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Time to Get Back Out in the Field

Mark Brogan, CTCB

ASBA Chairman

Ahhhh, Spring. Time for the phone to start ringing again and time to get back out in the field. Actually, as mild a winter as we had, the phone never stopped ringing for many of us. Let’s hope the first quarter is indicative of the kind of year we have in store.

You should have recently received an invitation to participate in a comprehensive membership survey being conducted by a third-party, Industry Insights. The response we got from our membership was phenomenal. It is rewarding to see how much interest you/we have in the Association. The Board will be reviewing the composite results of the survey in great detail this summer at our July board meeting. We will be looking at what is working; what is not working; and the

suggestions you’ve made for constructive changes. Thanks in advance for taking the time to contribute to this process. Your input is appreciated.

One of the programs that we have seen grow and prosper in recent months is the certified builder program (CTCB, CTB and CFB collectively). A full 40% of ASBA builder members now have a certified builder on staff. Recognition of the certified builder program is gaining in the marketplace, and builders continue to pursue the designation at a record pace – a testament to its value for our businesses.

We continue to work with USTA on promoting youth tennis and the “10 and under” tennis format. As we start the season resurfacing courts, please remember to encourage facility owners to include the blended lines for 10 and under play. The effort is much larger than a single job or two for any one of us – it’s intended to help grow the sport of tennis and to generate interest among a whole generation of up-and-coming players – more work for all of us!

Our editorial board volunteers have been busy this past winter/spring. The new Tennis Courts: Construction and Maintenance manual is expected to be in circulation by the end of April; and the new Running Tracks: Construction and Maintenance manual is expected to be in circulation by the end of May. Advanced orders are being accepted now at discounted rates. Contact Cynthia Jordan at ASBA headquarters to place your order. Many thanks to the ASBA volunteers who have contributed to this editorial process over the past year!