countdown to tpi’s 5oth

anniversary in 2017 2010-2016

70 delegates from Australia attended TPI’s 2014 Conference in Orlando, FL. 2014

TPI’s International Education Conference & Field Day was held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Orlando, Florida, February 24-28. Te over 700 attendees, representing 185 farms and 51 suppliers, reflected improvements in the turfgrass market and the economy in general. Fourteen countries were represented, including 70 delegates from Australia. New Executive Director Melanie Stanton addressed TPI’s goals of closer alliance with green industry associations and stronger promotion on the benefits of turfgrass. Conference education included Show & Tell presentations and sessions covering agronomic issues, operational management and marketing. TPI's Turfgrass Educator Award of Excellence was presented to Ali Harivandi, environmental horticulturist emeritus, University of California extension. Te Memorial Golf Tournament, raffles and a hula hoop contest raised funds for TLI. Interaction between sod producers and suppliers were highlights in the Exhibit Hall and throughout the Field Day hosted by Bethel Farms, Sumterville, FL.

Te Ritz Carlton was headquarters for TPI’s Summer Convention and Field Days held July 28-August 1 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Golfers played Cobb’s Creek Golf Club during TLI’s Memorial Golf Tournament. Tours visited Sheppard Farms, Cedarville, New Jersey; Coombs Sod Farms, LLC, Elmer, New Jersey; the South Philadelphia Sports Complex home to major league teams—hockey’s Flyers, basketball’s 76ers, baseball’s Phillies and Lincoln Financial Field, home of football’s Eagles; and the NovaCare Complex, the home of the Eagle’s practice fields. Educational sessions addressed key industry issues, including artificial turf versus real grass. Eddie Keeven, Jr., Emerald View Turf Farm, O’Fallon, MO, was installed as TPI’s 2014-2015 President. Johnson Farms, Deerfield, New Jersey, hosted the Field Day. Seven teams of six racers rose to the Trike Race challenge, generating more funds for TLI.

TPI joined Twitter and LinkedIn to complement its Facebook presence, better connect with members and reach a wider audience. TPI opted to change from two annual conferences to one—the TPI International Education Conference & Field Day—to be held in January or February each year.

2015 Teams prepare for the Trike Race Fundraiser. 26

Te TPI 2015 International Education Conference & Field Day was held February 16-19 in San Diego, California, headquartered at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. TLI’s fundraising events included the Memorial Golf Tournament, Trike Races and a Wine Pull. Te optional San Diego City Tour visited Old Town San Diego, Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Seaport Village and included a San Diego Bay harbor cruise. Conference sessions ranged from inspirational to technical agronomic issues, effective marketing and operational management. Will Nugent, Bethel Farms, Arcadia, FL, was elected TPI

TPI Turf News January/February 2017