The final presentation by Chad Price, an
executive member of the Sports Turf Managers’ Association and president of Carolina Green Corp, included a look at the value of the Green Industry to the US economy - $147 million, of which $40-60 million is the turf grass sector, and the structure and benefits of membership of the STMA. Of particular interest to the student delegates was the information relating to the SAFE Foundation scholarship programme. The next stop, in a busy schedule, was a bus ride down the I-77 corridor to the University of South Carolina in Columbia, where the group visited the baseball stadium and heard from field manager, Clark Cox, who spoke about his turf management programme using Jacobsen’s latest Eclipse 322 all-electric triple mower at his new 8,500 capacity stadium. A short trip across town and the group arrived at the 80,250 seat William Brice stadium, the home of the college football team, the Gamecocks, for a conducted tour of the facility. An intense day ended with a group dinner at a local bistro.
Brandon Arnold, one of the participating students from Washington State University,
reflecting on the value of the Future Turf Managers programme at the close of the event said, “This has been an unbelievable experience. Yes it’s been hectic, but it’s also been hugely enjoyable. I can’t believe how well we’ve been treated here, and the quality and experience of the speakers has been fantastic. I’ll definitely put this on my CV so that potential employers realise how special it was for me to attend the FTM programme. The value has been immense. I think the most surprising aspect was the awarding of the points for GCSAA accreditation and the complimentary student membership; that’s just awesome!” Dan Wilkinson, president of Jacobsen added, “At Jacobsen we are committed to giving turf grass students a practical view of the profession, while offering guidance, support and the added value of our experience to help these turf professionals of tomorrow embrace our industry. It was a great three days and my thanks go to everyone who helped make it such a success.” From an outsider’s perspective, it’s
interesting to see how all the major equipment manufacturers expend considerable time and resource to these
Saltex 2010. Visit BMS on STAND H75.
events, in which they are undoubtedly investing in the men and women who will possibly become their primary customers in the future. However, in Jacobsen’s case, over these
three days there’s been a real sense of investment in these young people, as they begin their chosen careers; a sense that it really is more about helping solidify the future of this industry than it is about selling product. In 2011, the programme will be rolled out to international students, including two from the UK. Finally, this sign was on the gym wall at
USC’s baseball stadium … and is probably as relevant to the Future Turf Manager students as it is to USC’s athletes!
NEW range of outdoor furniture & signage. Turf care tools, golf course accessories.
info@bmsproducts.com www.bmsproducts.com BMS Products Ltd, Building 22, Cosgrove Way, Luton. LU1 1XL. UK
Tel: +44 (0)1582 758444 - Fax: +44 (0)1582 758555 129
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