EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S TURF IN WITH THE NEW
Melanie Stanton
“And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been.” —Rainer Maria Rilke Happy New Year to everybody! As we launch into a new year, I’d like to both reflect on some of the programs that TPI introduced—or reinvigorated—in 2015 and provide preliminary information about new programs that we anticipate will roll out in 2016.
Programs that had been dormant for a few years are active again: The Lawn Institute is actively seeking turfgrass research projects that will make turfgrass farming more efficient. We are also recognizing deserving individuals and industry leaders through TPI’s Honors & Awards program. Honoring those who have devoted their time, energy and knowledge to our industry is important; we strive to recognize the pioneers who have shared useful information and provided ideas from which we have all benefited and who have inspired the next generation to do the same.
With the November/December 2015 issue of Turf News, TPI introduced the magazine in digital format, to complement the print format. We hope this will make it easier for business owners to share the informative and entertaining articles in the magazine with everybody on their farm and in their office. Plus, the digital magazine is accessible from any computer or mobile device, so it will be easier for you to take it with you to read and reference, wherever you may be traveling!
TPI also launched a new membership campaign: “Together We GROW Stronger.” We encourage all of our members to be proponents for TPI and to help our member base grow. The campaign provides materials you can share with prospective members: your peers (and friendly competitors), suppliers, customers and university Extension Specialists. Help TPI spread the word about the many tangible and intangible benefits that being a member offers.
In April, we collaborated with the National Association of Lawn Care Professionals to market “April Is…National Lawn Care Month.” The campaign promoted the benefits that lawns provide to homeowners and communities, reaching more than 331,000 people around the world. We are happy to announce that TPI and NALP are already working together to develop the 2016 campaign. You will be able to read more about the positive impact of “April Is…National Lawn Care Month” in the TPI March/April E-newsletter.
Also in 2016, TPI will be launching a redesigned website that will provide information in a more streamlined format, as well as new features. As part of the redesign, we are introducing an online learning platform that will provide free access to educational sessions captured during the 2016 International Education Conference & Field Day. We are introducing the online TPI Turfgrass Education Center as a no-cost member benefit to make it easier for members to access new research and business management tools.
At the conference in Houston, the Public Relations Working Group will launch what we hope will become an annual tradition: a TPI Volunteer Project! TPI members who will be in the Greater Houston area on Friday, February 26 are invited to participate in a local Habitat for Humanity building project. All Seasons Turf Grass and TPI’s Field Day exhibitors are donating the turf harvested during Field Day for this charitable endeavor. Habitat for Humanity and Project EverGreen are coordinating volunteers and, if you are interested in participating, send an email to
info@TurfGrassSod.org and write “Houston Volunteer Project” in the subject line.
Your TPI board and staff members are excited about offering these programs to you this year and hope that our members share our enthusiasm. Once again, Happy New Year. May 2016 bring you and your family much joy and good health.
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TPI TURF NEWS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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