President’s Message

Another Season, Another Opportunity

It's time to put all the winter training and education to the test. Hopefully you were able to take advantage of the many opportunities the VTC and VTC-EI offered this winter.

From the annual Short Course in December to the Come to the Bay Conference in January and the Fredericksburg Road Show in February, the VTC was very busy with programs to benefit all segments of the industry.

Once again, the Come to the Bay Service Project was well received and appreciated. Momentum for these projects is building and thanks to volunteers and sponsors in Prince William County, we are working a new project this Spring.

The March two-day recertification webinar had over 1400 persons from several states attend. Many participants may not be VTC members. Because of the generous support of Landscape Supply they know about our organization now and may become members or contribute to future events. Don’t forget members can get recertification online for free.

There’s so much opportunity! Go to vaturf.org/events for more info on continuing opportunities.

Special thanks to all the Board members, Virginia Tech professors and students, Virginia Cooperative Agents, and invited speakers that worked so hard (many in their limited spare time) to ensure the success of every event.

Many thanks to the vendors and sponsors that make it all possible. The success of these events is a great example of how everyone working together betters our industry.

Was there something we missed or you wish we spent more effort on? Any afterthe-action comments or thoughts? Please let us know. Contact myself or any Board member to share your thoughts or volunteer to contribute by working on committee assignments. Your opinion matters.

People are seeing the value of the many services our industry provides (remember Covid? We were essential workers) and seek trained professionals to provide those services. Many of those people want you to be the expert. Our industry benefits when you take the time to participate and become the expert. Bonus for attending is the ability to network with industry leaders and experts — having someone knowledgeable to call on for guidance and advice is priceless.

Ready or not, the season of opportunity has begun and there will be a test. I’m sure you’ll be successful.

Wes Bray

VTC President