Let’s Get It!

Hey everyone, I hope the winter months continued to be productive for you, and everyone was able to spend time with family and friends throughout the holidays. We tend to get so busy we don’t make time for ourselves. Some ATA members did take time to work on professional development during the colder, wetter months by attending one of the six ATA 2020 Road Shows. I would like to thank all the speakers, sponsors, and attendees that made all of these events possible.

During December, before the New Year arrived, your ATA board members met in Prattville to discuss the year’s upcoming events and how we could better serve the ATA membership. As a group, we have looked at getting more social media presence. Just like with everything, we ask all members to help us with this endeavor. An easy way you can get involved is by simply liking and sharing our page on Facebook and also Twitter. In the future, you may see us on more platforms. We are trying to become more engaged with members on a day to day basis. We are always open to new ideas, so please reach out to your closest board member and let them know if you have any ideas.

We have more events coming up throughout the year, including our Sports Turf Field Day, that we invite you to attend. This event is scheduled for March 11, 2020 in Florence, Alabama. Be sure to bring your crew members as well! These “Field Days” give a behind the scenes look at different operations throughout the state. There will also be some great educational opportunities that morning in Florence, including a talk by Josh Willingham, former American League left fielder for the Florida Marlins about “Sports Field Expectations.” Glenn Ross of Pioneer Athletic Paints will discuss another hot topic, which is the use of robotic paint machines. Weather permitting, we invite everyone to see that machine during the afternoon field day demonstrations. Love it or hate it, technology is changing our industry, so let’s get together and see what the hype is about; see if it will help us with the labor issues our industry is facing. Personally, I think the paint machine could be great for smaller schools where the coaching staff helps maintain the fields. However, I’m not 100% sold on it yet, but that is why we have these events to answer the questions we have.

As we move into the busy time of the year, I challenge you to increase your networking amongst your colleagues in this great industry. We need to lean on each other and create a close network that will help everyone. I want you to focus on your health — mentally and physically. We tend to push through things and not take care of ourselves as we should. I also challenge you to get involved with Alabama Turfgrass Association. There are plenty of ways for you to help our association such as attending our events and sharing social media posts by tagging Alabama Turfgrass Association. If you’re able, I want you to consider seeking a board position. We are always looking for people to fill positions representing their segment of the turfgrass industry. We need strong members that are willing to support and work behind the scenes to continue the growth of this Association.

In conclusion, spring is on the way meaning that we’re going to be so busy, and this year will fly by as normal. I hope everyone has a safe and prosperous season. Green up is coming. Let’s get it!

Deven Peek

ATA President