2nd Annual Green Industry Bowling Fundraiser Creates Scholarship Dollars for Anoka Tech Turfgrass Students

Members from the Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association (MPSFMA) successfully defending its championship at the 2nd Annual MTGF/MNLA Foundation Fundraiser - the Green Industry Bowling Tournament - which was held March 8 at Flaherty's Bowl in Arden Hills. Second place honors also went to MPSFMA as Plaisted Companies, Pioneer Athletics and the Minnesota Twins bowled great, too. Participants rolled two games using 5-person teams. The two advancing first round winners of the final 4 teams had scores of 190-189, then in the Championship game the score was 178-158 in favor of MTGF/MPSFMA.

The collaborated Scholarship fundraiser was a great success! With the help of many sponsors, and generosity of participants, the Green Industry Bowling Tournament is once again able to award two co-sponsored scholarships to two promising students. This year, the scholarships will go to Anoka Technical College instructor Travis Gienger’s online Turf Management program will begin later on this year.

Special thanks to the following: Hiway Federal Credit Union (1st Place Team Prize); Frost Spray Technology Products (Highest Score Individual); Tessman Company (Dinner); Plaisted Companies (Lowest Score Prize); Twin City Seed Company (Two $50 gift cards); Minnesota Sod Company (Super Ticket and Bowling Ball Prize Package); Ramy Turf (Drink Tickets); HSL Outdoor (Two Scholarship Donations), Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply (Premium Bowling Ball Prize), and Eco Works Supply (Four Cahart Lunch Coolers).

The Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation (MTGF) is a group of Green Industry professionals belonging to one of MTGF’s Allied Associations: Minnesota Association of Cemeteries, Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association, Minnesota Turf Association, Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association, Minnesota Society of Arboriculture, Minnesota Facility Management Professionals, Minnesota

Turf Seed Council and the University of Minnesota. The MTGF Allied Associations are committed to providing safe, attractive and functional landscape and recreational areas that enhance Minnesota's quality of life in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association are also Green Industry Professionals in Landscape & Hardscape Design & Install, Garden Services & Landscape Management, Garden Centers, Nursery & Greenhouse Growing, Irrigation & Water Management, and Arboriculture & Tree Services.

The MTGF is committed to supporting research, education and outreach programs, particularly those of the University of Minnesota, dedicated to creating, maintaining and enriching the careers of Minnesota's green industry professionals. The MTGF is also committed to the education and training of Allied Association members as well as other green industry professionals that contribute positively to Minnesota's economy and quality of life through well managed green spaces and water resources, safe and functional recreation areas, preservation of natural habitats of both plant and animals, and increased opportunities for interesting and diverse tourism venues.

The MTGF believes that knowledgeable, well trained Allied Association members, as well as other green industry professionals, contribute positively to the protection and enrichment of Minnesota's developed and natural landscapes utilizing environmentally sound maintenance practices, especially the application of fertilizers and pesticides, and selection and use of well-adapted, past resistant, non-invasive plant materials.

MNLA helps members operate businesses more successfully by providing education, networking, cost savings and industry insights; monitoring and influencing government affairs; promoting professionalism and collegiality; and responsibly improving and maintaining our environment.