President’s Message

Proactive vs. Reactive Even if You’re an Introvert

A lecture by Julie Holt, Managing Editor at Leading Edge Communications, sparked my interest when she spoke the words “Proactive vs. Reactive Involvement”. Although she spoke those words that motivated me, these are my thoughts regarding the issue. Whether you are an introvert or extrovert personality type, it is necessary in today’s world to be proactive in representing yourself, your beliefs, and your industry. Media and Technology is here today and that is a double edged sword. Social Media opens the window for us to develop a greater client base, but it can allow some people to create a derogatory image by spinning a one-sided or misunderstood concept or attack.

Therefore, it is so important to be Proactive. This is the direction the Virginia Turfgrass Council (VTC) took when it developed the Virginia Turfgrass Council- Environmental Institute (VTC-EI). The VTC-EI now allows us to be proactive in supporting our membership by Community Involvement. Examples would include Beach Grass Restoration to sand dunes in Virginia Beach and installing erosion control features in Petersburg to reduce sediment runoff to culverts and streams. It allowed us to assist Virginia State University on an Earth Day project to correct water runoff concerns on campus. With support from Partners to the VTC-EI we have also been able to show our commitment to additional environmental concerns which include pollinator decline. Partner support has allowed us to handout 50,000 packets of pollinator seed to improve pollinator success.

Partnership with the VTC-EI has also allowed us to be Proactive in working with legislators and governmental bodies. Our government relations committee, headed up by Bruce Sheppard of Weed Man, was able to assist in setting up a meeting with Matthew Lohr, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. This allowed us to be Proactive in working together to find solutions to slow pesticide certification processing and online processing problems. We also had the opportunity to speak with State Senator Hashmi (District 10) regarding assistance to VDACS, so they have the tools needed to assist our industry in a more proficient fashion. We also were able to have a discussion relating to our pollinator program and the possibility of developing pollinator gardens in the State.

With these thoughts I give you my conclusion. What are you doing for yourself, your business, and your industry? Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert we all need to be proactive and place our best foot forward. Today’s media and instant technology almost insist we be proactive. Proactive involvement allows creative input while Reactionary involvement wastes resources and doesn’t allow for true creation to a solution.

Phil Bailey

VTC President