TUCSON EDUCATION SESSIONS AVAILABLE NOW ON TEC


Did you miss one of the outstanding educational sessions at the 2018 International Education Conference & Field Day? Or would you like to review content from one of the presentations you attended? You can see the 2018 sessions, as well as many from the 2016 and 2017 conferences, on TPI’s Turfgrass Education Center (TEC), posted on the TPI website www.TurfGrassSod.org. Check out these highlights of the 2018 Education Conference as provided by TPI Associate Executive Director Karen Cooper.


“Meeting the Challenges of Leadership in Today’s Workplace,” presented by Lynda Pinnington, PhD, Pinnington Training & Development. Your workforce is one of your biggest assets as a company. A motivated, hard-working, happy staff will help your business be more successful. Dr. Pinnington’s presentation addressed how to solve some of your most pressing staff-related challenges by creating a better working environment, improving employee engagement and motivation, attracting and retaining good employees, and understanding how generational differences impact the workplace and working relationships.


Ty Bennett’s dynamic presentation provided strategies and techniques to increase the leadership and overall commitment of your people.


“Partnership Is the New Leadership,” presented by Ty Bennett, CEO, Entrepreneur, and Best-Selling Author. Over the last five years, a survey of more than 5,000 leaders asked what they wanted from their people and the answer was, consistently, commitment. Commitment is formed through a leader’s approach to building relationships, providing value, creating buy- in, and communicating with influence. In his dynamic presentation, Ty Bennett used case studies of leaders and organizations whose culture and growth is built through partnership-based leadership. Te takeaway: You will be armed with proven strategies and techniques to increase the leadership and overall commitment of your people.


“Who Dun-it? Fraud and Ethics in the Workplace,” presented by R. Kevin Cross, CPA, Author, Financial Counselor, and Federal Tax Expert. Just as the FBI utilizes the knowledge of former criminals, this session provided an opportunity to glean from a convicted fraudster. Tis interactive presentation about fraud and ethics in the workplace was provided by an individual who embezzled thousands of dollars from his employer (the


52


Broward County Sheriff’s Department), got involved with the Mob, and spent time in prison for his crime before changing his ways and becoming a CPA.


Te interactive presentation on avoiding fraud by R. Kevin Cross was an eye-opener for attendees.


“Ain’t Nuthin’ Like the Reel Ting: Natural Turf versus Synthetic Surfaces,” presented by John Sorochan, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Plant Science, University of Tennessee. One of the leading issues in our industry is a comparison between natural and synthetic surfaces. Tis realistic discussion about the benefits and challenges of natural turf vs. synthetic surfaces was provided by Dr. John Sorochan, a member of TPI’s research committee and international consultant on sports field performance, who serves as the Advisor on Field Safety and Performance for the NFL Players Association. “Why My Sod is Better: Communicating the Value of Natural Turf,” Dr. Sorochan’s second session provided details on the science and technical facts that can help convince officials and buyers in your area that natural turf is the best solution for their needs.


“An Overview of Technology Tools Available for Sod Producers,” presented by Douglas Karcher, PhD, Professor of Horticulture, University of Arkansas. Dr. Karcher presented an unbiased, research-based assessment of some of the new tools and technologies that are being marketed for sod producers, including: moisture management tools, smartphone apps, and the use of drones for remote sensing to assess general turf health and stress. He addressed what works, what doesn’t, and what you can do with the information gained through these tools.


Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout,” presented by Lisa Goatley, MS, LPC, Te Cascade Group Blacksburg, VA. Turfgrass producers face a multitude of stressors in their professional lives. It’s difficult to meet the expectations of your clientele, and even yourself; the uncertainties of Mother Nature create stress; budgetary and labor limitations are problematic; long and uncertain hours are hard; and balancing family demands creates conflicting priorities. Setting boundaries around work life and family life can be difficult in a family business. Tis presentation addressed techniques to assist you in managing stress to avoid burnout.


Photos by Steve Trusty TPI Turf News May/June 201801


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68