John Deere Golf has renewed its support of The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), with Gregg Breningmeyer, John Deere Golf group director of sales and marketing, continuing to serve on The Institute's Advisory Council.

The Advisory Council, headed by World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman, provides guidance to The Institute's board of trustees in the areas of outreach, fundraising and strategic planning. The members are selected to enhance The Institute's ability to cultivate relationships with current and potential donors, as well as communicate the importance of the work conducted by The Institute.

"John Deere has been a valuable partner for The Institute over the years," Norman said. "It shares The Institute's vision to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the environment and has played a key role in helping fund many research and education programs. Gregg is a valuable member of the Advisory Council and we appreciate both his and John Deere Golf's renewed commitment."

John Deere Golf is recognized at the Champion's Club level of The Institute's cumulative giving program of organizations that have contributed between $250,000 and $499,999 since 1987. John Deere Golf is a Platinum Partner in GCSAA's Partner Recognition Program and also sponsors the Collegiate Turf Bowl competition at the annual GCSAA Education Conference.

"The work of The Institute alligns perfectly with the John Deere Golf's environmental stewardship objectives," Breningmeyer said. "The environmental leadership position The Institute has taken in the area of sustainability is something we are proud to be a part of and to support. It has been very fullfulling experience working on the Advisory Council and one that I am looking forward to continuing."

John Deere (Deere & Company - NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services for agriculture, forestry, construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation.  John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe. John Deere Golf offers quality agronomic products, precise irrigation systems and innovative equipment for golf course construction, renovation, and ongoing mowing and maintenance.

The Environmental Institute for Golf is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. The Institute concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course. For more on The Institute, visit www.eifg.org.

GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 20,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.

The Environmental Institute for Golf Advisory Council:

• Greg Norman, Advisory Council chairman, Great White Shark Enterprises
• Gregg Breningmeyer, John Deere Golf
• John Donnelly, Golf Channel
• Pete Dye, golf course architect
• Steven Fisher, Plaza Construction Corp.
• John Foster, West Coast Turf
• Sergio Garcia, PGA Tour professional
• Dana Garmany, Troon Golf
• Bobby Ginn, Ginn Resorts
• Morgan Gregory, GlenArbor Golf Club
• Michael Happe, The Toro Co.
• Jack R. Harrell Jr., Harrell's Fertilizer
• Bill Kubly, Landscapes Unlimited
• Owen G. Larkin, Vineyard Golf Club
• Gary Michel, Club Car
• Andrew Mittag, Agrium Advanced Technologies
• David Pillsbury, PGA Tour Golf Course Properties
• Vijay Singh, PGA Tour professional
• Joe Steranka, PGA of America
• Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Dubai World
• Bob Wood, Nike Inc.
• Weldon Wyatt, Sage Valley Golf Club

For more information contact:
Teri Harris, EIFG senior director, development, 800-472-7878
McGavock Edwards, APR, IMRE, 919-803-7212