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Compiled by Suz Trusty
countdown to 2010-2016 2010
Te American Sod Producers Association (ASPA) was officially established on July 11, 1967. (It was renamed Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) in 1994 to better reflect the international scope of the association.) Tis article—covering 2010 to 2016—is the last decade-by- decade review of the growth of the association, leading up to the 50 & Fabulous Anniversary Celebration.
Much of the information covered in the “50 & Fabulous–Countdown to TPI’s 50th Anniversary” series of articles was drawn from the History of Turfgrass Producers International, which was developed for the 40th Anniversary of TPI. It was edited by Dr. Wendell Mathews, former editor of Turf News, and Walt Pemrick, TPI president 1983-1984. Among the others assisting with historical documentation, was Dr. James B Beard, and his “Evolution of Turfgrass Sod,” is included in the publication.
Te 40th Anniversary book drew on material included in the 25th Anniversary book, titled Turfgrass: Natures Constant Benediction, which was co-edited by Janice Betts and Dr. Wendell Mathews. Both books acknowledge and thank the multiple contributors of information and photos. A quote from Turfgrass: Natures Constant Benediction sums up not only the compilation of historic background, but also the development of the association,
“Together, all of us have done what one person could not accomplish.”
Te TPI Logo flies high in the sky over the Field Day site. 22 TPI Turf News January/February 2017 tpi’s 5oth anniversary in 2017
Te TPI Midwinter Conference held February 1-5 at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, drew 351 attendees. Eighty-seven turfgrass sod farms from 11 countries were represented. A copy of the “Benefits of Turfgrass” DVD was distributed to attendees and would be mailed to all members after the conference. Te DVD is part of Te Lawn Guide—Pocket Folder, along with companion brochures, designed as a marketing tool for members to use when making presentations to their clients and potential clients. During a special joint meeting of the TPI Public Relations Working Group and the Artificial Turf Working Group, plans were made to review and update the booklet, Natural Grass and Artificial Turf: Separating Myths and Facts.
While some faced the challenging Makalei Golf Club during the TLI Golf Tournament Fundraiser, others opted for the Grand Circle Island Tour. Stops included the Royal Kona Coffee Museum, Volcanoes National Park, and Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and the opportunity to see the protected Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, Akatsuka Orchid Gardens and other Big Island scenic wonders. Te Wednesday afternoon Kona Coffee Farm Tour included the 20- acre Kona Joe’s coffee farms and the Uchida Coffee Farm and Museum. Te broad range of educational offerings included Show & Tells, panel discussions and the Roundtable Forum.
Te Sheraton New York, in New York City was the hub of TPI’s Summer Convention and Field Days, July 25-29. Tours visited Reid Sod Farm and Rutgers University turfgrass research plots, both in Adelphia, New Jersey. Rutgers turfgrass research programs are among the longest running in the U.S. with 35,000 research plots spanning over 200 acres. Te evening concluded
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