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anniversary in 2017 2000-2009

Te JCB Factory was a stop on the pre-conference tour during TPI’s 2003 Midwinter Conference in Birmingham, England. 2003

Twenty countries were represented at TPI’s 2003 Midwinter Conference held February 26-28 at the Hyatt Regency in Birmingham, England, the first to be held outside North America. Pre-conference tours visited London, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and the JCB factory, a manufacturer of agricultural and construction equipment. Educational Session I featured a panel of international members discussing variables in worldwide turf production. Session II featured presentations and discussions on water concerns. Te banquet and live auction, benefitting ITPF, were held at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Attendees were “piped” into the dining room by appropriately-attired Scottish bagpipers.

TPI’s 2003 Summer Convention and Field Day took place July 22-25 at the Dayton Crowne Plaza in Dayton, Ohio. Field Day Host was Green Velvet Sod Farms where Randy Tischer, his family and staff welcomed 887 participants. Pre-convention tours visited the Scotts Company biotech greenhouse facilities, Lavy Sod Farms and Scarff’s Nursery. Te President's Leadership Award was introduced in 2003, with the first recipient Art Campbell, Campbell Sod, Rossville, KS.

TPI’s April press coverage hit a record of nearly seven million people with 121 articles in 105 publications. Year- to-date placements totaled 328 articles in 325 consumer and professional publications, with combined circulation of over 20 million.

Te Board of Trustees authorized a task force to study 80

artificial turf. TPI joined the turf initiative in seeking a $35 million Federal Research Fund through the U.S. Agricultural Research Service (ARS). TPI teamed with other key associations to form the Green Industry Association Water Task Force. TPI’s Eighth Study Tour visited Spain and Portugal.

2004

TPI’s 2004 Midwinter Conference was held at the DoubleTree Resort in Santa Barbara, California, February 17-21. Educational topics ranged from labor issues to agronomic issues. Te goals of the newly- formed Evergreen Foundation were discussed, as TPI was a member. Tours included Pacific Sod, the Santa Barbara Polo Club and an agricultural vegetable site. An expanded Honors and Awards program was announced introducing the Distinguished Service Award, and its

Tis foursome is definitely enjoying their day on the course during the ITPF Memorial Golf Tournament fundraiser at the 2004 Summer Convention in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

TPI Turf News November/December 2016