EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S TURF A Mission - A Strategic Plan - A Commitment to the Future

TPI’s commitment to the future is best stated in its new mission statement: “Promoting the global environmental benefits and use of turfgrass through education and research.”

More than words, TPI’s new mission statement, adopted on July 28, 2016, by the Board of Trustees, serves to underscore the association’s commitment to its members on what will soon be a half-century of dedication and stewardship on the part of TPI members worldwide; be they turfgrass producers, manufacturers, suppliers, researchers or turfgrass Extension Specialists; their individual and collective dedication, innovation and commitment have dramatically revolutionized turfgrass production and the products they provide.

Te board also adopted a strategic plan. Its fundamental purpose is to advocate natural turfgrass while identifying the association’s core values of Trust, Innovation, Collaboration, Stewardship, Inclusiveness and a commitment to Service.

Each step in the process will serve to ensure TPI’s continued success in providing its members with service and support to drive their business, educate consumers and promote awareness of the environmental benefits of natural grass worldwide.

In looking to the future the strategic plan also took into consideration key drivers of change such as environmental issues and regulations, consumer education, efficiencies in both labor and machines, acknowledging demand, the availability of labor, conveying an increased awareness of advancements in technology and data, profitability, and a sensitive awareness of competition from alternative products.

With heightened mindfulness and focus, TPI plans to engage all turfgrass producers in research and promotion, and as a result, strive to achieve successful growing operations. And through stewardship and effective communication, help communities achieve outdoor

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Sandy Reynolds

environments that result in better water quality, a greater awareness of conservation, and encourage healthy lifestyles through the promotion and use of natural turfgrass.

Te goals set forth by the board address three primary components that include:

Goal 1: Environment

Gain the trust of the public and government agencies by educating them on the environmentally positive benefits of natural turfgrass.

Goal 2: Consumers

Provide consumers with access to knowledge and research so they can make an informed choice recognizing natural turfgrass as the best surface for sports, recreation and open spaces.

Goal 3: Members

Effective communication so as to ensure TPI members gain value through access to expanded research, collaboration, education, benefiting from promotion and consumer education.

Te board has proposed numerous step-by-step strategies to address these primary goals over the next three-to-five years. Trough their effort, foresight and leadership, each step in the process will serve to ensure TPI’s continued success in providing its members with service and support to drive their business, educate consumers and promote awareness of the environmental benefits of natural grass worldwide. It also serves to reinforce the subhead theme of TPI’s 50th Anniversary: “Celebrating Our Past, Inspiring Our Future.”

Until next time,