Industry News

Superintendents, distributors and professionals team up on course

The 2008 John Deere Golf Superintendent Pro-Am saw its winning team shoot a combined score of 53 on the par 71 layout and secure the win after a scorecard playoff with the difference coming on the third playoff hole.

Held at the TPC at Deere Run in Silvis, Ill., the winning team included: Kurt Desiderio, GCSAA Class A superintendent at Saticoy Country Club; Shawn Emerson, CGCS, director of agronomy at Desert Mountain; Jay Delsing, PGA Tour professional; Tom Comalli, John Deere Golf national account manager and Matt Armbrister, John Deere Golf marketing manager. 

More than 80 superintendents and other golf course industry professionals came from the United States, Argentina, Canada, Great Britain, Spain, Singapore and Sweden to participate in the tournament.

"We hold this tournament annually to celebrate our partnerships with golf industry professionals – from our customers to industry leaders to Tour players," said Gregg Breningmeyer, director of sales and marketing for John Deere Golf.  "It’s always exciting to forge relationships across the world and do it while playing a sport we all can truly appreciate."

Wanted: Water Efficiency Leaders

The EPA is accepting nominations for the 2008 Water Efficiency Leader Awards, which recognizes organizations and individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and innovation in water efficiency.

Winners will be chosen by a panel of national water experts and based on three criteria: leadership, innovation, and water saved.

"We encourage organizations and individuals who are saving water, energy and money for our nation's families and communities to apply for the 2008 Water Efficiency Leader Awards," said Benjamin H. Grumbles, EPA's assistant administrator for water. "Together, we are proving innovative technology and environmental stewardship can help conserve our country's greatest liquid asset."

The Water Efficiency Leader Awards promote a nationwide ethic of water efficiency, which is critical to helping our growing economy and improving our quality of life. The importance of water efficiency is also exemplified by WaterSense, a partnership program started by EPA in 2006 to educate American consumers on making smart water choices that save money, water and energy, and maintain high environmental standards without compromising performance. Nominations are being accepted until Aug. 29. 

More information on Water Efficiency Leader Awards: http://www.epa.gov/water/wel.

The Andersons-led project receives grants from state of Ohio

The Andersons Inc. and a collaborative team it is leading have been recommended to receive $5 million in grants from the Ohio Third Frontier Commission.

The grants are for the development and commercialization of advanced granules and other emerging technologies to provide solutions for the economic, health, and environmental concerns of today's agricultural industry.

The team consists of:

• The Andersons Inc.
• The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center
• Syngenta Crop Protection Inc.
• PSB Company, manufacturer of granule applicators
• National Lime and Stone Co.
• Ohio Bio-products Innovation Center

"Our granular technology is well received within the professional turf markets and generates a revenue stream for our Turf & Specialty Group," said CEO Mike Anderson. "This grant will enable us to accelerate our research in extending this proprietary technology to agriculture applications that we believe will provide benefits on a global scale. We are proud to be a leader in this project."

The commission recommended the grants for the development of advanced granules that effectively deliver fertilizers and pesticides or biologically active ingredients to specifically targeted areas, activating once exposed to water which reduces environmental risks, with virtually no drift problem.

"This is a significant award for all Ohioans, as this investment will create new jobs and needed economic growth," said Bobby Moser, executive dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Ohio State University. "We are honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with The Andersons and assist in the development and adaptation of the advanced granular technology in much larger agricultural markets.

PLANET donates $104,000 to Project Evergreen

Project EverGreen has received the largest single donation in its history from the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), which contributed $104,000 to the non-profit organization.

In announcing the contribution, Project EverGreen Board President Chris Kujawa, CCLP, owner of Kujawa Enterprises Inc., Oak Creek, Wis., said, "It's crucial Project EverGreen continue its goals of consumer education and information about the importance of managed green spaces. Although we've only had our messaging out for a little more than three years, programs like GreenCare for Troops, our new initiatives with FFA, and our expansion into Canada and possibly Europe next year indicates we're resonating with the Green Industry."

Jason Cupp, CLP, PLANET board president and owner of Highland Outdoor, said, "PLANET is proud to support Project EverGreen's mission to raise awareness about the benefits of green spaces and to promote the significance of those who preserve and enhance green spaces. Our partnership plays an important role in educating the consumer marketplace."

For more about Project EverGreen, visit http://www.projectevergreen.com.