He offered the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf Courses Program, the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program, the Golf and the Environment Initiative facilitated by the Center for Resource Management and research programs supported by the USGA and GCSAA.

 "I don't know of many industries that have been as proactive as golf has been in ensuring that its practices are compatible with the environment," Black said. "We will harness that momentum and address the matters that come from the planning session. In the end we hope to see behavioral change through the development and implementation of best management practices."

Among those attending will be officials from Great White Shark Enterprises, a multi-national corporation headed by PGA Tour professional Greg Norman primarily focused around golf and the golf lifestyle. Greg Norman is a trustee with The Institute and will chair its advisory council. In addition, representatives from the USA Golf Association, the Environmental Protection Agency, golf course superintendents, golf course architects, Center for Resource Management, Audubon International, Committed to Green Foundation and Arbor Day Foundation will attend.

"This is a talented, diverse and committed group of individuals," Black said. "I am confident that we will engage in a well-thought out and comprehensive discussion."

Black also indicated that outcomes of the session would be shared with the public shortly after its completion.

The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic arm of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), is a joint effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. In January 2003, The Institute evolved from The GCSAA Foundation, originally established in 1955, with a new name, mission and focus. The Institute will concentrate on delivering programs and services involving information collection, research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course.

Des Moines Area Community College, "Bears", compete in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference and the National Junior College Athletic Association.

You know, I was in Cleveland the other evening. I helped kick off the International Children's Games. And I was standing up giving this welcoming address, and right to my right was a group of young girls from Afghanistan. They were part of a soccer team, a young girls soccer team.

The college was created in 1939 in response to a community pressure for a local college, it was first known as Bismarck Junior College. Enabling legislation provided for the establishment of junior colleges had been passed by the 22nd Legislative Assembly in 1931.

Danville Area Community College is a public 2 year institution situated in Danville, Illinois. The College opened in 1946 and has grown into an independent school serving over five thousand students each year in over 1,500 unique courses.