From the President

Happy New Year!

As we kick off 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our community’s needs and priorities, which were front and center in the results of the 2024 TCNC Interest Survey. The insights highlight our industry’s evolving needs and remind us why the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina remains such a vital resource for turfgrass professionals across the state.

One standout finding is that 89% of respondents consider turfgrass management techniques the most valuable area of technical education, with a strong interest in topics like pest and disease management (74%) and soil science and fertility (71%). These preferences emphasize the importance of staying current with best practices and innovations in our field. Our members are clearly committed to excellence, and TCNC is dedicated to providing the resources you need to succeed.

Another notable insight is the high value placed on continuing education, with nearly half of respondents ranking it as the most important benefit for their professional development. From hands-on workshops to online self-paced courses, TCNC proudly offers diverse educational opportunities tailored to meet your needs. For example, 79% of respondents highlighted educational workshops and webinars as a top priority, underscoring the importance of accessible, impactful learning.

Networking continues to play a critical role, with 53% identifying networking events as a highly valuable service. Building strong connections enriches our careers and strengthens our entire industry. If you haven’t yet attended one of our events, I encourage you to make 2025 the year to jump in and connect with your peers.

We were also thrilled to see that 89% of survey participants are current TCNC members, reflecting the loyalty and engagement of our turfgrass community. For those who haven’t joined yet, reasons like unfamiliarity with benefits (33%) show us there’s more work to do in communicating all that TCNC has to offer, which is one reason we launched the Regional Ambassador Collaboration Channel. You can read all about this exciting initiative in the following pages.

Looking ahead, TCNC is committed to listening, evolving, and providing the tools you need to thrive. Your voice shapes our priorities, and your involvement drives our success. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, innovation, and connection.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our industry and for allowing TCNC to be your trusted partner in turfgrass.

Best regards,

Wil Sutton

President

Turfgrass Council of North Carolina