

• 80 percent of CMAA members’ clubs are golf and country clubs
• 13 percent of CMAA members’ clubs are city clubs.
• 68 percent are IRS classified tax-exempt 501(c)(7) organizations

Club Income:

• Gross revenues equaled $10.16 billion for all clubs in 2003.
• Food and beverage revenues equal $3.26 billion.
• The average club income is $3.98 million.

Club Employees:

• Clubs employ more than 263,188 employees.
• Club payrolls equal $4 billion.
  

Club Outreach Programs:

• Clubs raised $300 million for charities in 2003.
• In 2003, clubs gave a total of $10.4 million in student scholarships.
• Most of CMAA’s 50 chapters sponsor scholarship funds.

Economic Impact of Clubs:

• The average club spends $1.4 million in the local community.
• The average club spends $2.11 million within the state as a whole.
• Overall, club operations generate $4.38 billion for state economies
  around the country.
• A typical club pays $131,848 in property taxes.