Executive Director’s Corner

Greetings Friends and Fellow Turfgrass Professionals of the Maryland Turfgrass Council (MTC).

I hope each and every one of you are prepared and as excited as we are for the 48th Annual MTC Winter Conference and Trade Show occurring December 12, 2023 at the Turf Valley Resort and Spa in Ellicott City, right off Interstate 70.

I apologize for mailings and other information being a little slow in coming this year. I unfortunately had to undergo extensive Lumbar Back Surgery in Early August to repair compression fractures of L1-L4 and that entire mess slipped on L-5 reducing the spinal column space from the normal 20mm to just 1mm. The surgery was a major success after the installation of a lot of cement, a couple of rods and several screws, but the road coming back for nerves to regenerate and learning to walk again has taken a lot more time than I expected. For this reason, we have extended the “Early Bird” registrations for the Conference, Vendors and Sponsors and extra week to November 14. Please take advantage of these savings.

So come out and participate as a registered participant, get multiple quilt tickets, become a Vendor and/or as a Sponsor. This conference and your dues are the primary methods of raising funds for the MTC to utilize to support the research and activities of the University of Maryland Turfgrass Programs. These research and activities done through the Turfgrass Programs are critical for us, the Turfgrass Industry in MD, to keep up with the latest and best methods to protect our environment and provide our customers the turf they desire.

You can also save yourself, or your company, money by renewing your dues now. The Board is considering an increase in our dues structure for this coming year, but this does not affect dues paid now.

We had a few members share that they would like more than just sandwiches for lunch so this year we are expanding the lunch menu to provide more of a meal. Please share how you enjoyed the new menu or not. Your input is the only way we know what needs to be changed.

Your voice is very important to us. As you know the Annual MTC Meeting will be held after lunch at the Trade Show. Part of the agenda is to elect new Officers and at least 3 Directors to the Board. Have you ever considered being a part of this driving force of the MTC? This is your association and it is only as good as YOU make it. The Board meets 10 times per year and often meet by Zoom. If you think you might be interested, please contact Ben Ellis, who is Chairman of the Nominating Committee at 571-3400122, or give me a call at 443-7426618. The MTC is only as good as you make it,

Vernon Cooper

MTC Executive Director