I hope everyone has had a great year at EACC. The golf season was so enjoyable— well-organized and fun league play on the best maintained course in Western New York; sold-out tournaments with perfect weather and flawless organization; a variety of fun events in the clubhouse; the emergence of pickle-ball as a club activity and so much more. We have also made facility and staffing improvements that will have impact for years to come—the new South patio, the beginning of the big clubhouse renovation, the opening of the halfway house, the TVs in the bar, the bunkers replacement on the front-nine, the dumpster corral fence replacement, the further renovation of Hole #10, the transformation of the Business Office and our financial management capabilities with Don Cook’s arrival and so many other less visible efforts. All of this activity is evidence that the club is investing in its future in a disciplined and strategic manner.
When I was simply a member enjoying my golf and social time, I did not appreciate the extent of the partnership between our small but dedicated management team and the many members who give personal time and resources toward these efforts. I encourage all members to serve a term with the Board to see what I have seen. You will then understand even more why this is a unique country club. You will see the range of issues the Board of Directors engages on your behalf and the ways the Women’s Board of Directors organize member-wide events and beautify club facilities; you will learn how retired members with design and construction management expertise drive a $2M+ construction program at no cost to the club saving tens of thousands of dollars in expense that would fall to you if not for their efforts; you will see members organizing leagues and advising staff on course improvements and golf/social event formats; you will see staff with full-time responsibilities already finding the time and energy to implement the many projects completed this year.
It is easy to be president of a club that has this strength of leadership and community and such dedication to its own betterment. The president is often just the cheerleader lending support where necessary to these efforts. I am leaving this role proud of what we have accomplished but more so proud of how much we care about each other and how hard we have worked together to become the best club we can be.
We are on the threshold of the new year and I am sure it will be even better than 2022. In 2023, we will open our renovated clubhouse and complete the bunker work begun this year. We are all fortunate to have Dan Flaherty beginning his term as your president and three new Board members—Joe Jackson, Pat Byrns and Jeff Ensminger—to offer timely new perspective. I know you will give them the encouragement and support you have given me and your 2022 Board of Directors.
I hope you will come out to the club on December 10 at 11am to attend the annual member meeting. A number of us will present to you a state of the club report and Dan will talk about what is in store for the 2023 year. We will look forward to your questions and suggestions for the future as well.
I have enjoyed serving as your president this year. I have so appreciated the dedication of our Board of Directors and our management team, led by Dave Jones and Drew Thompson. I have also appreciated when so many of you have stopped me with questions and observations and your willingness to help. Every exchange has been a pleasure and evidence of a community always seeking to improve. I will never forget this experience and now look forward to 2023 and the new ways the club will show its great character.
Happy Holidays and best to all!
Sean Sullivan
“You must expect great things from yourself before you can do them”
–Michael Jordan