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countdown to tpi’s 5oth Compiled by Suz Trusty

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 2000 to 2009—is the fifth 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.”

Weather was ideal for the 2000 Field Day at Ray Turf Farms in Spokane, Washington. 78 TPI Turf News November/December 2016

2000-2009 2000

anniversary in 2017

Te 2000 TPI Midwinter Conference was held February 8-12 in downtown San Antonio, Texas, at the Adam’s Mark Hotel near the famous Riverwalk. Multiple educational sessions focused on changes in the business world and society and their impact on sod producers. Te Hodges/Haydu presentation on “Market Expansion Strategies” updated their ongoing research project, which was funded in part by the International Turf Producers Foundation (ITPF). Another presentation addressed the internet and e-commerce. Te issue of water use as it affects turfgrass sod sales was another dominate theme. ITPF initiated a $500,000 “WATER RIGHT” campaign to support water-related research and education. Te first annual ITPF Al Gardner Memorial Golf Outing was held. Conference tour sites were: Milberger Landscaping, Bladerunner Farms, and Tomas Bros. Grass/Turfgrass America, where turfgrass root washing of big roll sod was demonstrated.

TPI’s 34th Annual Summer Convention and Field Day was held July 18-21 at the Double Tree Hotel in Spokane, Washington. Ray Turf Farms, Spokane, served as Field Day Host. A total of 775 individuals, representing 222 firms, were registered. A pre-convention Dryland Seed Production Tour and tours of Jacklin Seed and the Travis Foundry were additional highlights of the program. Earl Stack, Pacific Sod, Camarillo, CA, was elected TPI 2000-2001 President.

Turf News editor Wendell Mathews retired after 22 years of service to the magazine. TPI hired Bob O’Quinn as its first Manager of Communications to edit the magazine and other TPI publications. A four-color brochure, “Share Te Water,” was introduced to help sod producers and other green industry professionals address the water issue. TPI’s Seventh Study Tour visited South Africa and Zimbabwe. Te first turf farm in Russia—Russkie Gasoni—became a TPI member.

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