IA UPDATE
Meet Randy Wood, IA’s new president
At the close of the 2022 Irrigation Show and Education Week, Randy Wood, president and CEO of Lindsay Corporation, Omaha, Nebraska, became president of the Irrigation Association. Wood has served on the IA Board since 2018 and took over for John Newlin, CIC, CIT, CLIA, who served as the 2022 IA president.
Wood talks about the challenges that ir-
rigation professionals face currently and how the Irrigation Association can support the in- dustry in an online Q&A.
What do you see as some of the biggest opportunities currently for the Irrigation Association?
I look at the opportunities for the industry, we’re obviously going to continue driving di- alogue on issues connected directly to water,
whether it’s water use efficiency, water use policy or the value of green space. I know we can be a larger player in areas that are more intrinsically linked to water, like climate change, carbon sequestration and technology adop- tion. I don’t think we can separate water from these broader issues. Te farm bill is obviously a big one for ag on a national scale, but I think
we know that the expanding drought is going to really impact legislation for all segments of the industry on many different levels. We’ve got to be prepared for that. We can certainly make a difference as an industry, and I think this associ- ation gives us a strong and unified voice.
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Toro sponsors 2023 Irrigation
Association E3 program Te Toro Company, Bloomington, Minnesota, is supporting the Irrigation Association’s E3 program by serving as the program’s premier sponsor in 2023.
Te E3 program provides students and faculty with exposure, experi- ence and education in the irrigation industry by giving them the oppor- tunity to take education classes, network with industry professionals and discover all that the irrigation industry has to offer on the trade show floor of the annual Irrigation Show. “Te E3 program recognizes the contributions of current students and accomplishments of faculty in various irrigation-related coursework, pro- viding them with an opportunity to develop a deeper level of understanding of the industry and its career opportunities,” says IA CEO Natasha Rankin, CAE, MBA. “We are excited that Te Toro Company is continuing their sponsorship of this program, building enthusiasm in the industry and sup- porting the IA’s commitment to develop our future workforce.” Toro presented the IA with a $20,000 check for the 2023 E3 program on the exhibition hall floor in Las Vegas at the 2022 Irrigation Show and Education Week. Te show took place Dec. 5-9, 2022. Twenty-five stu- dents and two educators from colleges and universities around the country were selected as winners of the 2022 program.
Steve Hohl and Steve Counter elected to IA Board
Steve Hohl, principal of Water Concern Ltd., Rancho Santa Margarita, California, and Steve Counter, vice president of category management at SiteOne Landscape Supply, Roswell, Georgia, have joined the Irrigation Association Board of Directors. Hohl has been an active member of the irrigation industry since graduating from Cal Poly Pomona
30 years ago with a degree in irrigation science. In addition to his service on the board with the Irrigation Association, Hohl also served on the
American Society of Irrigation Consultants Board of Directors for over 20 years and currently sits on the ASIC’s certification, membership, National Collegiate Landscape Competition and conference committees. “I believe in strengthening the relationship between design professionals and consultants with the manufacturing, distribution and contracting sectors within the IA to promote common purpose and value in the green industry,” Hohl says. Counter has worked with other industry and industry-adjacent organizations prior to joining the SiteOne team, including RainBird and Stanley/
Steve Hohl Steve Counter
Black and Decker. At SiteOne Counter manages the irrigation, lighting and drainage businesses from a category management perspective; leads their dedicated training teams for these lines; and helps develop their Pro-Trade private label brand. “I believe irrigation and related products play a critical role in many livelihoods and our collective experience as Americans,” Counter said. “If done
correctly, we can add tremendous value to all levels of society. We also have a distinct responsibility to be advocates for smarter installation and overall irrigation techniques, which support water conservation. Te IA is in a unique position to provide the industry with educational content, updates on industry trends and innovation, and help support local, state and federal legislation we feel provides value. Based on my background and experiences, I feel I can positively impact these efforts.” Te Irrigation Association’s Board of Directors establishes the association’s strategic direction, policies and programs. Te board monitors current
and evolving industry trends, determines strategic priorities, defines public policy positions and acts as a steward of the financial resources of the organization. Directors are elected each fall by members of the association and represent the diversity of member types and market segments.
40 Irrigation & Lighting March 2023
irrigationandlighting.org
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