Charleston, S.C. (October 13, 2020) - The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) is pleased to announce its involvement in the first African American Golf Expo & Forum (AAGE&F). The event, scheduled for February 20-23, 2021 at the Marietta Hilton Hotel and Conference Center in Atlanta, seeks to “promote the game, the business, the industry, the careers and the opportunities in golf to African Americans” and other communities currently underrepresented in the sport. It will feature sessions on topics ranging from golf programs at historically black colleges and universities to supplier diversity opportunities as well as 20,000 square feet of exhibition space reserved for minority-owned/focused businesses and organizations.NGCOA is sponsoring and will present educational programming related to golf course ownership. “We’re excited that NGCOA came on as our first sponsor, and we look forward to NGCOA playing a dual role in our first Expo & Forum,” said Jim Beatty, founder of AAGE&F, president of Jim Beatty Golf Ventures, executive editor of the African American Golfer’s Digest and chairman of the WE ARE GOLF Diversity Task Force Recreational and Competitive Play Committee. “Our attendees will greatly benefit from NGCOA’s business expertise and guidance. We want to increase the ownership of golf courses and other venues among African Americans and NGCOA will help achieve that goal.”This new partnership not only puts NGCOA in a better position to help the business of golf — especially as it relates to supporting currently underrepresented populations in golf with revenue-positive course ownership — it is also a tangible demonstration of the organization’s commitment to a more diverse and inclusive sport. "In order to see real progress in the business of golf,” said NGCOA CEO Jay Karen, “industry stakeholders need to walk down many paths together. This sponsorship and education-sharing allows us to take a significant step, but rest assured it is only one of many ahead. I look forward to collaborating with Jim and with my fellow industry allied organizations on helping improve the business we love.”To underscore its aim to drive diversity, equity and inclusion activities that serve the business of golf, NGCOA has also developed a Diversity & Inclusion Center on its website. Golf course owners and operators will find information on minority-owned and/or -focused businesses, organizations, publications and programs as well as resources for building and maintaining a healthy culture of inclusivity in their own organizations.For more information about the AAGE&F, please visit aagolfexpo.com.###About the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA)NGCOA is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management. The association represents and promotes the interests of golf courses as the principal businesses and economic assets of the game of golf. The not-for-profit organization is the only trade association dedicated exclusively to golf course owners and operators. Through advocacy, education and information resources, purchasing programs and networking opportunities, the NGCOA helps golf course owners and operators run more successful businesses. Learn more at ngcoa.org or call 800-933-4262.About Jim Beatty Golf Ventures LLCJim Beatty Golf Ventures LLC is a golf promotion and management firm engaged in developing and producing golf-related venues and forums focused on unique markets. Activities include tournament planning, executive forums, economic development meetings and other specialized opportunities to promote the industry and the game of golf.