North Carolina Turfgrass - March / April 2020

March/April 2020

Highlights from the

2020 ANNUAL MEETING AND EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE Plus: Member Spotlight on TCNC Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Willie Pennington

A Publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina

UPGRADE TO FIRST CLASS 38% Less Water Greater Fall Color Retention

Earlier Spring Transition Increased Wear Tolerance

Reduced Fertility Requirement Extremely Rapid Grow-In

www.TheTurfgrassGroup.com

GOAL: Happy Customers

SOLUTION: Use Super-Sod Grasses

TifTuf Bermuda, Drought Tolerance Just Got a New Standard

Zeon Zoysia

h The most drought tolerant turf. h TifTuf uses 38% less water than Tifway and will pay for itself in reduced water bills.

h Dark green and medium-fine textured; it’s easier to maintain than other fine-textured types.

h Maintains acceptable turf quality and aesthetics under drought stress.

h Shade tolerant; a turfgrass that’s widely adaptable to full sun or moderate shade.

h Super-Sod now grows Zeon Zoysia.

h Makes a lawn with a lush, dense growth habit.

We’ve Got You Covered h Pick up sod from more locations than anyone h Full truck loads and small quantities delivered

h Request a Free Quote on supersod.com

1-888-360-1125 Cary 1900 NC Hwy. 55 Cary, NC 27519 919-836-0492

Charlotte 12600 Downs Circle Pineville, NC 28134 704-525-8873

Hendersonville 583 Jeffress Rd. Mills River, NC 28759 828-681-5000

Mooresville 1060 River Highway Mooresville, NC, 28117 980-444-2347

Raleigh 1225 Farmers Market Drive, Box 19 Raleigh, NC 27603 919-836-0492

14

20

22 table of contents March/April 2020

More Features:

14 Cover Story

Highlights from TCNC’s 2020 Annual Meeting and Educational Conference

20 Feature Article

3 Leadership Styles that Destroy Productivity

22 Member Spotlight

TCNC Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, Willie Pennington

From the President TCNC Deluxe Members Welcome, New Members NC State Turf Team Calendar of Events Index of Advertisers News from TCNC NCCTP Program

4 North Caro lina Turf gra ss

n

www. nc turf gra s s . o rg

n

March/April 2020

6 8 9 10 10 11 12 24

© 2020 STIHL MA20TURF01-12-143741-2

From the President

2020 ANNUAL MEETING

T

CNC held its 2020 Annual Meeting on January 23rd at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro. It was great to see old friends and have the opportunity to network with other professionals in the turf industry.

The meeting started with our Keynote Speaker, Pat Jones. Pat spoke on how to market one’s business and team members to clients, club members and how to take advantage of social media. We had an educational session in which attendees received recertification credits.

We were honored to have these speakers from North Carolina State University; Dr. Jim Kerns who spoke about Disease Management in the Landscape, Dr. Mike Waldvogel who spoke on Mosquito Control and Dr. Travis Gannon who spoke on Deciphering the Roundup Debacle and Herbicide Update. All sessions were very informative.

Jonathan Richardson presented the lifetime achievement award to Willie Pennington and also presented the NC Turfgrass Eagle Award to Raymond McCauley, a Ph.D. student at NC State University.

I would like to thank sponsors of the meeting, Green Resource, Divots Inc., Regal Chemical, Pennington Seed and Site One. With their support we are able to put on a first-class meeting.

If you have not attended a TCNC Annual Meeting, please plan to attend next year.

It offers great educational sessions, opportunities to network, an excellent meal and the opportunity to meet both old and new friends.

God Bless,

North Carolina Turfgrass is the official publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina 110 Horizon Drive Suite 210 Raleigh, NC 27615 919-459-2070 Fax 919-459-2075 www.ncturfgrass.org

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Marcy Cottle IMI Association Executives info@ncturfgrass.org 919-459-2070 Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 615-790-3718 Fax 615-794-4524 info@leadingedge communications.com

TCNC OFFICERS PRESIDENT

Gene Queen Nature's Select Winston Salem, NC

VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Herrmann Fairway Green Inc. Raleigh, NC

PAST PRESIDENT Damon Dean Keith Hills Country Club Lillington, NC

Gene Queen

TCNC President

TREASURER Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP NCCTP Chairman Green Resource Dunn, NC

Southern Specialty Equipment, Inc.

DIRECTORS

New, Used & Refurbished • Ease of Operation • Low Operating Costs • Single Axle Truck Use

Jim Brewster Office Phone:

Solid & Dependable Rotary Finishing Mowers

(877) 366-5399 Mobile Phone:

(352) 284-8029 jim@ssequip.net www.ssequip.net

Wide Range of Solutions

6 North Caro lina Turf gra ss

n

www. nc turf gra s s . o rg

n

March/April 2020

Dean Baker Kinston, NC

Wilson Sutton Falling Creek Golf Club Kinston, NC Andrew Wampler Southern Ag Hendersonville, NC

THE PROGRESSIVE ADVANTAGE Sports field, Park and Estate Mowers

Contour / Rough Finishing Mowers

Turf Grass Production Mowers

Steep Slope Remote Controlled Mower

The Slope-Pro® is a steep slope, rotary mower capable of 50º slopes

Widest range of rotary finishing mowers available from one source

An extensive Dealer network that you can rely on

Features to reduce your cost of operation over the long haul

Proudly designed and manufactured in North America

Tri-Deck cutting widths: 12’, 15.5’, 22’*, 36’* Roller Mower cutting widths: 65”, 90”, 12’, 15.5’, 22’*, 29.5’* Contour/rough finishing mower: Pro-Flex™ 120B 10’ cut Steep Slope mower: Slope-Pro® 52” cut * available with bolt-on galvanized deck shells

Contact us for more info or to find an Authorized Dealer near you. progressiveturfequip.com info@progressiveturfequip.com

(800) 668-8873 (519) 527-1080

— OVER 20 YEARS OF TRUSTED SERVICE —

From highest quality products, impeccable service and 75 years of combined turfgrass knowledge and experience, Vandemark Farms has the solution to any landscape situation. Located in Nash County, North Carolina, Vandemark Farms offers a wide assortment of sod varieties that will work with all landscape designs, including:

Tall Fescue

TifTuf Bermuda

Common Centipede

CALL VANDEMARK FOR YOUR NEXT SOD JOB!! 252-437-1501 9390 NC 33 • Whitakers, NC 27891

Farm Fresh Locally Grown Sod • Quality Products • GO GREEN BUY LOCAL

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 7

TCNC Deluxe Members Companies wishing to support TCNC with multiple members can join as Deluxe Members.

Deluxe Memberships can be purchased in one of three tiers: 1–5 employees; 6–10 employees; or 11+ employees.

If you'd like to learn more about the Deluxe Membership, please contact the TCNC office at (919) 459-2070 or info@ncturfgrass.org.

Thank You to Our DELUXE MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS

The Biltmore Company

Fayetteville Technical Community College

SiteOne Landscape Supply

Barefoot & Associates Inc.

Givens Estates

Smith Turf & Irrigation

Green Resource Sod Solutions Inc.

Buy Sod Inc JRM Inc.

Southern Ag

Carolina Farm Credit Keith Hills Country Club

Southern Seeds Inc

Carolina Green Corp.

Leap Frog Landcare Inc. City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation The Club at Longview Country Boy Landscaping Inc

McConnell Golf LLC

Town of Cary Public Works

Nature's Select Premium Turf Services

Turf Mountain Sod Inc

North Carolina A&T State University

UNCG

Dixie Lawn Care LLC

Vandemark Farms LLC

Duke University

Pennington Seed – ProTurf Division

Fairway Green

Quality Turf SAS Institute Inc.

8 North Caro lina Turf gra ss

n

www. nc turf gra s s . o rg

n

March/April 2020

Vereens Turf Products Wake Forest University

TCNC New Members Matthew Albritton TPS Landscaping Arden, NC

Chad Barker Revival Golf Course Salisbury, NC

Darius Brown North Carolina A&T State University Greensboro, NC

Shane Coxie Asheville Christian Academy Swannanoa, NC

Jonathan Creech Carolina Curb Appeal Inc. Selma, NC

Chris Creighton Kildaire Lawn Care Holly Springs, NC

Jason Crowder Green Resource Colfax, NC

Gary Ford Garrison’s Landscaping LLC Reidsville, NC

Eric Jones Forsyth Tech Community College Winston-Salem, NC

Lane Jones RightLane Turf Management LLC Wilson, NC

Joe Joyner Green Resource Colfax, NC

Kyle King Simplot Raleigh, NC

Drayton Simpson Vereens Turf Products Longs, SC

William Slade North Carolina A&T State University Greensboro, NC

Allen Smith Castle Bay Corporation Hampstead, NC

Robert Sneller Jr.

10680 East Finch Avenue • Middlesex, NC 27557

1-800-682-1102

Fax: 252-235-4196 www.southernseedsinc.com

TPS Landscaping Fletcher, NC

Scott Waltz BASF Holly Springs, NC

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 9

NC State Turf Team

Calendar of Events March 10, 2020

CROP AND SOIL SCIENCES Dr. Dan Bowman Professor, Crop Science (919) 515-2805 dan_bowman@ncsu.edu Dr. Rich Cooper Professor, Crop Science (919) 515-7600 rich_cooper@ncsu.edu Emily Erickson Crop Science Lecturer (919) 513-2034 emily_erickson@ncsu.edu Dr. Travis Gannon Assistant Professor (919) 515-2647 (Office) travis_gannon@ncsu.edu Matt Martin Extension Associate – Turfgrass, NCSU Crop Science Dept (910) 675-2314 (Office) matthew_martin@ncsu.edu

Dr. Susana Milla-Lewis Associate Professor, Turfgrass Breeding and Genetics (919) 515-3196 susana_milla-lewis@ ncsu.edu

Dr. Tom Rufty Professor (919) 515-3660 tom_rufty@ncsu.edu Dr. Wei Shi Professor, Crop Science (919) 515-2647 (Office) wei_shi@ncsu.edu

Dr. Grady Miller Professor (919) 515-5656 grady_miller@ncsu.edu Dr. Charles Peacock Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist (919) 515-7615 charles_peacock@ncsu.edu

Dr. Fred Yelverton Extension Specialist (Turfgrass / Forage Crop Weed Mgt) (919) 515-5639 fred_yelverton@ncsu.edu

Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock, NC

March 13, 2020

Monroe Regional Turfgrass Conference

Union County Extension Office Monroe, NC

March 27, 2020

Wilmington Regional Turfgrass Conference

Dr. Robert Richardson Professor and Extension Specialist (919) 515-5653 rob_richardson@ncsu.edu

New Hanover County Extension Office Wilmington, NC

April 6–10, 2020

ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT PATHOLOGY Dr. Terri Billeisen Extension Associate (919) 515-7464 tlhoctor@ncsu.edu

HORTICULTURE SCIENCE Dr. Danesha Seth Carley Director, SIPMC & NC IPM Coordinator (919) 513-8189 danesha_carley@ncsu.edu

Dr. Rick Brandenburg Extension Specialist (Peanuts & Turf) & Department Extension Leader (919) 515-8876 rick_brandenburg@ncsu.edu Lee Butler Extension Coordinator (919) 513-3878 elbutler@ncsu.edu Dr. Jim Kerns Associate Professor and Extension Specialist (Turfgrass Pathology) (919) 515-2730 (Office) jpkerns@ncsu.edu

10 North Carolina Turf gr a ss

Western Regional Turfgrass Conference

n

www. nc turf gra s s . o rg

n

March/April 2020

NC State Turfgrass Short Course WakeMed Soccer Complex Cary, NC

The Turfgrass Council of North Carolina (TCNC) serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, North Carolina Turfgrass, or its editors.

Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or TCNC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication.

Copyright © 2020 by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina. North Carolina Turfgrass is published bimonthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of TCNC. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: North Carolina Turfgrass allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to TCNC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, 615-790-3718, Fax 615-794-4524.

Index of Advertisers Bio Plex Organics..........................................13 www.bio-plex.com Buy Sod, Inc........................ Inside Back Cover www.buysod.com Carolina Green Corp.....................................11 www.cgcfields.com Carolina Turf Farms, Inc...............................23 carolinaturffarms.com Covermaster, Inc...........................................13 www.covermaster.com Divots, Inc.....................................................11 www.divotssand.com Green Resource............................. Back Cover www.green-resource.com Kesmac..........................................................17 www.brouwerkesmac.com Leading Edge Communications....................19 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com Mid-Atlantic STIHL..........................................5 www.stihldealers.com Modern Turf, Inc.............................................9 www.modernturf.com Morgan Sand Company................................21

DIGITAL MARKETPLACE

NewLife Turf, Inc..........................................19 www.newlifeturf.com

Download your favorite QR reader to your phone, and scan the code to learn more about this company.

Beam Clay.....................................................23 www.BEAMCLAY.com • www.PARTAC.com Progressive Turf Equipment Inc.....................7 www.progressiveturfequip.com Revels Tractor Co. Inc...................................15 www.revelstractor.com RD Murphy, LLC............................................13 www.rdmurphy.com Smith Seed Services......................................11 www.smithseed.com Southern Seeds, Inc........................................9 www.southernseedsinc.com Southern Specialty Equipment.......................6 www.ssequip.net Super-Sod........................................................3 www.supersod.com The Turfgrass Group.......... Inside Front Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com Turf Mountain Sod, Inc.................................11 www.turfmountain.com Vandemark Farms...........................................7 www.vandemarkfarms.com

Andy Rushing arushing@cgcfields.com Phone: (704) 634-9799 Toll Free – Office: (866) 753-1707

www.cgcfields.com

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 11

News from TCNC

2020 TCNC Officers

2020 Directors

PRESIDENT

Gene Queen

Dean Baker

Nature's Select 2550 Landmark Drive Winston Salem, NC 27103 gqueen@naturesselect.com 336-768-7999

2641 Westridge Road Kinston, NC 28504 dbaker2641@icloud.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Kevin Herrmann

Wilson (Wil) Sutton

Communications Chairman Fairway Green Inc. 140 Rupert Road Raleigh, NC 27603 kherrmann@fairwaygreen.com

Falling Creek Golf Club 2359 Falling Creek Road Kinston, NC 28504 fcccsutton@gmail.com

PAST PRESIDENT

Damon Dean

Andrew Wampler

Keith Hills Country Club 2012 Keith Hills Road Lillington, NC 27546 deand@campbell.edu 910-893-1372

Southern Ag P.O. Box 429 Hendersonville, NC 28793 andrew.wampler@ southernag.com

TREASURER

Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP NCCTP Chairman Green Resource 89 Killington Place Dunn, NC 28334 sujmrichardson@ embarqmail.com

12 North Carolina Turf gr a ss

n

www. nc turf gra s s . o rg

n

March/April 2020

Covers That Make the Difference MAST R BRANDE ING

From our supreme lightweight raincovers right to the classic vinyl ones, there are cover models and accessories to meet your specific needs.

EVERGREEN™ turf covers outsmart mother nature. Exclusive color lace coatings provide proven results.

FOOTBALL FIELD COVERS are made of superior strength material, providing protection from rain or snow.

TARPMATE™ AIR roller is a revolutionary An INFLATABLE FIELD COVER allows storage and handling system for field for ongoing field maintenance during covers. 2-3 people can roll out or roll up a inclement and extreme cold weather.

100’ wide cover.

100 Westmore Dr., 11D, Rexdale, ON M9V 5C3 3909 Witmer Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14305

1-800-387-5808

Tel: +1-416-745-1811 • Fax: +1-416-742-6837 www.covermaster.com • info@covermaster.com

Big Roll TuRf TuBes

heavy Duty papeR tubeS

100% Recycled paper

RD MuRphy LLC Sales: (256) 762-3564 info@rdmurphy.com www.rdmurphy.com

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 13

Cover Story

TCNC’s 2020

ANNUAL MEETING AND EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE JANUARY 23, 2020

Sedgefield Country Club | Greensboro, North Carolina

TCNC Treasurer, Jonathan Richardson (left), presents Willie Pennington with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

T

hank you to everyone who attended this year’s conference! This annual event provides turfgrass

professionals around North Carolina the platform to discuss the current state of TCNC, expand knowledge on a wide range of topics, and connect with new and old friends in the industry.

This event was presented in partnership with NC State University faculty and staff to provide quality education and knowledge for all turfgrass industry professionals.

14 North Carolina Turf gr a ss

n

www. nc turf gra s s . o rg

n

March/April 2020

TCNC 2020 Board of Directors.

WE DIDN’T INVENT THE WIDE AREA REEL MOWER. WE JUST MADE IT BETTER. The 8900A PrecisionCut™ Large-Area Reel Mower A wide-area reel mower is not news in this industry. But one that cuts like our 8900A PrecisionCut should get your attention. Using our Quick-Adjust 7 26-inch and 30-inch cutting units, the 8900A delivers increased productivity and performance on fairways and in the rough, while producing a quality of cut that’s unheard of for a reel mower of this size.

Revels Turf & Tractor NC, SC, VA, WV (800) 849-5469

RevelsTractor.com

JohnDeere.com/Golf

Cover Story | continued

THANK YOU TO OUR SPEAKERS

Pat Jones

Dr. Jim Kerns

“Five Tips for Better Communications”

"Disease Management in the Landscape"

Dr. Michael Waldvogel “Mosquito Control – More Than Just Pesticides”

Dr. Travis Gannon presents on weed control.

Dr. Michael Waldvogel presents on mosquito control.

16 North Carolina Turf gr a ss

n

www. nc turf gra s s . o rg

n

March/April 2020

Dr. Travis Gannon

“Deciphering the Roundup Debacle and Herbicide Update”

Cover Story | continued

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Delegates listen to Board President, Gene Queen, during the Annual Meeting.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED THIS YEAR’S EVENT! 18 North Carolina Turf gr a ss

n

www. nc turf gra s s . o rg

n

March/April 2020

Experience Ma�ers

Our knowledge of the industry and collabora�on of premier turf experts gives us an edge. We are commi�ed to providing our customers with the total experience from selec�on to the final product.

That’s a promise!

Our Turf

Our Services

Installa�on . Sprig Plan�ng . Greens Renova�on

2024 Willow Swamp Road . Norway, SC . 803.263.4231 www.newlifeturf.com . info@newlifeturf.com

50% OFF

ANY SIZE AD IN NORTH CAROLINA TURFGRASS MAGAZINE OFFER GOOD FOR 1 ISSUE AND LIMITED TO NEW ADVERTISERS ONLY

Contact kristin@leadingedgecommunications.com or 615.790.3718 to take advantage of this offer!

Cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts, offers or current advertising agreements. Limited to one single ad in one issue only. Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. To ensure the integrity of our publications and for the benefit of our readers and advertisers, publisher reserves the right to revise, reclassify, edit or reject any Ad Material or any portion thereof at any time. Offer good through 6/30/2020.

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 19

Feature Story

3

LEADERSHIP STYLES THAT

DESTROY PRODUCTIVITY

By Jeff McManus

“Average leaders inspire people to punch a time clock.

Great leaders inspire industry and passion.”

Joseph B. Wirthlin

B

ecoming an effective leader isn’t always easy. Leadership styles are often developed unintentionally, learned from others who led before you. Additionally, with all the pressures today and multiple pulls on our time and attention, it’s more challenging than ever to lead with a long-term vision in a way that develops the next generation of leaders.

Even with the best intentions, people can develop poor leadership styles that can destroy productivity. If left unchecked, poor leadership traits can be even more costly to your organization, such as by causing high turnover and requiring you to spend more time and money recruiting and training new employees.

There are many leadership traits that can cause harm to an organization. Here are three leadership styles to watch out for if you’re looking to push your company to success. These styles close communication, lower morale, make your team members feel unimportant, and destroy production.

1. NARCISSISTIC LEADERS

Narcissistic leaders have a very high opinion of themselves and their ability to perform at work. They are in love with the power that being a leader affords them.

Many times, these people place themselves so high above their employees that they lose touch with the common goals of the company.

Narcissistic leaders act like the figurehead of the company rather than someone in the day-to-day trenches getting the job done. They may be very charismatic, but they are often acting in their own interest and ignoring the needs of the team.

Narcissistic leaders often take credit for the work of the team, which leaves team members less motivated to work hard. Times quickly turn bad when team members realize they won’t receive credit or recognition for work well done, not even as a team. When this happens, employees get discouraged and will often do the minimal amount of work required to get through the day.

2. AUTOCRATIC LEADERS

Autocratic leaders see themselves as the sole decision makers in a company. When they take this to an extreme, autocratic leaders lead through authority and compliance, believing when management

20 North Carolina Turf gr a ss

n

www. nc turf gra s s . o rg

n

March/April 2020

speaks, employees must listen; and presenting strong negative consequences for mistakes. They lead through instilling a fear of receiving punishment when something goes wrong.

This leads employees to lose respect for their leader, only respecting the title and doing enough to not lose their job until they can find another one. Employees feel like they aren’t trusted or valued no matter how hard they work, so they are less likely to work hard.

Autocratic leaders do not foster a sense of teamwork, because management makes all decisions. This lack of teamwork and teambuilding ends innovation and creativity among team members. Team members will just follow instructions as given and not recommend improvements. They will become afraid to take even the most carefully calculated risk.

As time goes on, your best team members will leave for greener pastures that allow them to be more creative and supported. Your organization will be left with only the less-productive team members.

impossible for it to be received in a constructive fashion. Employees feel constantly criticized and lose trust for their leader, and productivity suffers.

Is your team working productively?

If your team members aren’t producing, perhaps it’s because someone in your organization has developed a productivitykilling leadership style. Many times, this happens unintentionally. Perhaps they came from an organization where leaders regularly took credit for their team’s

accomplishments because of another leader in their organization. In this case, it’s not that the leader is a narcissist, but developed narcissistic leadership traits as a way of survival.

The same holds true for autocratic leadership traits or micromanaging.

Perhaps the leader came from an organization where that was the norm.

If this is the case, new information, leadership training, and additional internal or external support may be all that’s needed to rid your company of productivity-destroying leadership styles.

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Landscape and Ornamental Horticulture from Auburn University and is a PGMS Certified Grounds manager, and Certified Arborist.

His message rings true for any industry leader or manager looking to GROW a highperformance and dedicated workforce. Jeff has spoken at Caterpillar Inc, the Biltmore Estates, Leadercast, SRAPPA, Trent Lott Leadership Institute as well as the SEC Ole Miss Athletics. He has also worked with Memphis University, the University of Tennessee, the University of Georgia and private firms in developing their own training programs. You can learn more at Jeff’s website www.jeffmcmanus.com or by emailing jeff@jeffmcmanus.com.

3. MICROMANAGERS

Micromanagers lead through one tool: control, often because of a desire for consistent results. Although consistency is an important goal, micromanaging destroys productivity because the leader will be a bottleneck for all work. You will only be able to produce as much as the leader can directly oversee. Micromanagers teach their employees to be dependent on them. They do not delegate well and tend to take on all tasks themselves.

They convey no sense of confidence in the skills of the people they have hired.

Teams feel as though they cannot complete assignments without the micromanager’s involvement. Even the simplest question is answered by deferring to the micromanager.

Micromanagers create an environment where people are afraid to make mistakes and take risks. They worry about doing things the way the leader wants, even if they believe there’s a better way.

Finally, micromanagers also foster an environment of fear and a lack of trust.

They’re viewed as high maintenance and hard to please. Their communication is usually nonexistent or critical. Although there is certainly room for constructive criticism in the workplace, the consistency and frequency of the criticism that comes from micromanagers makes it virtually

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 21

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ON

Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient WILLIE PENNINGTON

22 North Carolina Turf gr a ss

n

www. nc turf gra s s . o rg

n

March/April 2020

W

illie Pennington joined BASF in 1972 as production manager at the manufacturing site in Tucker, Georgia. He moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1975 and served as Sales Representative for the agricultural products business, covering soybean, corn and cotton markets. Pennington earned three sales of the year awards for increased sales of new products.

In 1991, he was promoted to Market Manager / National Accounts Manager in the Specialty Products Department to develop business plans for distributors, resellers and 3rd party customers.

Pennington supported the development of the NPV model for BASF products in the Turf and Ornamentals markets.

Beginning in 1978, he was involved with BASF active ingredients in markets other than soybeans and cotton, before BASF officially established a Specialty business in the T&O segments in the mid 90s.

In 1996, Pennington became Regional Accounts Manager, covering the eastern U.S. for the T&O business. His primary responsibilities included distributor and reseller calls from South Carolina to Maine.

In 2000, he was promoted to Fumigation Specialist managing the golf course renovation (regrassing) projects in the U.S. He worked with golf course architects and builders on more than 75 golf courses and athletic fields to improve turfgrass stands and improved playability.

Pennington implemented training courses, developed protocols, and supported the writing of a fumigation manual in the state of Virginia.

He collaborated with Certis USA / (Advan LLC) as a fumigation specialist to complete the transfer of the sale of the fumigation business from BASF to Kanesho Soil Treatment, and provide technical experience in the re-grassing of golf courses.

Pennington is a Past President of the Pesticide Association of NC and Board Member of The J C Raulston Arboretum at NC State University. He is also a Past President of the Board of Directors of the NC Cooperative Extension Service Foundation (NCCESF) and past member of the Board of Directors of the Central NC Chapter of the National Assn. of Investment Clubs (NAIC) and has provided investment education to Investment Clubs.

Pennington has served on panels at Crittenden conferences to discuss golf course renovations with Architects, Builders and prospective golf courses.

Projects renovated include: • University of DE, Newark, DE • University of VA, Charlottesville, VA • University of SC, Columbia, SC •W arren Memorial Stadium (NFL Pro Bowl), Maui, HI, with George Toma • Cincinnati Bengals Stadium, OH • Reading Phillies, Reading, PA • Philadelphia CC, Philadelphia, PA • Wilmington CC, Wilmington, DE • Bayshore CC, Miami, FL • Loxahatchee CC, FL • Frenchmen’s Creek, FL • PGA West, LaQuinta, CA • Olympia Fields CC, Olympia Fields, IL • Medinah CC, Medinah, IL and others.

Pennington retired as Sales Representative – North Carolina and South Carolina, where he promoted the proper use of BASF active ingredients on golf courses, Lawn Care, nursery, greenhouse and landscape markets as well as introducing new active ingredients in market segments.

Awards / Recognition: •T hree (3) Sales Awards with the BASF Professional & Specialty Solutions business.

•G reen Resource LLC (2019) – Industry Service Award (along with Pat O’Brien, USGA) •T riangle Turfgrass Association (2019) – Lifetime Member •T urfgrass Council of North Carolina (2019) – Lifetime Achievement Award Pennington has served his community and the world by completing 16 or more international Mission trips (Austria, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Italy) with trips planned to Ecuador and Spain in February and October 2020.

Pennington is a graduate of Tuskegee University (formerly Tuskegee Institute); 1970 – BS, Chemistry Education.

He was a four-year letterman and cocaptain of the varsity football team; AllConference selection – 1968.

Thank you, Mr. Pennington, for your dedication to the industry and your influence in the North Carolina turfgrass community and beyond!

800-247-BEAM www.BEAMCLAY.com STATE APPROVED CO-OP PRICING

email: sales@beamclay.com

THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR INFIELD MIXES, MOUND CLAYS & RED WARNING TRACKS OVER 5,000 INFIELD & SPORTS PRODUCTS A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 23

NCCTP Program

Fast Facts about the NCCTP Enrollment Requirements:

Become a NC Certified Turfgrass Professional!

The

North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional (NCCTP) program is a comprehensive program developed to enhance the technical competency of turfgrass professionals, while elevating their professional image, that of your business and of the turfgrass management industry. Administered by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina, the NCCTP designation confirms your expertise in turfgrass management to prospective customers and your peers.

Reasons to Begin Earning Your NCCTP Designation Today The NCCTP program increases and enhances your turfgrass industry knowledge, career, and business development through a course of study of in-depth coverage of the science of turfgrass management.

The NCCTP designation offers immediate confidence and credibility of turfgrass management practices to customers and prospective employers.

Promote and market yourself as a North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional.

• Use the NCCTP logo on your business materials.

• Use NCCTP pins, uniform patches, and vehicle decals.

• Your TCNC Member Directory listing is distinguished with the NCCTP logo.

We Are Partnered With The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course, a comprehensive turfgrass education program, is offered at select NC State Extension offices and at NC State University.

This Short Course offers a full curriculum of the science of turfgrass management as well as Continuing Education Credits for NCDACS Pesticide and NCLCLB Landscape Contractors’ license holders, and it will help you prepare for the NCCTP exam.

This Short Course is recommended but not required to take the NCCTP exam.

24 North Carolina Turf gr a ss

n

www. nc turf gra s s . o rg

n

old a current TCNC membership. If not currently H a member, go to www.ncturfgrass.org and click ‘JOIN NOW’ to join online or download an application.

Have a minimum of one full year of work experience in the turfgrass industry.

Agree to the Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics as detailed on the application form.

Submit: • A current and valid NC Pesticide Applicators license • A completed NCCTP application (current TCNC members may apply online).

• NCCTP Program Application: $150 • Self-Study Materials: $50 • Exam Fee: $50

Curriculum and Exam: urriculum covers nine core areas: Turfgrass CharacterisC tics; Establishing Turfgrass; Soils & Nutrient Management; Cultural Practices; Pests & Integrated Pest Management; Pesticides & Plant Growth Regulators; Landscape Safety & Pesticide Use; Calculations & Calibration; Turfgrass Business & Economics.

Candidates have six months from the date of their enrollment acceptance to complete the NCCTP exam.

Candidates have six hours to complete the exam and must score 80% or more on each section to receive the NCCTP designation.

Exams can be taken at the TCNC office in Raleigh during normal business hours, or arrangements can be made at your local NC State Extension location.

Exams will not be graded if any application information is missing or if TCNC membership status cannot be confirmed.

Please allow two to three weeks for exam grading and reports.

Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive communication with their results and either next step options or their graduation packet.

Maintenance Requirements: aintain a current TCNC membership as a means of M demonstrating ongoing support for the industry.

Submit an annual $50 renewal fee, which supports the NCCTP program and related promotional activities.

Designation year is the same as the TCNC membership year, from July 1st to June 30th.

Hold a current NC Pesticide Applicator’s License.

Subscribe to, actively support and uphold the TCNC Certification Code of Ethics.

The NC Certified Turfgrass Professional designation (NCCTP), the NCCTP logo and related programs materials are the trademarked property of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina and cannot be used without TCNC’s written permission.

For additional information, contact TCNC at (919) 459-2070.

March/April 2020

NCCTP Certification Program

ENROLLMENT APPLICATION Name___________________________________________________________________ Phone_____________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________________________ State____________ Zip_____________________________________ E-Mail_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TCNC Membership #*____________________________________________________ Pesticide Applicator License #_______________________________

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS Please read the items below and check each one that is true for you.

MEMBERSHIP: I am now, or I am applying here to be, a member in good standing of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina.

PESTICIDE LICENSE: I hold a current North Carolina Pesticide Ground Applicator License with subclass L, turf, and ornamental (or equivalent from another state).

EXPERIENCE: I have completed a minimum of one full year of turfgrass industry professional work experience.

EXAM: Upon acceptance into the program, I plan to complete my study and take the required exam within six months.

DUTY: I have initialed the following page of this application to show that I strongly support and willingly subscribe to the Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics, and I pledge to uphold the credibility and integrity of the program.

CONTINUING EDUCATION: I agree to successfully complete additional future curriculum materials or sections that may be required as a result of new technology or regulation.

Company________________________________________________________________ Title______________________________________________________ Supervisor_______________________________________________________________ Supervisor’s Phone_________________________________________ Supervisor’s E-Mail___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company’s Address__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________________________ State____________ Zip_____________________________________ Work Experience_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Describe your turfgrass industry professional work experience; one full year is required to apply.

NCCTP Application Fee: $150, Study Materials: $50, Exam Fee: $50, TCNC Dues (call for amount, based on date) TOTAL $____________________

Check Number__________________ (payable to TCNC) Credit Card:

AMEX

Visa

MC

Discover

Billing Zip Code____________________

Credit Card #____________________________________________________________ Exp. Date______________________ Sec Code____________ Name on Card___________________________________________________________ Signature______________________________________________ By signing this application, I verify that all the information is true and correct, I acknowledge and assume full responsibility for the charges on this application, and I agree to honor and abide by the terms of this non-refundable payment.

Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ Date____________________________________

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 25

NCCTP Program | continued

CERTIFIED TURFGRASS PROFESSIONAL

CODE OF ETHICS Please read and initial each section below that you support and commit to uphold.

DUTY TO THE PUBLIC Conduct service first and foremost with regards to the safety, health, and welfare of the general public. Provide service, recommendations, and information based upon honest experience, and scientifically accurate and factual knowledge.

I AGREE

DUTY TO THE ENVIRONMENT Operate in such a manner to protect and preserve our environment. Use and monitor all equipment, products, and materials in a manner consistent with the label and safe for the environment.

I AGREE

DUTY TO THE LAWS OF OUR LAND Abide by all laws and regulations affecting the turf industry and support the enforcement of these laws.

I AGREE

DUTY TO OUR FELLOW PROFESSIONALS Refrain from the use of false, misleading, or deceptive marketing and advertising practices. Practice and insist upon sound business management practices. Maintain the highest standard of personal conduct to reflect credit and add stature to the turf industry. Recognize the importance of strong relationships within the industry.

Abstain from untruthful debasement, or encroachment upon, the professional reputation or practice of another turfgrass professional.

I AGREE

DUTY TO THE ASSOCIATION Participate in association activities and events to help further the profession.

Abstain from any unfair exploitation of my association, industry, or profession.

I AGREE

By signing this Code of Ethics, I agree to follow the duties and intentions outlined above, and I commit to supporting and upholding these ethics with consistency and integrity.

Printed Name________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ Date____________________________________ Please Return Entire NCCTP Application To TCNC Via: email: info@ncturfgrass.org fax: (919) 459-2075 or mail: TCNC, 110 Horizon Dr. Ste 210, Raleigh, NC 27615 26 North Carolina Turf gr a ss

n

www. nc turf gra s s . o rg

n

March/April 2020

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAY WITH