The 19th Annual African American Golfers Hall of Fame Leadership Conference, Golf Skills Camp & Tournament, Reception, Awards Dinner Celebration, Auction, and 13th Annual African American Collegiate & Youth Golfers Hall of Fame took place in Palm Beach County, Florida, from May 25-29, 2023. Organized by Inner City Youth Golfers’, Inc., based in Riviera Beach, Florida, the event celebrates and honors the history and accomplishments of African Americans and other significant supporters who have contributed to the growth of golf since the early 1800s, according to Founder and President Malachi Knowles.
Among the distinguished honorees recognized was accomplished businessman James “Jim” Beatty. Beatty, a seasoned executive serves in a number of prominent roles, including as Executive Editor of African American Golfer’s Digest, CEO of Jim Beatty Golf Ventures, and the Founder/Organizer of the African American Golf Expo & Forum. He also serves as the President of NCS International, a firm based in Omaha, Nebraska, that assists global companies and economic development organizations in creating job opportunities and generating investments. Beatty has over forty years of business experience and said, “The induction into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame is not the culmination of my activities but an affirmation and commitment to keep pursuing change in the golf industry that directly benefits the game and increases opportunities for people of color.”
Jim Beatty Golf Ventures (JBGV), established in 2018, is an Omaha-based golf promotion and management firm dedicated to developing and organizing golf-related events and forums for unique markets. JBGV’s mission is to highlight the economic impact of golf by showcasing job opportunities, careers, and supply chain prospects. Their activities include tournament planning, executive forums, economic development meetings, and other specialized opportunities to promote the industry and the game of golf.
The African American Golf Expo & Forum, launched in 2020, has attracted over 1,000 attendees thus far. The event, held in Atlanta, GA (2020), Charlotte, NC (2021), and Louisville, KY (2023), has had an economic impact exceeding $1 million. This historic gathering involves the participation of major golf institutions, manufacturers, associations, and organizations, bringing together the golf industry and leaders from the African American golf community.
Beyond his contributions to the golf industry, Beatty’s NCS International has successfully completed over 300 projects, earning a solid reputation in corporate site selection, economic development, and business development. His distinguished career spans the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Africa. With a track record of placing over 30,000 jobs representing more than $3 billion in investment, Beatty has been recognized as one of the top 20 economic development professionals in the United States. His expertise has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and other major business and economic development publications. Additionally, Beatty has authored several books and articles on economic development and site selection.
Beatty’s commitment to golf and diversity has earned him the title of “Golf Pioneer” by the Global Golf Institute. He has also served on the boards of the NIKE TOUR, Hogan’s Junior Golf Heroes (now the FIRST TEE of OMAHA), and the Golf 20/20 Diversity Task Force. Beatty’s extensive board service includes organizations such as the National YMCA.
An esteemed speaker, Beatty has delivered keynote speeches at notable events, including the National Governors Association, The Aspen Institute, IEDC, American Economic Development Council, National Telecommunications Cooperative, National Rural Electric Cooperative, Appalachian Regional Commission, Southern Economic Developers Association, The National League of Cities, and various state economic development associations.
Beatty’s commitment to community service is evident through his involvement in numerous boards and organizations. He has served as Chairman and President of the Omaha Junior Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Urban League of Nebraska, Chairman of the Durham-Western Heritage Museum, Executive Committee member of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Vice-Chairman of the Nebraska Economic Development Commission, Vice Chairman of the United Way of the Midlands, and Vice-Chairman of the Omaha Metro Area Transit Authority.
For his exceptional contributions, Beatty has received numerous awards and accolades, including induction into the Nebraska Junior Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame, Omaha Jaycee Hall of Fame, Durham-Western Heritage Hall of Fame, and Urban League of Nebraska Hall of Fame. He has also been honored with the Paul Kersenbrock Humanitarian Award, recognizing his extraordinary dedication and service to others as an alumnus of Doane University. Beatty, a graduate of Doane University in Crete, Nebraska, with a major in mathematics, remains an avid golfer.
The entire AAGHOF 2023 Class of Honorees includes:
Howard Bankhead, Huntsville, Alabama
James R. Beatty, Omaha, Nebraska
Dolores C. Crowley, Cincinnati, Ohio
Bruce Gilmore, Vienna, Virginia
Quincy L. Leonard, Montgomery, Alabama
Mark N. Lowry, Gilbert, Arizona
Jason Malone, Bingham Farms, Michigan
Lindsey Mason, Sterling Height, Michigan
Essie McGhee, Montgomery, Alabama
Demetrius Scott, Detroit, Michigan
Michael A. Smith, Las Vegas, Nevada
Adrian Stills, Pensacola, Florida
Angela Suggs, Tallahassee, Florida
Tiffany Nicole White, Chicago, Illinois
Posthumously
Earl C. “Buddy” Leonhardt, Cincinnati, Ohio
