Focus on lifestyle helps spur membership at Branch River

Herald Times Reporter

BRANCH — Branch River Country Club has had a strong six months in attracting new members Patrick Berndt, its general manager said Thursday.

When he joined the club in April it had 146 membership units — singles, couples, families, juniors or college students. "We're now at 202," Berndt said.

The growth has come at a time that many country clubs across the U.S. are experience membership declines.

Berndt said the directors of Branch River C.C., with an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool and trap shooting, have taken a proactive approach during a recessionary economy.

"After facilitating consumer focus group discussions in the corporate, individual and family membership segments, it became clear the needs of our members transcend the economics," said Paul Wallander, BRCC president.

"Member focused services and programming will be the key to our mission going forward in 2010 and beyond," Berndt said.

A key emphasis is to help families find the quality time missing from today's overscheduled family.

In Kidz Club children experience movie nights, cooking classes, art projects, nature walks on the club's 60-acre grounds.

Parents can take part or enjoy a relaxing dinner or golf while the club's activities team leads the kids.

A campfire ring was installed this past summer for the use of Kidz Club, families, and corporate retreats.

"Members give us a call and we have the fire lit with all the fixings for a great night at the bonfire," said Kristi Meneau, activities director. We'll set them up with pudgy pies, hotdogs, s'mores, and beverages."

No golf but winter activities

Winter programming will include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, sledding and inside events like Packer parties, trivia golf and pub quiz.

The club's corporate focus group identified opportunities to take advantage of Berndt's background in corporate training program in sales and continuous improvement.

Branch River can set up meetings, retreats and services with Berndt assisting in team building and facilitation of corporate meetings and retreats.

Shaun Rezachek, golf operations director and head pro, has developed a wide range of lessons for youth and adults.

"Our Junior Golf Program, a six-week course, was attended by over 60 children this year," he said. "Early enrollments for next year indicate the program will easily surpass 2009."

The club hosts 0open tournaments and fundraising outings.

New memberships categories help address the financial needs of today's families, corporations, baby boomers and the individual golfer.

Prices start at $1,200 for the individual golfer and $1,800 for a family. Social and dining memberships start from $50 to $300, which makes the club available for weddings and banquets. Branch River offers volume discounts to corporations and their employees.

Branch River Country Club, 3212 Union Road, (920) 684-3319.

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