Industry News

Inaugural Golf Inc. Green Awards announced

Makena Golf Courses in Makena, Hawaii, Kiawah Island Golf Resort in Kiawah Island, S.C., and Fairmont Southampton Golf Course in Bermuda have been chosen as the winners in the golf club category of the inaugural Golf Inc. Green Awards.

Two other winners were selected by the judges in other categories. They included Troon Golf, top finisher among operators and associations and W.R. Love Golf Course Architecture, who won in the product-service provider category. 

The awards competition sponsored by Golf Inc. is aimed at recognizing golf courses and companies that have adopted programs and practices designed to promote environmental sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship.

Judges for the competition were Michael Hurdzan, Ph.D., of Hurdzan-Fry Golf Course Design, Greg Lyman, GCSAA director if environmental programs, and John Crowder of ValleyCrest Golf Course Maintenance. 

"We are pleased to be able to honor the outstanding efforts of these courses and companies in embracing effective environmental programs and practices," said Chase Peckham, associate publisher of Golf Inc. "It is rewarding to see how many operators have incorporated environmental sustainability into their day-to-day operations."

The editors will honor the five winners Sept. 29, at the Golf Inc. Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz. The winners are also profiled in the September issue of the magazine.

GCBAA Certified Builders list grows to all-time high

The number of Golf Course Builders Association of America Certified Builders has grown to an all time high for the organization.  With three members gaining certified status, the total has grown to 35.

"The Certified Builder grade has the most stringent requirements in the GCBAA's professional certification program," said Paul Foley, executive director.  "The continued increase in the number of members reaching this level demonstrates the dedication of our membership to advance and continuously improve their profession.  We are also pleased to announce two members have upgraded their certification from Associate Builder to Builder Applicant."

The latest GCBAA members to achieve Certified Builders Status are Course Crafters Inc. of Gainsville, Ga., Glase Golf Inc., of Bonita Springs, Fla., and Malphrus Golf of Ridgeland, S.C.

GCBAA members upgrading from Builder Applicant to Associate Builder are East Coast Shaping, LLC of Dalton, Mass. and Landirr Inc. of Sanford, Fla.

The GCBAA has different levels of membership starting with Builder Applicants, followed by Associate Builders, Builder Members and Certified Builders.  Each level has unique set of requirements and qualifications designed to identify and recognize members who continue to strive to improve their professional standards and customer satisfaction.

Project Evergreen awards $1,000 grand prize

With a tagline the "Wright Plant at the Wright Time," Sylvia Hoehns Wright and Doug Hensel created the winning campaign in the "Turning America from Eco-Weak to Eco-Chic" contest sponsored by Hines Horticulture, Project EverGreen and Today's Garden Center Magazine.

They are also the recipients of the $1,000 cash grand prize courtesy of Hines Horticulture. The purpose of the campaign was to educate and remind customers about the ecological benefits of green spaces by creating an in-store display and promotional materials with tangible steps for customers to become "eco-chic."

Wright of The Wright Scoop and Hensel, president of the Great Big Greenhouse, kicked off their efforts with an eco-chic display in Midlothian, Va. Next, the team launched an eco-education campaign to get customers involved through efforts including:

• Writing a column for their hometown web site, Richmond.com
• Conducting seminars at the Great Big Greenhouse
• Promoting the effort through their newsletters and on in-store signage and literature
• Local public relations efforts to announce the program

"Sylvia and Doug's entry embodies every aspect of the consumer education campaign we hoped to inspire," said Den Gardner, executive director of Project EverGreen. "The eco-chic display they created is a permanent fixture that will change as seasonal plants vary in bloom and texture. The judges were impressed with their ongoing efforts to teach their customers."

For more about Project EverGreen and to view photos of the winning entry, visit http://www.projectevergreen.com/.

Plans for inaugural SNA winter show underway

For the first time in its more than 100-year history, the Southern Nursery Association is breaking tradition with the launch of its inaugural winter show.

From its very first meeting in Chattanooga, Tenn., in August 1899, the association has held its annual green industry tradeshow during the summer. However, member feedback and industry research showed a strong preference for a winter show. The association responded and plans are now underway for the inaugural winter show to be held Feb. 12-13, 2009.

"We asked for input from our membership and show exhibitors and this is what they told us," says Steve Newton, executive vice president of the SNA. "It is a hard break with tradition for many who have been attending our summer show for decades. However, I do believe it is the best decision for the association, our membership and show exhibitors."
The late winter show will allow attendees to finalize last minute orders to be ready for spring inventory demands.