| News for the private club industry |  |
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- Number of rounds played jumped 5.7% in 2012
Fair weather and high consumer confidence gave golf course managers a lot to be thankful for in 2012: rounds of golf increased 5.7% through the year, the biggest year-over-year gain in the new millennium. Golf courses in the northern half of the country experienced the largest gains, averaging 9.5% more rounds. NGF Dashboard
(2/2013)     
| Trend Watch | | |
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- Higher expenses challenge restaurateurs' profitability
Restaurateurs who are feeling the pinch of rising expenses for gas, utilities and foods such as beef and corn are looking for ways to cut costs so they don't have to hike up prices. Jeff Good, owner of three restaurants in Jackson, Miss., is buying more local goods and offering specials to draw attention to non-beef meals. "[Raising menu prices is] absolutely the last thing for a successful restaurant to do,” says Good. “We don’t want to violate that (customer) trust.” The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson, Miss.)
(2/16)
- Luxury brands see growing U.S. demand
Wealthy Americans are spending on luxury again, and Chinese tourism is on the rise, driving brands including Hermes, L'Oreal and Burberry to make plans to invest in U.S. markets, executives say. "The stronger economy and loosening of visa restrictions for the Chinese mean that business this year will benefit from both affluent locals and tourism," said consultant Milton Pedraza. The Wall Street Journal
(2/13)
| On the Green | | |
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| Operations & Membership Management | | |
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- Health care law may cause higher premium costs
As the Affordable Care Act nears full implementations, several concerns are arising that could impact the law's effectiveness. Smaller businesses might start taking advantage of a loophole in the Affordable Care Act exempting employers that self-insure from many of the law's requirements, experts say. If too many employers self-insure, insurance marketplaces will be left covering the sickest and most expensive patients. At the same time, the law's requirements for more comprehensive, affordable coverage for older, sick Americans create the prospect of significant premium increases for younger customers -- potentially driving up costs for many consumers. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
(2/17), Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model)
(2/18)
- Budget cuts will impact food production, elevate prices
Hefty budget cuts, which are set to begin on March 1, are likely to significantly boost beef, pork and poultry prices as the administration prepares for food inspector layoffs. Without the inspectors, production plants would be temporarily unable to open, potentially stopping 5 billion pounds of food from making it to the market.
“This is going to adversely affect every consumer in America,” said Sen. Mark L. Pryor, D-Ark. The Washington Times
(2/14)
| NCA News | | |
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Rescheduled: Wellness Services in the Modern Private Club
Due to a technical issue, the Wellness Services in the Modern Private Club webinar has been rescheduled for Feb. 28 at 2 p.m.
Chris White of WTS International will provide valuable information for clubs considering the addition of wellness services and programs, or for clubs that already have such programs and wish to learn the industry’s best practices. Topics will include methods of securing member support for new programs, fostering interdepartmental cooperation, attracting professional wellness services staff, and targeting new customer groups.
Find out more about this webinar or register.
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Registration is open for 2013 National Club Conference
The National Club Association is excited to announce that registration is now open for our landmark 10th annual National Club Conference in Boca Raton, Fla., from April 28 to 30. The National Club Conference provides private club leaders an unparalleled opportunity to learn from expert speakers about a wide range of key topics while establishing important professional connections. Don't miss out -- register today!
Find out more about the conference or register.
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