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October 2009
TURF RUNDOWN
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Perennial ryegrass is one of the most susceptible cool-season grasses to low temperatures. Balanced nutrition is essential for quality turf, but fertilizer applications must be timed correctly to avoid low temperature injury. This study evaluates perennial ryegrass low-temperature hardiness in response to fall-applied N and K during dehardening in late winter and its effects on crown hydration, lethal-freezing temperature, shoot-growth rate, tissue K concentration and low-temperature disease. Click here for the research study.
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The 2-Minute Tip for Success
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Attending your industry’s trade show can be one of the most important activities you can do to improve your athletic facility. Trade shows offer valuable information from a variety of sources that can help expedite your decision-making process, and expose you to new technology. The face-to-face interactions allow you to ask valuable questions and actually view the features of the products and equipment for detailed comparisons.
Noted below are a few tips to maximize your time at the STMA exhibition held during the association’s annual conference, which is at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Convention Center in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. in 2010. There are no STMA educational sessions scheduled during the trade show. The Exhibition will be held on Thurs., Jan. 14, 4:15-7:45 p.m. and on Fri., Jan. 15, 10:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m. Food will be served in the Exhibition Hall during both sessions: heavy hors d’oeuvres on Thursday and lunch on Friday.
Have a Pre-Show Plan
• Avoid the confusion at the show by pre-registering.
• Have a goal of what you want to accomplish, such as which vendors to visit, what items you need to purchase, and which new product lines you'd like to see.
• Know your inventory needs before the show. More efficient purchasing will save you money by grouping your orders to take advantage of discounts and special offers, as well as keeping you within budget.
• Set appointments with any vendor you'd like to meet with during the show.
• Plan to bring any employees who would greatly benefit from attending the trade show.
Dress Comfortably and for Business
• Pack comfortable shoes, wear business casual clothing, and remember you are a representative for your facility.
• Allow enough room in your suitcase(s) for bringing back more than you take. This includes literature, freebies, and product samples.
• Some exhibitors provide bags, but come prepared by bringing a comfortable carryall for all that literature.
At the Trade Show
• Use the on-site show guide, and take time to revise your plan, if necessary.
• Make sure your badge is in plain sight while browsing trade show booths.
• If possible, request literature and samples be mailed instead of having to carry them with you.
• Have a pen and notebook ready for notes and use business cards to jot down information on the back.
• Take advantage of show specials, discounts and sales where they are truly bargains and needed at your facility. Check freight costs and delivery dates.
• Keep track of orders placed so you'll stay within your budget.
Expand Your Network
• Bring plenty of your own business cards.
• Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to others.
• Don't linger too long at each booth and don't stay in a conversation with a company in which you're not interested in doing business.
After the Show
• Identify if your objectives were met and if the cost of attending the trade show has had a positive long-term effect for you and your athletic facility.
• Evaluate if you had not attended the trade show, what would have been the cost and time to achieve the same amount of business. If you planned your attack, you will be confident in knowing the time you have spent at the show was worthwhile.
Source: Shari Waters, About.com
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News You Can Use
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Check the STMA website site at www.STMA.org to see a complete digital version of the Conference brochure. The registration form is online too, and can be downloaded and faxed or mailed. Or, if you are an STMA member, you can also register online from the website. Just click on the link on the home page. Hotel accommodations at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Convention Center can also be booked online from STMA’s home page.
The hard copy of the brochure has been mailed to you and should reach your inbox by Oct. 15. If you need additional copies, please contact STMA at 1-800-323-3875. If you need help to justify your attendance to your employer, please use these tools.
Posnanski’s Book Debuts at #17 on NY Times Bestseller List
STMA Keynote presenter Joe Posnanski’s new book The Machine: A Hot Team, a Legendary Season, and a Heart-stopping World Series: The Story of the 1975 Cincinnati Reds was released September 15 to great critical acclaim and debuted at #17 on the New York Times bestseller list.
Jim Callis, Executive Editor for Baseball America and a long-time contributor to ESPN.com says. “Posnanski is arguably the best baseball writer in the business.” To go to the books’ page on the HarperCollins website and get a free preview of this amazing piece of sports literature, click here.
STMA Field of the Year Applications due October 15
The deadline to submit an application for STMA Field of the Year is Thursday, Oct. 15. Winners receive complimentary registration to the upcoming STMA Conference in Orlando, Fl., three nights lodging at conference, unique field of the year merchandise, a plaque, and recognition at the Annual STMA Awards Banquet on Fri., Jan. 15, 2010. The STMA Field of the Year Application can be found here.
SAFE Scholarship Applications Also Due
The deadline to submit an application for the SAFE Scholarship Program is also Oct. 15. In addition to a minimum $1,000 scholarship, recipients receive complimentary registration to the STMA Conference, three nights lodging at conference, and recognition at the STMA Awards Banquet. The SAFE Scholarship Application can be found here.
New Continuing Education Grant to be Presented by SAFE
For the first time, The SAFE Foundation, STMA’s philanthropic arm, will award the Terry Mellor Continuing Education Grant, sponsored by Turface Athletics. This $1,000 grant is intended to fund a portion of the winner’s attendance at the STMA Conference in January. All members of an STMA affiliated chapter are eligible to win, and must be nominated through a letter of recommendation by a National STMA Member.
The deadline to apply for the Terry Mellor Continuing Education Grant will be November 15. STMA will provide a complimentary conference registration to the winner, and the winner will be recognized at the association’s annual Awards Banquet held at the conference on Jan. 15, 2010.
Terry, the brother of Red Sox Director of Grounds David Mellor, died of a massive heart attack at the age of 43. He was very involved in his community and was named volunteer of the year for the state of Wisconsin for the Special Olympics. He was a strong supporter of continuing education and this grant honors his passion.
The STMA scholarship Committee, who judges the SAFE Scholarship winners each year, will be involved in the selection of this grant’s winner. More specific application criteria and the selection process are still being refined, so check back in November’s News Online for more details.
Go Green and Renew On Line Now
Starting on Oct. 1, STMA members can renew their 2010 membership on-line. After logging on to the Members-Only page, the link to renew your membership will pop up. Click on that and easily renew it. Do you have some training or miscellaneous dollars left in your 2009 budget? Use those dollars now! STMA will be sending out renewal invoices in late November for the 2010 year. Renew now and reduce the printed reminders that come to your inbox.
In Honor of our Founders
Consider nominating an STMA member to receive a Founders’ Award. Four awards are presented each year at the annual STMA Awards Banquet to nominees who exemplify the characteristics of each of the four STMA Founders. These attributes include:
• Toma - positive attitude and perseverance to be the best you can be
• Ericson - effective management and a focus on improving professionalism
• Daniel - sports turf research, teaching or extension involvement
• Gill - commitment and dedication to STMA
The award recipients are kept secret until announced during the banquet, which will be held on Fri., Jan. 15, 2010 from 7:30 - 10 p.m. To nominate a peer, click here. The deadline to nominate a member for a Founders Award is Oct. 16.
Check Out the New Fertilizer Resources Page
STMA has added content to the fertilizer page under technical resources. This information will help you understand the role nutrients play in maintaining the health of turfgrass plants, fertilizer definitions, quick release and slow release nitrogen sources, and fertilizer programs. University websites and articles also provide advice for your fertilization programs.
STMA is Hosting a Webinar
Dr. Grady Miller will be presenting “Foliar and Granular Fertilization for Sports Turfgrasses” on October 20, 2009 at 3:00 pm EDT. There are 40 spots available on the call, so if you would like to participate, please RSVP by October 9, 2009 to Kristen Althouse (kalthouse@stma.org). Participants will be able to view the presentation over the internet while listening to Dr. Miller by conference call, which will provide the opportunity to ask questions. The call will last about one hour. Participants will be sent instructions for the call as we get closer to the date. Because this is our first webinar, it will be presented free of charge. We ask that participants complete an online survey following the webinar so we can improve these educational offerings for the future. The presentation will be available on the STMA website for anyone to view after the call takes place. Don’t miss the chance to take part in this valuable learning opportunity.
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