Industry News

GIS Silent Auction nets $133,400

The 2008 GIS Silent Auction in Orlando produced record breaking results raising $133,400 for The Environmental Institute for Golf, the National Golf Course Owners Association Foundation, The American Society of Golf Course Architects, The Club Foundation and The Golf Course Builders Association of America Foundation.

As in past years, all registered bidders were entered in a drawing for complimentary registration, education and hotel accommodations in New Orleans for the 2009 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show.

This year’s winner was Reuben Wedgeworth, Class A golf course superintendent at Timberton Golf Club in Hattiesburg, Miss. For more on the auction, click here.

2008 Irrigation Association show renamed

The Irrigation Association has announced a new name for its annual irrigation tradeshow, Irrigation Show 2008. The name will replace "29th Annual International Irrigation Show." To accompany the new name, the IA has also released a new logo that will be used for the 2008 show.

The IA delivers the show which brings irrigation products and services, and timely topics to the forefront of the industry. Professionals will continue to find the show a valuable resource for education courses, industry certification exams, technical and business sessions, committee and common interest meetings, plus networking opportunities. Over 350 exhibitors are expected on the exhibition floor as well as the popular new product contest showcase. This year sessions led by water management experts will be a new show feature.

The show will be held in Anaheim, Calif., at the convention center, Nov. 2-4, 2008. A full slate of education courses will be offered Nov. 1-4, 2008.

California seeks nominees for environment awards

Two California departments are looking for worthy nominees for their environmental awards.

Nominations for the annual Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award Program must be submitted by May 20. As the state’s most prestigious environmental honor, it recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made notable contributions in conserving California’s precious resources, protecting and enhancing the environment, and building public-private partnerships.

Closing May 30, the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s IPM Innovator awards honor California organizations that emphasize pest prevention, favor least-toxic pest control, and share their successful strategies with others.

John Deere renames golf division

John Deere Golf & Turf One Source is now John Deere Golf.

“Though we’re changing our name,” said Matt Armbrister, marketing manager, John Deere Golf, “we continue to offer a full range of solutions for golf customers.  The main difference is now customers find us through more channels."

Since its merger with Lesco in 2007, the company has expanded to include individualized ground support and expertise to its customers in multiple areas, including agronomic and consumable products, irrigation systems and equipment for golf course construction, renovation, and as always, mowing and maintenance.

Jacobsen attains GCSAA Gold Partner status

Jacobsen has pledged its support of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and its members by committing to participate in the association's Partner Recognition Program. Jacobsen is a "Gold" sponsor of GCSAA.

"We are proud to welcome Jacobsen to the GCSAA Partner Recognition Program," said GCSAA President David S. Downing II, CGCS. "These resources are invested for the benefit of GCSAA's stakeholders -- member superintendents, their facilities and the golf course management profession. The investments do not go to stockholders in the form of dividends or profits. They are put to work to develop education programs, conduct research, offer career resources, create information resources and develop tools to assist our members. Without the support of industry, GCSAA would not have the ability to provide resources to the benefit of its members and their employers. That is why we call our friends in the industry 'partners.' We are appreciative of Jacobsen's support and I know our members are as well."

Jacobsen is a long-time supporter of GCSAA and its philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf. Jacobsen is recognized at the Champion's Club level through The Institute's cumulative giving program of organizations that have contributed between $250,000 and $499,999 since 1987. Jacobsen also sponsored the GCSAA educational seminar program for 10 years.

"GCSAA is the authority regarding issues relating to golf course management and it’s only natural for Jacobsen to strongly support our industry’s leading golf organization," said Joe Cunningham, Jacobsen vice president of marketing.