Executive Director’s Corner

Growing to Serve you Better

Special THANKS to the more than 425 attendees, vendors, sponsors and speakers that made the 47th MTC Annual Winter Conference and Trade Show a major success. There was plenty of sharing of ideas, new technology, networking, new products, services, and good food.

We also had the opportunity to honor our Secretary of 46 years and Treasurer of 41 years, Cheryl Gaultney, to whom the entire Conference and Trade Show was dedicated. Anyone who ever attended any previous Conference, Field Day, Recertification or and other function of the MTC had the opportunity to meet and get to know this industry icon. Cheryl may have unexpectedly passed away last summer, but she will not soon be forgotten for her pleasant smile and helpful attitude. We were additionally honored to have Cheryl’s husband, daughter, grandchildren and other family members and friends join us for a dedication ceremony during lunch.

It’s time once again to renew your dues, in the last 11 years we have grown from 300 members to over 1200+ and it is still growing. If your entire crew are not members, sign them up. If you have competitors who would benefit from membership, ask them to join. If you have suppliers who are not members, ask them why they are not members supporting the MTC and the University of Maryland Turfgrass Programs and Research. Forms are being mailed out but feel free to utilize the form found on page 11 in this magazine.

Upcoming events you will want to mark your calendar and plan to join us are:

Procrastinators Recertification Class by Zoom – JUNE 23, 2023

This is your last chance to get your CEU’s required for your MD Pesticide License, and we will also offer CEU’s toward your MD Fertilizer Applicator License and CEU’s from DC and surrounding States. This is free to MTC Members, but open to everyone else for a modest fee. Registration is required.

University of MD Turfgrass Field Day – (END OF JULY OR EARLY AUGUST)

Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn of the latest research that is being done to make YOU a better Turfgrass Professional, and enjoy a great day, great people and great food. This is a special opportunity for MTC Members, but once again registration is required for accurate meal counts.

Early Bird Recertification Class Live in Easton – AUGUST 16, 2023

This recertification class is your opportunity to attend a live class in the relaxed atmosphere of the Eastern Shore. If you are looking to get your recertification for both MD Pesticide and Fertilizer Applicator Licenses, as well as the surrounding states and obtain it all while staying on the Shore, plan to join us at the Talbot Agricultural and Educational Center right off Route 50. Again, this is free to MTC Members, but open to everyone else for a modest fee. Registration is required.

MTC 48th Annual Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show – DECEMBER 12, 2023

Once again, we will be enjoying the hospitality, comforts and food that only Turf Valley Resort and Spa can offer. Dr. Fereshteh Shahoveisi is taking the lead with the MTC Educational Committee to develop a spectacular program. Anyone who knows a great speaker or has a particular topic you want to hear more about please contact Fereshteh at fsh@umd.edu or feel free to contact me at ExecDir@MDTurfCouncil.com or 410-745-9643. Registration is required and Members get a significant discount.

The MTC is growing to serve you better, please make sure you are part of it. Join or renew today.

Vernon Cooper

MTC Executive Director