The Question of ROI

       Throughout a year, there are multiple events, that request the support of the vendors, in the Turf industry, in each market. In a perfect world, you would love to be a Platinum sponsor for every event, but that is not an option. You have multiple monthly Superintendent Association meetings, STMA regional field days & events, add in scholarship tournaments, Club Managers events and then multiple turf grass councils and their regional educational programs. Don't forget advertising in monthly newsletters and even multiple clubs, requesting support of special events.
        The reason I bring this up is, a few weeks ago, I attended the STMA New Jersey event , at Brick Township. They had a strong turnout, did a pass the microphone section to let each vendor introduce themselves and gave the opportunity for a vendor to give a live demonstration to the group. All this in effort to make the vendors feel that they are getting some value for their investment.
I was truly impressed with Rich Watson, President of the New Jersey Sports Turf Managers Association, and how he gets it! In speaking with him briefly, one of the focuses was to make sure the vendors walked away with a positive feeling.

Steve Hesser of Lawn & Golf talking about the Smithco Sand Star Zee

Great turnout for the NJSTMA meeting!

WJC

Eb Steiniger Award

       Philadelphia Association Golf Course Superintendents end of year annual meeting was recently held at Indian Valley CC. At the meeting, there were a lot of changes regarding the makeup of the board and the transition from Jon Urbanski, as President, to the new President, Rob Nolek.
Also, the PAGCS was awarding the Eb Steiniger Award. Eb Steiniger was the longtime Superintendent at Pine Valley Golf Club. The award is a lifetime achievement award for members of the PAGCS.
       The process started a few months ago, when Jay Parisien, Past President of the PAGCS, contacted me to let me know that Frank Shuman had been nominated for the award by Ed Roynan, retired Superintendent from Limekiln Golf Club. Jay was writing a letter in support of the nomination and knew that I would want to do the same. For those who know Frank, this is a no brainer! Frank has spent most of his professional life supporting turf managers, PA Turf Grass Council, and especially the PAGCS. He is on the board of the The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, which I have been lucky to be a part of. He has been the driving force behind the efforts to continue to upgrade the Walnut Lane Golf Club facility that is home to TFTGP with his time and financial support. Another special part to this was Frank's father had won the award also. The first Father/Son Eb Steiniger Award winners!
     I was very lucky to be able to present the award with Jay to Frank. To be a part of something, honoring a lifetime of someone who I consider one of my mentors, was something I will never forget.
Congratulations to a well deserving winner of the Eb Steiniger Award, Frank T. Shuman!

                    Jay Parisien, Frank T. Shuman  & me



WJC