The Annual Conference & Tradeshow is just two short months away - October 20-22.  Our Conference Committee has planned an amazing conference for you.  John Croyle, founder of Big Oak Ranch, will be our guest keynote speaker.  He is sure to bring a positive message.  We also have 26 educational seminars to help us in our daily roles as turfgrass managers.  We also have a new home for the Tradeshow - the Ham Wilson Arena - which will give us more space for exhibitors to display their product, services and equipment.  

 

As you may know, the live auction is the most entertaining event at the conference . . . we have fun, score great deals on turf products and equipment, AND raise much-needed funds for turfgrass research.  We would like to ask every member to help by donating an item to the auction.  The proceeds are going to a great cause and it will be fun watching everyone try to outbid each other for your donation!

 

Remember, September 1st is the deadline for your President's Award of Excellence submission.  There are four categories for this award:  Sports Complex, Golf Course, Landscape and Sod Farm.  Each winner will be awarded a plaque at the Annual Conference, receive free registration to the Conference and be featured in an issue of our magazine, Turf Times.  The application can be found on our website, www.alaturfgrass.org.  

 

We invite all ATA members to join in the effort to help a past president, Jeff Cornelson.  His wife passed away unexpectedly at the early age of 44.  Friends and colleagues have organized the Cornelson Family Benefit Tournament to help Jeff and his children.  The tournament will be on Thursday, August 27th at Heron Lakes Country Club in Mobile where Jeff is the superintendent.  More details are listed below, I hope to see you there!

 

Conference brochures will be mailed next week - so be on the lookout!  Details are also listed on our website: www.alaturfgrass.org.  Make your plans now to attend this great show!