Upper Midwest CMAA Chapter

This past Monday was a powerful return to The Club at Golden Valley with the Upper Midwest CMAA Chapter, diving deep into the #SMaC Recipe for Leadership! In today’s fast-changing world, leadership isn’t about reacting to every challenge—it’s about having a structured yet adaptable approach that withstands uncertainty. Through Jim Collins’ SMaC (Specific, Methodical, and Consistent) Recipe, we explored how resilient organizations build long-term success by focusing on clear, repeatable principles. Some key takeaways from the session: ? Success isn’t luck—it’s built on discipline and execution. ? Consistency beats chaos—organizations that stick to core principles thrive. ? Resilience comes from adaptability—staying methodical doesn’t mean being rigid. We examined real-world examples like Southwest Airlines, Netflix, and even Blockbuster’s downfall, highlighting how sticking (or failing to stick) to a well-defined SMaC Recipe can determine success or failure. Attendees walked away with their own charge, ready to apply these principles to their clubs and teams. Shoutouts to Rollie Carlson, Bridget Eckert, CCM, and Taylor Ashworth, CCM for their leadership. #CMAA #UpperMidwestCMAA #Leadership #SMaCRecipe #Consistency #ClubManagement #ProfessionalDevelopment

?? Celebrating the #CMAA Rally Towel with the Upper Midwest Chapter! ?? At our March 17th meeting at The Club at Golden Valley, we proudly joined in the CMAA Rally Towel initiative, introduced at the recent CMAA World Conference by 2025 CMAA Chair Richard LaRocca, CCM, CCE. Chair LaRocca encouraged all CMAA members and chapters to embrace the spirit, strength, and unity of our incredible community. This movement is about sharing who we are, what we do, and how BIG our impact is across the globe. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and continues to make this chapter such a vibrant part of the club industry. Let’s keep the momentum going! ???????♂? #CMAA #ClubManagement #Leadership #ProfessionalCommunity #UpperMidwestCMAA #StrongerTogether

?? Join Us for the Annual Food & Beverage Symposium! The Upper Midwest Chapter of CMAA is thrilled to invite you to an exciting day of learning and networking at the Annual Food & Beverage Symposium, presented by Sysco, at Mendakota Country Club on Monday, April 14, 2025! This premier event brings together top industry leaders to share best practices, innovative strategies, and leadership insights designed to elevate your club’s operations. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to club management, this symposium offers actionable takeaways to drive excellence at your club. ?? Register today via the mobile app or contact Rollie Carlson at [email protected]. Earn 6 CMI credits and gain insights that will transform your club’s F&B operations. See you there! #CMAA #UpperMidwestChapter #FoodAndBeverage #ClubManagement #Networking #ProfessionalDevelopment

Breaking Barriers: The Women Redefining Leadership in Private Clubs The private club industry is evolving, and women are leading the way! From general managers to CEOs, female leaders are reshaping the landscape, bringing fresh perspectives, innovation, and inclusivity to private clubs. ?? The Club Management Association of America (CMAA) saw its female membership grow over 1,740 in 2024! More than 266 of these women hold executive roles like GM, CEO, or COO. ???♀? Female golf participation is rising too! In 2023, there were 6.4 million female golfers—a 15% increase since 2019, highlighting the importance of fostering inclusivity and representation in the sport. ?? Trailblazing leaders like Kristen B. LaCount, CCM (The Country Club), Bridget Eckert, CCM (Town & Country Club ), and Terra Waldron, CCM, CCE (Desert Mountain Club) are setting new standards in club leadership and inspiring the next generation of club professionals. The future of private clubs is diverse, inclusive, and innovative—and these women are leading the way! Who are the women in private clubs that inspire YOU? Tag them in the comments! ?? #WomenInLeadership #PrivateClubs #BreakingBarriers #ExecutiveWomen #PrivateClubs #LeadershipInClubs #CountryClubs

MREF 2025 is in the book and what a ride it was! Insights, networking, bourbon, and enough club management wisdom to make your head spin ?? HUGE shout out to Kathy Collins and Rollie Carlson for pulling it all together. Seriously, the level of work behind the scenes was unreal, you two deserve a standing ovation...And probably a vacation ?? Big thanks to these chapters for participating and bringing their energy ?? Greater Illinois Chapter Club Management Association of America ?? Iowa Tall Corn Chapter CMAA ?? Upper Midwest CMAA Chapter ?? Wisconsin Badger Chapter, CMAA ?? Greater Michigan Chapter, CMAA ?? St. Louis District CMAA We covered everything from mastering club finances w/ Tom Olson to fixing time management disasters w/ Jenna Piché, vetting your members w/ Paul Dank, CFE (Kennis Member Vetting) to elevating leadership style w/ Kent Julian, CSP. Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE gave us the state of the association and Elisha S. Cicerone, CCM had my favorite session on turning your club events from meh to MUST ATTEND! We learned all about club branding with Derek Sussner and how to remember names, facts, and important details with Ron White Memory Expert Nick Weir knocked it out of the park with Music City Live on the first night! Loved reconnecting with old friend and making a bunch of new ones! The people and the networking was really a highlight. Next one is in 2027, if this year was any indication you won't want to miss it!

Last week I was able to attend the 2025 Midwest Regional Educational Forum in Chicago. This amazing event brings together a large group of club management team members from throughout the Midwest every two years. We enjoyed fantastic education, great networking opportunities, an excellent club business expo, and some outstanding entertainment Sunday evening, all tied together by the talented emcee Denny Corby. Kudos to everyone involved including our guest speakers/presenters/hosts and chapter directors. Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE, Denny Corby ??, Tom Olson, Kent Julian, CSP, Elisha S. Cicerone, CCM, Jenna Piché, Ron White Memory Expert, Derek Sussner, Luke Cella, Paul Dank, CFE, Nick Weir, Kathy Collins, Rollie Carlson, Jeff Schenkel, CCM, Colby Newman, Wisconsin Badger Chapter, CMAA, Greater Illinois Chapter Club Management Association of America, Upper Midwest CMAA Chapter, Iowa Tall Corn Chapter CMAA

Celebrating Women in Club Management! A Message from Chapter President Bridget Eckert, CCM On International Women’s Day, I am honored to recognize the incredible women shaping the future of Club Management—those who lead with passion, inspire with vision, and support one another in this ever-evolving industry. As President of the Upper Midwest Chapter of CMAA, I am proud to be part of a community where over 40% of our Chapter members are women—a number that continues to grow. Women have long been trailblazers in CMAA, including Linda Carroll, CCM, CCE, a past CMAA National President. Today, I am privileged to work alongside so many dedicated and talented women, and I take great pride in ensuring leadership opportunities continue to expand for future generations. CMAA has made remarkable strides in supporting women in leadership, and our Fearless & Fearless Female Leaders?workshops are just one example of how we champion women’s roles in Club Management. To all the women making an impact in this industry—your leadership matters, your voice matters, and your contributions shape the future of our profession.?We celebrate you today and every day. Let’s continue to empower, mentor, and lift each other up. Tag a woman in Club Management who inspires you! ?? Bridget Eckert, CCM President, Upper Midwest Chapter of CMAA Assistant General Manager, Town & Country Club #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInLeadership #CMAA #FearlessLeadership

Join the Women in Club Management Community March 12 for a conversation around The Power of Mentorship: Guidance, Growth, and Success! We'll be joined by mentor/mentee pairs who will share their personal experiences and development gained from their mentorship experience. Visit the WCM Community on CMAA Connect to learn more: https://ow.ly/CtVH50V7TkR

We’re honored to have Paul Dank, President of Kennis, speaking at the Midwest Regional Education Forum (MREF) in Rosemont, IL! This sold-out event is bringing together CMAA leaders and private club professionals to discuss industry best practices—including club vetting and membership screening strategies. As clubs continue to refine their membership processes, fact-based vetting is becoming an essential tool in protecting club culture, strengthening communities, and reducing risk. Paul will be sharing key insights on how clubs can make smarter, data-driven membership decisions in today’s evolving landscape. A big thank you to the sponsoring chapters Greater Illinois Chapter Club Management Association of America, Upper Midwest CMAA Chapter, Wisconsin Badger Chapter, CMAA, Greater Michigan Chapter, St. Louis District Chapter and Iowa Tall Corn Chapter for putting together such an impactful forum! #MREF2025 #CMAA #ClubVetting #PrivateClubs #Kennis #BetterClubs

ATTENTION Midwest Regional Education Forum (MREF) attendees: Watch this exclusive preview by our talented Emcee, Denny Corby ??, to discover what exciting experiences await you at this year's event happening March 2-4, 2025! Special thanks to all sponsoring Chapters; Greater Illinois Chapter Club Management Association of America, Wisconsin Badger Chapter, CMAA, Upper Midwest CMAA Chapter, Greater Michigan Chapter, St. Louis District Chapter and Iowa Tall Corn Chapter! Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE Tom Olson Kent Julian, CSP Little Owl Entertainment Nick Weir Elisha S. Cicerone, CCM Jenna Piché Ron White Memory Expert Derek Sussner Luke Cella Paul Dank, CFE Dr. Kevin Daley, Kathy Collins Rollie Carlson Tammy Carter Rheanne Kinney, CCM, Laura Hodges