Lawrence Club to Start Referral Program

In an effort to boost membership, the will reward members and businesses that refer new patrons to the village owned facility.

"Tennis and golf are struggling nationwide," said Leo McMahon, general manager of the country club. "Younger people aren't flocking to tennis and golf like they used to."

Existing members and businesses that are partnered with the club will now get 25 percent of a new member's first year dues for referring that person. Individuals will get that amount in credit, while businesses will get cash. The referral program will be unveiled to the public in about seven days.

The two programs were approved by the board of trustees at their monthly meeting last Thursday. The trustees also authorized a 20 percent discount for people ages 21 to 35 on a tennis membership at the club.

Board members said the referral program gives an incentive for friends to convince their friends to join, and the village and club will benefit if the new member stays with the club for years. As of the meeting, details of the program had yet to be worked out. The club still needed to draft the forms that prove that the new member was in fact a referral.

"I'm really excited about this program," McMahon said. "This could really help us a lot."

Other things discussed by the board:

• The trustees approved free parking during the holiday season.
• Trustee Michael Fragin expressed concern about "exploding" pension costs that the village will be paying over the years. The costs are currently at 13 percent and could go up to 22 percent within the next few years. "It will impact this village and our budget and costs significantly."
• Fragin also said that the Long Beach Fire Department is now handling dispatch for the department. He said that it was a "smart move" by outgoing Chief Michael Sasso.