People News

Former GCSAA executive director passes away

Former GCSAA Executive Director John Schilling passed away Sunday, April 6, in Lawrence, Kan.

He was the association's executive director from 1983 to 1993, which was a time of growth where the financial stature was strengthened and a new headquarters building was constructed. Condolences can be sent to the Schilling’s at 854 East 1259 Rd., Lawrence, KS 66047.

Crank named Bayer national accounts manager

David Crank was recently named national accounts manager for the Green Professional Products Division of Bayer Environmental Science.
 
In his new position, Crank will be responsible for several national accounts in the golf, lawn care and formulator business segments. He joins national account manager Rich Burns in handling specific national accounts for Bayer Environmental Science.

He previously was the company's lawn care and landscape market specialist for Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Prior to joining Bayer eight years ago, Crank worked as a marketing research consultant for Novartis and American Cyanamid.

Turfline adds Plemons to sales force

Terry Plemons has joined Turfline Inc. sales as vice president of worldwide sales position. He will manage the company's United States sales efforts as well as focus on expanding international business.

He was previously vice president of sales at turf professionals equipment company in St. Louis, Mo. Plemons has worked in the Toro distribution channel for more than 26 years, beginning with Goldthwaites of Texas in 1981. He also served on the board of the Mississippi Valley GCSA for three terms.

Mid-Am announces election results

The Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show Board of Directors held elections at a recent meeting in Lake Geneva, Wis.  The board of directors is comprised of representatives from Mid-Am’s three sponsoring organizations:  the Illinois Green Industry Association, the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association and the Wisconsin Green Industry Federation. 

The board elected new officers for 2008-2009.  Richard Harms, representing IGIA, was elected president; Barbara Rosborough, representing ILCA, was elected vice president; Bill Vogel, representing WGIF, was elected secretary, and Carsten Hoffmeyer representing IGIA was elected treasurer. 

Mid-Am appointed two new directors and re-appointed another during the recent elections.  Steve Fiore, Lake Forest, Ill., was appointed to a three-year term, and Terry Kurth, Middleton, Wis., was appointed to a two-year term. Carsten Hoffmeyer, Union, Ill., was re-appointed for another three year term.

Connor Shaw, Monee, Ill., and Dave Story, Northbrook, Ill., both remain on the board.