May 22, 2025
Professional Development
Meet the Wellness Summit Keynote Speaker Aaron Golub
Are you ready for CMAA’s 2025 Club Wellness Summit at Quail Creek Country Club in Naples, FL, July 28-31?
This Summit is designed for club wellness professionals and club leaders who are interested in learning about how to integrate a variety of wellness offerings into their clubs—don't delay!
Keynote speaker Aaron Golub became the first legally blind division one athlete to play in a game when he played football at Tulane University and is now a professional speaker, entrepreneur, and consultant.
Aaron will dig into the art of effective communication, building a cohesive team environment, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
Hear Aaron speak on Wednesday, July 30 at the Club Wellness Summit.
Join Us Online in August for the Virtual Membership & Marketing Summit
Registration is open for the 2025 Membership & Marketing Summit—happening virtually August 5–6!
This dynamic two-day event is built to have an immediate impact on how you design and deliver the membership experience at your club.
- Best practices
- Real-life success stories
- Practical, actionable insights
Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your club’s strategy.
I Heard It Through the Grapevine: BMI Wine & Food Experience Is Heading to Washington
Explore the new old world of wine at the BMI Wine & Food Experience, September 28-October 3, in Walla Walla, WA. As the unofficial capital of Washington wine country, Walla Walla is home to more than 120 wineries, a nationally recognized culinary scene, access to an abundance of outdoor recreation, and an arts and entertainment scene that rivals cities many times its size.
BMI Wine & Food offers a robust agenda of tastings and experiences curated specifically for club management professionals. Experience behind-the-scenes insider tours at key wineries and learn about all aspects from cultivation to serving. In addition, there will be two free evenings to explore local restaurants, the local arts scene, and shopping opportunities.
Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious beginner, this will be an experience you won't soon forget! Spaces are limited.
Elevate Your Game at the HR Summit
Connect with peers, share your experiences, and learn from industry experts, August 12–14 at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club in Savannah, GA! The Human Resources Summit is the annual event designed specifically for hospitality professionals interested in focusing on the club’s people and culture.
Education will address the unique needs, challenges, and priorities of anyone leading a team and provide maximum opportunities for networking and collaboration.
The event is presented in partnership with Club Benchmarking, a CMAA Executive Partner.
Membership and Member Benefits
President & CEO’s Perspective: Advocacy & National Golf Day
In this month’s vlog, CMAA President & CEO Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE, recaps the 2025 National Golf Day experience and details the relevant advocacy issues facing the club industry.
CMAA Announces Passing of 1988 President G. Mead Grady, CCM
The Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Past President G. Mead Grady, CCM, on May 8, 2025. A treasured member of our community and a dedicated industry leader, Mead’s passing is profoundly felt across the Association and the broader club management profession.
Mead began his lifelong hospitality career in hotel management and his club career began in 1952. He managed private clubs in Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin before becoming the General Manager of The Commerce Club in Atlanta in 1981 and remained there until 1996 when he was appointed General Manager of Peachtree Golf Club. He retired from the Peachtree Golf Club in 2008.
A visionary and a mentor to many, Mead was a champion for CMAA and the club management profession He held leadership roles in CMAA Chapters in Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Georgia. He was among the first in the profession to earn the Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation in 1965 and was admitted to CMAA’s Honor Society in 1980. He chaired many national committees, served on the National Board of Directors, and led the Association as National President in 1988. Hia commitment extended to service on The Club Foundation Board of Governors and the Georgia State University Industry Board.
Do You Need to Transfer Chapters?
Have you recently moved to a new club within a new Chapter boundary and need to transfer Chapters? If so, we have some good news for you! The Chapter Transfer process is all online! Simply fill out the online form and when you submit it, it will go to the correct Chapter and National contacts who will begin processing your transfer.
There’s Still Time to Apply for These Funding Opportunities
Two student-centered scholarships from The Club Foundation are due June 1, the Joe Perdue Scholarship, which provides tuition to undergraduate students pursuing a career in the club industry, and the Student Chapter Grant, which provides funds to support participation in the annual World Conference by the student chapter’s designated representative. There is still time to apply!
Upcoming Deadlines
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Faculty Research Grants |
Faculty - hospitality faculty at an accredited, four-year institution |
August 1 |
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Sally Burns Rambo Scholarship |
Managers - Female Club Managers - professional development |
September 1 |
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John and Andrea Dorman Scholarship |
Managers - professional development for leaders who are not yet serving in the role of GM/COO. |
September 1 |
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James B. Singerling Scholarship |
Managers - First-time CMAA World Conference attendees |
October 1 |
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Warren Arseneaux Honorary Scholarship |
Managers who are also Wine Society Members |
October 1 |
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DeLozier Family Scholarship |
Emerging leaders who are not currently GM/COO level |
October 1 |
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LaRocca Family Executive Scholarship |
Managers - Club Managers and their Mentees - professional development |
November 1 |
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Willmoore H. Kendall Scholarship |
Managers - Club Professionals/Managers/Assistant Managers seeking their CCM |
November 1 |
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Chapter Workshop Grant |
Chapters - application to receive funds to support chapter education programming |
December 15 |
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Chapter Award Grants |
Chapters – New Member Recruitment, Chapter of the Year, Chapter Idea Fair awards in the form of education grants |
end of year |
Learn more and apply on The Club Foundation Apply page. Or call the Foundation at 703-299-4284.
Support the Mission of The Club Foundation
The Club Foundation accepts donations year-round to fund scholarships and programs including those above. Will you consider donating today?
You can give in several ways:
- Online donations
- Text CLUBS to 41444
- Planned Giving (IRA, estate, DAFs, etc.)
For Students
Graduating Soon? Send Us Your Graduation Photos!
We want to celebrate YOU! If you’re graduating this year, don’t forget to submit your graduation photo to goodnews@cmaa.org. Selected photos may be featured on our website and social media—it's a great way to show off your accomplishment and be recognized by the CMAA community.
Make the Most of Your Student Membership
All the information you need—including submission forms, deadlines, and eligibility criteria for scholarships and awards programs—is available online. Take a moment to explore what’s available and make the most of your CMAA membership.
Stay connected, stay involved, and keep building your future in club management. We can’t wait to see what’s next for you!
Features
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Featured Discussion: Using AI |
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Featured Jobs: |
Resources
What Clubs with Rooms Need to Know about the FTC Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has introduced new rules mandating clear disclosure of pricing and add-on fees, effective May 12. Clubs that offer short-term lodging are subject to the new rule and should review their practices to ensure compliance.
New Culinary Training Courses Now Available on CMAA’s Club Resource Center
Calling all ACF Chefs and those striving to be! Boost your skills with ACF-approved online learning! CMAA’s Club Resource Center (CRC) now hosts 23 culinary courses from Escoffier Global. Earn continuing education hours in culinary, plant-based cooking, baking & pastry, holistic wellness and more. Some of the courses include:
- Culinary Essentials
- Baking and Pastry courses
- Cooking for Holistic Wellness
- Plant-based courses
- Introduction to the Kitchen
The CRC subscription brings you a broad scope of online interactive training courses for all your club’s staff. Start learning today! Contact Bob Gould for a full CRC course list or more information.
Trends and News
The 2025 Tax Bill: What’s In & Out for Clubs?
On May 13, the US House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee issued its highly anticipated tax package. The proposed measure features the extension of several expiring tax cuts passed in 2017 and new tax reductions designed to help families and workers. It is balanced with several new taxes and fees to offset some of the costs. The massive, 400-page package proposes new federal exemptions for tip and overtime income and does not add broad tax increases for non-profits. Changes are expected before the proposed legislation is considered by the full House of Representatives and the US Senate.