Association News

Source: www.TurfMagazine.com

IA Announces Partnership with ASIC

The Irrigation Association announced that it will partner with the American Society of Irrigation Consultants to present the 2011 Water Conference. The third annual conference, titled “Water for the Future: The Role of Smart Irrigation,” will take place July 21-22 at the Omni Interlocken Resort & Spa in Broomfield, Colo. The conference is designed to bring irrigation professionals, strategists, academics, environmentalists and water managers together with irrigation practitioners to discuss the world’s water challenges and the industry’s role in providing solutions. Learn more at www.irrigation.org/waterconference.

PLANET Holds Day of Service

The Professional Landcare Network held its annual nationwide PLANET Day of Service on Earth Day, April 22. The day of service is a grassroots event that allows lawn and landscape professionals to organize volunteer projects in their communities to beautify green spaces, such as the grounds of schools, parks, playgrounds, senior centers and shelters. In the past two years of the event, PLANET members completed more than 480 projects in 43 states and in Canada, with nearly 5,000 volunteers donating more than $1 million in time, material and services. Find out more at www.planetdayofservice.org.

Irrigation Foundation to Hold Faculty Academy

The Irrigation Foundation will hold its ninth annual Irrigation Faculty Academy June 21-23 in Walla Walla, Wash. Agriculture, horticulture, turf and landscaping industry instructors will experience classroom and hands-on education in irrigation from industry professionals. Topics include landscape irrigation design, agriculture drip/micro irrigation and rainwater harvesting. More information is available at www.irrigation foundation.org.

Students Receive PGMS Scholarships

The Professional Grounds Management Society announced five collegiate winners of its 2011 PGMS Scholarship. First place went to MacKenzie Patrick, Penn State University, who will receive $1,500. Benjamin Ford, Roane State Community College, will also receive $1,500. Scholarships were also awarded to Alex Benoit, Cincinnati State College, $1,000; Anthony Wotzka, University of Minnesota, $500; and Amanda Kyzer, Spartanburg Community College, $500.

USCC Helps Fight Landfill Ban Repeals

The U.S. Composting Council and its membership are working to fight attempts by state legislatures to repeal long-standing bans on the disposal of leaves and other yard debris in landfills in Georgia and Michigan. In the past few years, both states have seen similar efforts turned back by recycling supporters with help from the USCC and local composters. The USCC is working with groups within the affected states to lobby the legislatures and rally their supporters, as well as working to gain support from allied organizations and other supporters across the country.

McGinty Receives ILCA Award

Charlie McGinty, CEO of McGinty Bros., Inc., was presented with the 2010 Man of the Year award by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association. The award recognizes a member who has had a positive impact on the quality of the industry through extraordinary leadership, teamwork and innovation. McGinty established his company in 1955 with his late brother, John. He has worked officially to support the industry by serving as a member of ILCA’s board of directors, president of the Illinois Commercial Arborists Association and on the board of the Illinois Turfgrass Foundation and the Professional Lawn Care Association of America.

Dykes Transitions to NAEDA Director

Joseph R. Dykes has transitioned fully to director of member services for the North American Equipment Dealers Association. Previously he was also executive vice president of the NAEDA-affiliated Mississippi Valley Equipment Association, which was dissolved in March 2011. Dykes joined the NAEDA staff in May 2008 as the director of outdoor power equipment programs.

NTEA and NAFA Enter Endorsement Agreement

The NTEA, the Association for the Work Truck Industry, announced that it has entered into an endorsement agreement with the NAFA Fleet Management Association whereby each association will cross-promote the value of each organization’s certification programs to mutually benefit the membership of both organizations. The agreement stipulates that NTEA will endorse the following training and certification programs developed and administered by NAFA: Certified Automotive Fleet Manager and Certified Automotive Fleet Specialist. NAFA will bring awareness to the benefits of NTEA’s Member Verification Program.