Arkansas Turfgrass Association P.O. Box 185 Bryant, AR 72089 Tel: 501-860-0187
P r e s i d e n t ’s M e ssag e
Get Involved!
Kyle Sanders, ATA President
F
irst, I want to thank the association for allowing me to serve as President and be a part of an organization that not only gives knowledge back, but also allows friendships to be created within the industry. Started by a group of forward-thinking pioneers in 1988, The Arkansas Turfgrass Association has steadily grown in membership and influence over the years, and I am humbled to be following the footsteps of some great leaders of our association and in our state. The mission of our association is to constantly pursue a goal of success for turfgrass managers in Arkansas by hosting a forum for discussion and a platform for information. We will always strive to do this by keeping our members up-todate on the latest cutting-edge techniques and new industry products, along with integrated pest management strategies, and the best cultural practices for turfgrass management for golf courses, sports fields, commercial and residential turf sites within the borders of our state. Over the next few months our board of directors will be preparing for several opportunities that will be available throughout the year to meet for certification, education, as well as networking with individuals within our industry. I have been a part of the ATA for many years, and networking has allowed several opportunities to come my way that otherwise would not have been available. Networking is a part of our industry and this organization has a wealth of knowledge. From this I have cultivated some long-term relationships which I consider priceless.
Upcoming events include: • Field Day at the University of Arkansas Research Center on July 24th • Our members-only education event at Bass Pro Shops on October 2nd • The ATA Annual Conference and Trade Show at the Hot Springs Convention Center on January 9th and 10th, 2020 For our current and prospective members, I want to assure you that the intention of this board is to grow the Arkansas Turfgrass Association without limits. We will stay focused on continuing to be a benefit to our members and also stay current with industry standards and requirements. Our board is excited about the opportunity to give something back to our membership and they do a great job representing each sector of our industry across the state. So, from myself and all of our Board of Directors, thank you for your membership and support. We promise to keep evolving to serve you and look forward to a productive and successful year. We invite each of you to participate, and most importantly, GET INVOLVED! Kyle Sanders President
6 • A r k a n s a s T u r f g r a s s • Spring 2019
Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 Tel: 615-790-3718 Email: info@leadingedge communications.com ATA Officers Kyle Sanders, President Sanders Ground Essentials 501-315-9395 kylesanders@sandersground.com Richard Covert, Vice President Baptist Health Systems Richard.covert@baptist-health.org Jeff Haskins, Treasurer Paragould Country Club 870-780-5883 Ja1116@earthlink.net Mary Beth Rogers, Executive Secretary 501-860-0187 arkturfgrassassn@att.net Doug Karcher, Ph.D., Education Chair University of Arkansas • 479-575-5723 karcher@uark.edu Pat Berger, Director Emeritus University of Arkansas • 479-575-6887 pberger@uark.edu Charlie Bowen, Director Emeritus Arkansas Hydroseed • 501-315-7333 charliebowen@yahoo.com Mark Mowrey, Director Emeritus Oaklawn • 501-538-1600 bntgrns@yahoo.com Mark Brown UALR • 501-749-7459 rmbrown2@ualr.edu Rodney Fisher Life Member, Founding Member Agra Turf, Inc. • 501-268-7036 agrarod@yahoo.com Ron Fisher Agra Turf, Inc. • 501-268-7036 agraron@yahoo.com Steve Ibbotson Conway Parks & Rec. • 501-328-4173 Steve.ibbotson@cityofconway.org Michael Rush Rush Lawn Care • 501-279-8980 mrush@rushlawn.com Andrew Simpson Arkansas State Plant Board 501-225-1598 Andrew.simpson@ agriculture.arkansas.gov Bill Tippit 501-258-8676 Bill.tippit@sbcglobal.net
