President’s Message

Whether your turf specialty includes golf, sports, sod, recreation, lawn care or lawn industry provider, the VTC stands behind you and your rights to do business. Membership in the VTC provides training opportunities so you stay at the top of your industry. Members have access to free recertification of pesticides and fertilizer licensing. And now members have representation to legislators and adversaries through the Virginia Turfgrass Council Environmental Institute (VTC-EI).

Great training is available with your membership. By joining us at the Annual Conference / MATE in February you will have the chance to understand soil maintenance and the local, state, and federal regulations regarding buffers. Also, you will have the opportunity to explore the lucrative installation of natural and turfgrass buffers. Additionally, attending the Come to the Bay Program in January will allow members to understand native and invasive plants in the landscape. The Come to the Bay program will also investigate partnering with other industries to ensure your business success and opportunities.

For over a decade the VTC has offered members free recertification in pesticides. We continue to do so at regional events, Annual Conference / MATE and the Come to the Bay program. We are now rolling out online recertification in both fertilizer and pesticides. What a great benefit of membership to update your credentials at your convenience and on your schedule.

And now members have access to and support from the Virginia Turfgrass Council Environmental Institute (VTC-EI). The VTC-EI reaches out to legislators to assist in protecting your business interests. This includes helping to write legislation. The VTC-EI has also proven the ability to work with advisory groups and gain their support. Organizations partnered with include the Elizabeth River Project, Lynnhaven River Now, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, City of Virginia Beach, and City of Petersburg. Programs developed with these groups include dune grass stabilization, turf, and vegetated filter installation to reduce sediment load in waterways.

Please remember, no matter what aspect of the turf industry you represent, the VTC is here to support your interests. To ensure VTC’s continued ability to support the turfgrass industry, please consider donating to the tax-free VTC-EI so we can continue fighting for you.

Thank You!

VTC President