FROM THE TTA PR ESIDENT
Doug Ward The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association
Standing
STRONG F
irst of all, I sincerely hope this message finds everyone safe and healthy. Thus far, I would have to say, our industry has stood strong during these uncertain times with most all facets of turf related businesses operating in a challenged but productive manner. Since our last issue, many things have changed with nationally and locally issued guidelines on how to best manage our way through the COVID-19 pandemic. With such dynamic shifts in policy and unpredictable restrictions, seemingly on a daily basis, it has been determined that it is in the best interest of our association and members to hold this year’s conference and show in a virtual format. While the luxury of directly networking with peers not being possible this year, our committees are working hard to put together a top-flight educational program that will closely follow the format of our last several conferences. CEU’s and pesticide applicator certification points will likewise be available for attending online educational sessions. All of the above will be possible to take advantage of in the safety of your home or office. As we continue into these uncertain times, it is important that we all take a special interest in our association. We work with a relatively limited budget that relies on conference income to fund most of its activities and to remain solvent. With fewer dollars generated without an onsite conference and trade show we will, more than ever, be relying on member participation in this year’s event. With travel costs not being part of the equation, I encourage members to ask others that would normally not attend to consider taking advantage of this year’s online educational offerings.
Please stay tuned for final program information to be published in upcoming issues and at
TTAONLINE.COM – in the meantime, wishing all members safe and healthy times ahead.
Douglas Ward TTA President
6
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org
Tennessee Turfgrass is the official publication of The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, Tennessee 37069 (615) 928-7001 info@ttaonline.org www.ttaonline.org Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedge communications.com Editor Dr. James Brosnan TTA OFFICERS President Doug Ward Belle Meade Country Club (615) 292-6752 Vice President Chris Sykes Tellico Village (865) 458-5408 Secretary/Treasurer Ryan Storey Vanderbilt University (615) 343-6694 Past President Jason Pooler Tri-Turf Sod Farms, Inc (731) 642-3092 Executive Director Melissa Martin Tennessee Turfgrass Assn. (615) 928-7001 TTA 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ryan Blair, CGCS Bart Cash Ashley Gaskin Cal Hill Jeff Huber Brad Jean Jeff Kuhns Jason Sanderson Darren Seybold Mark Stovall Paul Webb Jeff Wyatt TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Bill Blackburn Dr. Jim Brosnan Joe Hill Dr. Brandon Horvath Lynn Ray Jeff Rumph, CGCS Dr. Tom Samples Dr. John Sorochan Dr. Wes Totten
