Executive Director’s Corner

Friends and Fellow Turfgrass Professionals of the Maryland Turfgrass Council (MTC),

I hope you all are ready for our fantastic 49th Annual MTC Winter Conference and Trade Show occurring December 10, 2024, at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City.

Please take advantage of the Early Registration savings. You may utilize the registration form included and U.S. Mail, E-Mail or fax it back to us or if you prefer you can complete the form on our website www.MDTurfCouncil.org. Just complete and submit the form by November 7th. If you need more time to decide the next price break lets you register by November 28th. Your last chance to pre-register will allow registrations until December 6th, but please note, from November 29th to December 6th registrations MUST be completed only on the MTC Website. After that registrations will be accepted at the door.

So come join us and participate as a registered participant, get multiple quilt tickets, and consider becoming a Vendor and/or a Sponsor to showcase your company. This conference and your dues are the primary methods of raising funds for the MTC to utilize and support the research and activities of the University of Maryland Turfgrass Programs. This research and activities done through the Turfgrass Programs are critical for us, the turfgrass industry in Maryland, to keep up with the latest and best methods to protect our environment and provide our customers the high-quality turf they demand.

You can also take advantage of paying your dues with this year’s funds if you so desire. Dues paid now will cover you and your company up to January 31st, 2026. If you prefer to wait, we will invoice you in January 2025.

Your feedback is very important to us. As such we have changed the format to get you what you asked for. The continental Breakfast has been moved to the Trade Show floor from 6:30 to 8:30 AM to give you more opportunities to visit with the vendors right after you register and sign the sheets for your recertifications. At 8:30 we will have the Annual MTC Meeting, followed immediately by the keynote speaker, Mr. Michael Calkins, the Maryland Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Plant Industries and Pest Management.

Have you ever considered being a part of the driving force of the MTC by becoming an Officer or Board Member? This is your association, and it is only as good as YOU make it. The Board meets 10 times per year and normally meets by Zoom. If you think you might be interested, please contact Ben Ellis, who is Chairman of the Nominating Committee at 571-340-0122, or give me a call at 443-742-6618.

In this issue you will find a conference registration, membership, and quilt ticket form, plus a sponsor and vendor form and a schedule for the day. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Unfortunately, I will not be at the conference due to having my right hip replaced, but Ben and the entire Board will be on hand to make sure this is a fabulous day for you. This will be the first conference I have missed since our first at the Sheraton in Landover.

Vernon Cooper

Executive Director