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
VITAL SUPPORT
Tennessee Turfgrass is the official publication of The Tennessee Turfgrass Association
As
always, I hope this message finds you and your family members safe and unaffected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, we have all, in one way or another, had our lives complicated or otherwise disrupted by regulations and restrictions that have been put into place to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. This is especially true as we make special arrangements for this year’s TTA conference. As mentioned in last issue’s message, to accommodate all safety concerns that go along with a traditional conference and show, we will be conducting this year’s event online in a virtual setting. With the schedule of this year’s educational offerings listed in this publication, you will notice (other than the absence of a trade show) the format closely follows the structure of our past on-site events. Highlighting these presentations will be the inclusion of the most current findings in research, plus remarks and experiences from several professional turf managers from the Kentucky turf industry. As in past programming, there will be a professional development presentation that has proved to be popular for all attendees as well as focused talks for sports turf, sod production and golf course management. While there is no perfect substitute for a “live,” in-person conference with its one-on-one and networking dynamics, I encourage everyone to look over this year’s program and make a commitment to register and participate in this educational program. In doing so, not only will you be receiving the best in educational offerings under one umbrella event, but you will also be providing the vital support that our association depends on to maintain its positive financial posture. Unfortunately, this is clearly the path we must take this year to remain safe while continuing the mission of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Please, whatever your position in the turf industry may be, make it a priority to support and be a part of this year’s novel event.
Douglas Ward TTA President
SAVE THE DATE!
55TH ANNUAL CO NFERENCE J A N U A R Y 4 – 6, 2021 • VIR T UAL EVENT 6
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org
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 info@leadingedgecommunications.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
