NESTMA @ NERTC: Awards Meeting Recap

More than 120 members gathered on March 4, 2020 for NESTMA’s annual Awards Meeting & Lunch held in conjunction with the New England Regional Turfgrass Conference in Providence, Rhode Island. The meeting provided a great opportunity for members to connect, look back on the year that was, and plan for the coming season. Highlights included a “state of the association” update, a recap of the many ways the New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation supports local research from NERTF representative Mike Buras, award and scholarship presentations, and a lively “great ideas” exchange moderated by Ed Olsen. Many thanks to our friends at Tom Irwin for their generous support of this annual event.

Ben Polimer (center) with award winners Erick Koskinen and Tom Barry.

NESTMA President Elect, Chris McGinty (right) thanks Chris Petersen, President of Tom Irwin, Inc., for his company’s support.

The NESTMA Booth was a popular stop for members at the NERTC.

100+ members attended this year’s Awards Meeting & Lunch in Providence, RI.

Award Presentations – NESTMA president, Ben Polimer, presented the annual awards. The following are excerpted from his speech at the meeting on March 4, 2020.

Sports Turf Manager of the Year – Tom Barry, Greens Farms Academy, Westport, CT

“This is the highest honor NESTMA bestows upon one of its members. It recognizes a Sports Turf Manager who has made significant contributions to our industry.

This year’s recipient – Tom Barry – fits the bill perfectly! Sustainable practices, unwavering professionalism, educational excellence, and giving back are all hallmarks of Tom’s storied career as a sports turf manager. Utilizing cutting-edge science and technology to create the best playing conditions, Tom is a pioneer for the future of our profession.”

Learn more about Tom and his work at Greens Farms Academy in our Member Spotlight on page 8.

Commercial Partner of the Year – Erick Koskinen, Precision Laboratories, Waukegan, IL

“As a former golf course superintendent, Erick has first-hand knowledge of the challenges of the job in New England and he has demonstrated a deep commitment to help solve them. Always willing to give back and elevate our profession, Erick is a true champion and supporter of the region’s sports turf industry.”

MRUK Scholarship – Lucas Melanson, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

“NESTMA’s student scholarship is named in honor of the late Charles K. Mruk, a founding member of our association who believed in the importance of education and professionalism in our field. This year’s recipient Lucas Melanson is studying turfgrass management at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass-Amherst. He is a great representative of the next generation of sports turf managers, and we’re pleased to help him continue on his path to success in our industry.”