Why Golf and the GIA are important
Whether you play or not, golf is one of the key contributors to our state's economy and to the exceptional lifestyle we enjoy as Arizonans. As a whole, the golf industry contributes well over $3.4 billion to Arizona's economy each year, provides nearly 20,000 jobs to local residents, brings thousands of visitors to our state and significantly contributes to the beauty and value of our communities.
The GIA represents everyone with an interest in the health of Arizona's golf industry - including players and visitors to our state. However the organization primarily is comprised of golf course owners, operators, developers, tourism managers, golf course superintendents, allied professional associations and other professionals with ties to the business of golf. The GIA is lucky to count among its charter members many of the most influential members of Arizona's golf community.
Despite the significant contributions of golf to Arizona's way of life, many public issues have the potential to threaten the health, quality and prosperity of the golf industry in our state. This is specifically why the GIA is so necessary. Working on behalf of Arizona's entire golf industry, the GIA seeks to effectively communicate the concerns, opinions and benefits of the golf community to the Arizona legislature, its regulatory agencies, its communities and its citizens.
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Blue Ribbon Panel on Water Sustainability
The Purpose of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Water Sustainability is to advance water sustainability statewide by increasing reuse, recycling, and conservation to protect Arizona's water supplies and natural environment while supporting continued economic development and to do so in an effective, efficient and equitable manner.
The Goal of the Panel will be to provide recommendations to the Executive on statute, rule, and policy changes. The Panel created five Working Groups to facilitate discussion of issues and development of recommendations for water sustainability amongst a broader spectrum of stakeholders and technical advisors. The Working Groups have collectively held over 40 meetings since February of 2010 and have identified several issues for further research and recommendation.
To learn more about the Blue Ribbon Panel and their latest meetings, Click here
Arizona Budget Forecast
Arizona will continue to experience significant budget deficits for at least the next two fiscal years. In fact, the Arizona Joint Legislative Budget Committee forecasts that revenues will not return to 2007 levels until after 2015. The recession and the disintegration of the Arizona real estate market has exposed serious weaknesses in the basic budget structures Arizona has relied on during the past 30 to 50 years.
To learn more about the Arizona Budget crisis is affecting the golf industry, Click here
Employer Sanctions and SB1070
Immigration continues to be a heated issue in the Nation with Arizona playing the role of a significant battlefield. Multiple states are in the process of adopting legislation similar to Arizona’s SB1070.
To learn more about how SB1070 relates to the golf industry, Click here
