EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S TURF TPI—Meaningful Impressions

As a twenty-two year veteran of the association management industry I have had the opportunity to work with a good number of associations both large and small over the years. Te clients I have served reflect a wide spectrum of unrelated industries and such a diversified mix of clients has provided me with the opportunity to meet assorted professionals including independent distributors, franchise owners, small business owners, officers and employees of major corporations, successful entrepreneurs, etc. While each association is different in any number of ways, they all have one common denominator, they all strive to serve their members as best they can and provide the service and support that will make their members learn, prosper and grow.

...they all strive to serve their members as best they can and provide the service and support that will make their members learn, prosper and grow.

So what, if anything, is different about TPI from these other associations? Teir goals and mission statement, with the exception of a few thoughtful words, are somewhat similar. Much like TPI they all have a commitment to their members. And like TPI they use due diligence to keep operating expenses within reason while maximizing the benefits they strive to provide.

Having had the opportunity to

serve TPI over the last eight years my very first impression of the

members remains a lasting one—it is the character of the people. TPI members really are a family.

4

Sandy Reynolds

Having had the opportunity to serve TPI over the last eight years my very first impression of the members remains a lasting one—it is the character of the people. TPI members really are a family. Sure, it may sound cliché, but there is a closeness and caring within TPI that sets it apart from so many other associations. Over the years I have seen members reach out to warmly greet new members and make them feel welcomed. I have seen friendships develop and grow into warm and caring relationships. TPI members often travel and vacation together. Teir families grow together. And time and time again I have seen members reach out during a time of need to help one another.

When Chip and Shari Lain of Pine Island Turf Nursey in Pine Island, NY, saw their farm devastated by Hurricane Irene and submerged under as much as six feet of water they received calls of support. Chip reported that his phone rang every day with calls of advice and concern over how they were doing. Chip would later write, “Te tremendous support we have received from our TPI friends has been inspirational.” When Bob Weerts of Blue Valley Sod Farm in Winnebago, MN, suffered a fire a TPI member manufacturer provided him with a harvester so he could continue to harvest while insurance claims were being filed. And most recently, when Charlie Oliver of Oliver Sod Farms in Macomb, Michigan, suffered a heart attack, fellow competitor and TPI member, Gary Kogelmann, of nearby Kogelmann’s Creek-Side Sod Farm, made arrangements to harvest Charlie’s sod so the farm could meet the orders Charlie had to fill.

Tese are just a few of the many stories that leave a meaningful impression on what sets TPI apart from other associations. As a TPI member you are surrounded by friends and families who care about you and your family. Sure, we all have businesses to run but in the end it’s really all about family, both your own and your extended family known as TPI.

Until next time,

TPI Turf News July/August 2016