March/April 2020
Highlights from the
2020 ANNUAL MEETING AND EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE Plus: Member Spotlight on TCNC Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Willie Pennington
A Publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina
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1-888-360-1125 Cary 1900 NC Hwy. 55 Cary, NC 27519 919-836-0492
Charlotte 12600 Downs Circle Pineville, NC 28134 704-525-8873
Hendersonville 583 Jeffress Rd. Mills River, NC 28759 828-681-5000
Mooresville 1060 River Highway Mooresville, NC, 28117 980-444-2347
Raleigh 1225 Farmers Market Drive, Box 19 Raleigh, NC 27603 919-836-0492
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22 table of contents March/April 2020
More Features:
14 Cover Story
Highlights from TCNC’s 2020 Annual Meeting and Educational Conference
20 Feature Article
3 Leadership Styles that Destroy Productivity
22 Member Spotlight
TCNC Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, Willie Pennington
From the President TCNC Deluxe Members Welcome, New Members NC State Turf Team Calendar of Events Index of Advertisers News from TCNC NCCTP Program
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© 2020 STIHL MA20TURF01-12-143741-2
From the President
2020 ANNUAL MEETING
T
CNC held its 2020 Annual Meeting on January 23rd at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro. It was great to see old friends and have the opportunity to network with other professionals in the turf industry.
The meeting started with our Keynote Speaker, Pat Jones. Pat spoke on how to market one’s business and team members to clients, club members and how to take advantage of social media. We had an educational session in which attendees received recertification credits. We were honored to have these speakers from North Carolina State University; Dr. Jim Kerns who spoke about Disease Management in the Landscape, Dr. Mike Waldvogel who spoke on Mosquito Control and Dr. Travis Gannon who spoke on Deciphering the Roundup Debacle and Herbicide Update. All sessions were very informative. Jonathan Richardson presented the lifetime achievement award to Willie Pennington and also presented the NC Turfgrass Eagle Award to Raymond McCauley, a Ph.D. student at NC State University. I would like to thank sponsors of the meeting, Green Resource, Divots Inc., Regal Chemical, Pennington Seed and Site One. With their support we are able to put on a first-class meeting. If you have not attended a TCNC Annual Meeting, please plan to attend next year. It offers great educational sessions, opportunities to network, an excellent meal and the opportunity to meet both old and new friends. God Bless,
North Carolina Turfgrass is the official publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina 110 Horizon Drive Suite 210 Raleigh, NC 27615 919-459-2070 Fax 919-459-2075 www.ncturfgrass.org
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Marcy Cottle IMI Association Executives info@ncturfgrass.org 919-459-2070 Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 615-790-3718 Fax 615-794-4524 info@leadingedge communications.com
TCNC OFFICERS PRESIDENT
Gene Queen Nature's Select Winston Salem, NC
VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Herrmann Fairway Green Inc. Raleigh, NC
PAST PRESIDENT Damon Dean Keith Hills Country Club Lillington, NC
Gene Queen
TCNC President
TREASURER Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP NCCTP Chairman Green Resource Dunn, NC
Southern Specialty Equipment, Inc.
DIRECTORS
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Dean Baker Kinston, NC
Wilson Sutton Falling Creek Golf Club Kinston, NC Andrew Wampler Southern Ag Hendersonville, NC
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A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 7
TCNC Deluxe Members Companies wishing to support TCNC with multiple members can join as Deluxe Members. Deluxe Memberships can be purchased in one of three tiers: 1–5 employees; 6–10 employees; or 11+ employees. If you'd like to learn more about the Deluxe Membership, please contact the TCNC office at (919) 459-2070 or info@ncturfgrass.org.
Thank You to Our DELUXE MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
The Biltmore Company
Fayetteville Technical Community College
SiteOne Landscape Supply
Barefoot & Associates Inc.
Givens Estates
Smith Turf & Irrigation
Green Resource Sod Solutions Inc.
Buy Sod Inc JRM Inc.
Southern Ag
Carolina Farm Credit Keith Hills Country Club
Southern Seeds Inc
Carolina Green Corp. Leap Frog Landcare Inc. City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation The Club at Longview Country Boy Landscaping Inc
McConnell Golf LLC
Town of Cary Public Works
Nature's Select Premium Turf Services
Turf Mountain Sod Inc
North Carolina A&T State University
UNCG
Dixie Lawn Care LLC
Vandemark Farms LLC
Duke University
Pennington Seed – ProTurf Division
Fairway Green
Quality Turf SAS Institute Inc.
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Vereens Turf Products Wake Forest University
TCNC New Members Matthew Albritton TPS Landscaping Arden, NC
Chad Barker Revival Golf Course Salisbury, NC
Darius Brown North Carolina A&T State University Greensboro, NC
Shane Coxie Asheville Christian Academy Swannanoa, NC
Jonathan Creech Carolina Curb Appeal Inc. Selma, NC
Chris Creighton Kildaire Lawn Care Holly Springs, NC
Jason Crowder Green Resource Colfax, NC
Gary Ford Garrison’s Landscaping LLC Reidsville, NC
Eric Jones Forsyth Tech Community College Winston-Salem, NC
Lane Jones RightLane Turf Management LLC Wilson, NC
Joe Joyner Green Resource Colfax, NC
Kyle King Simplot Raleigh, NC
Drayton Simpson Vereens Turf Products Longs, SC
William Slade North Carolina A&T State University Greensboro, NC
Allen Smith Castle Bay Corporation Hampstead, NC
Robert Sneller Jr.
10680 East Finch Avenue • Middlesex, NC 27557
1-800-682-1102
Fax: 252-235-4196 www.southernseedsinc.com
TPS Landscaping Fletcher, NC
Scott Waltz BASF Holly Springs, NC
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NC State Turf Team
Calendar of Events March 10, 2020
CROP AND SOIL SCIENCES Dr. Dan Bowman Professor, Crop Science (919) 515-2805 dan_bowman@ncsu.edu Dr. Rich Cooper Professor, Crop Science (919) 515-7600 rich_cooper@ncsu.edu Emily Erickson Crop Science Lecturer (919) 513-2034 emily_erickson@ncsu.edu Dr. Travis Gannon Assistant Professor (919) 515-2647 (Office) travis_gannon@ncsu.edu Matt Martin Extension Associate – Turfgrass, NCSU Crop Science Dept (910) 675-2314 (Office) matthew_martin@ncsu.edu
Dr. Susana Milla-Lewis Associate Professor, Turfgrass Breeding and Genetics (919) 515-3196 susana_milla-lewis@ ncsu.edu
Dr. Tom Rufty Professor (919) 515-3660 tom_rufty@ncsu.edu Dr. Wei Shi Professor, Crop Science (919) 515-2647 (Office) wei_shi@ncsu.edu
Dr. Grady Miller Professor (919) 515-5656 grady_miller@ncsu.edu Dr. Charles Peacock Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist (919) 515-7615 charles_peacock@ncsu.edu
Dr. Fred Yelverton Extension Specialist (Turfgrass / Forage Crop Weed Mgt) (919) 515-5639 fred_yelverton@ncsu.edu
Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock, NC
March 13, 2020
Monroe Regional Turfgrass Conference
Union County Extension Office Monroe, NC
March 27, 2020
Wilmington Regional Turfgrass Conference
Dr. Robert Richardson Professor and Extension Specialist (919) 515-5653 rob_richardson@ncsu.edu
New Hanover County Extension Office Wilmington, NC
April 6–10, 2020
ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT PATHOLOGY Dr. Terri Billeisen Extension Associate (919) 515-7464 tlhoctor@ncsu.edu
HORTICULTURE SCIENCE Dr. Danesha Seth Carley Director, SIPMC & NC IPM Coordinator (919) 513-8189 danesha_carley@ncsu.edu
Dr. Rick Brandenburg Extension Specialist (Peanuts & Turf) & Department Extension Leader (919) 515-8876 rick_brandenburg@ncsu.edu Lee Butler Extension Coordinator (919) 513-3878 elbutler@ncsu.edu Dr. Jim Kerns Associate Professor and Extension Specialist (Turfgrass Pathology) (919) 515-2730 (Office) jpkerns@ncsu.edu
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NC State Turfgrass Short Course WakeMed Soccer Complex Cary, NC
The Turfgrass Council of North Carolina (TCNC) serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, North Carolina Turfgrass, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or TCNC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright © 2020 by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina. North Carolina Turfgrass is published bimonthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of TCNC. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: North Carolina Turfgrass allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to TCNC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, 615-790-3718, Fax 615-794-4524.
Index of Advertisers Bio Plex Organics..........................................13 www.bio-plex.com Buy Sod, Inc........................ Inside Back Cover www.buysod.com Carolina Green Corp.....................................11 www.cgcfields.com Carolina Turf Farms, Inc...............................23 carolinaturffarms.com Covermaster, Inc...........................................13 www.covermaster.com Divots, Inc.....................................................11 www.divotssand.com Green Resource............................. Back Cover www.green-resource.com Kesmac..........................................................17 www.brouwerkesmac.com Leading Edge Communications....................19 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com Mid-Atlantic STIHL..........................................5 www.stihldealers.com Modern Turf, Inc.............................................9 www.modernturf.com Morgan Sand Company................................21
DIGITAL MARKETPLACE
NewLife Turf, Inc..........................................19 www.newlifeturf.com
Download your favorite QR reader to your phone, and scan the code to learn more about this company.
Beam Clay.....................................................23 www.BEAMCLAY.com • www.PARTAC.com Progressive Turf Equipment Inc.....................7 www.progressiveturfequip.com Revels Tractor Co. Inc...................................15 www.revelstractor.com RD Murphy, LLC............................................13 www.rdmurphy.com Smith Seed Services......................................11 www.smithseed.com Southern Seeds, Inc........................................9 www.southernseedsinc.com Southern Specialty Equipment.......................6 www.ssequip.net Super-Sod........................................................3 www.supersod.com The Turfgrass Group.......... Inside Front Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com Turf Mountain Sod, Inc.................................11 www.turfmountain.com Vandemark Farms...........................................7 www.vandemarkfarms.com
Andy Rushing arushing@cgcfields.com Phone: (704) 634-9799 Toll Free – Office: (866) 753-1707
www.cgcfields.com
A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 11
News from TCNC
2020 TCNC Officers
2020 Directors
PRESIDENT
Gene Queen
Dean Baker
Nature's Select 2550 Landmark Drive Winston Salem, NC 27103 gqueen@naturesselect.com 336-768-7999
2641 Westridge Road Kinston, NC 28504 dbaker2641@icloud.com
VICE PRESIDENT
Kevin Herrmann
Wilson (Wil) Sutton
Communications Chairman Fairway Green Inc. 140 Rupert Road Raleigh, NC 27603 kherrmann@fairwaygreen.com
Falling Creek Golf Club 2359 Falling Creek Road Kinston, NC 28504 fcccsutton@gmail.com
PAST PRESIDENT
Damon Dean
Andrew Wampler
Keith Hills Country Club 2012 Keith Hills Road Lillington, NC 27546 deand@campbell.edu 910-893-1372
Southern Ag P.O. Box 429 Hendersonville, NC 28793 andrew.wampler@ southernag.com
TREASURER
Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP NCCTP Chairman Green Resource 89 Killington Place Dunn, NC 28334 sujmrichardson@ embarqmail.com
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Covers That Make the Difference MAST R BRANDE ING
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TARPMATE™ AIR roller is a revolutionary An INFLATABLE FIELD COVER allows storage and handling system for field for ongoing field maintenance during covers. 2-3 people can roll out or roll up a inclement and extreme cold weather. 100’ wide cover. 100 Westmore Dr., 11D, Rexdale, ON M9V 5C3 3909 Witmer Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14305
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Big Roll TuRf TuBes
heavy Duty papeR tubeS
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RD MuRphy LLC Sales: (256) 762-3564 info@rdmurphy.com www.rdmurphy.com
A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 13
Cover Story
TCNC’s 2020
ANNUAL MEETING AND EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE JANUARY 23, 2020
Sedgefield Country Club | Greensboro, North Carolina
TCNC Treasurer, Jonathan Richardson (left), presents Willie Pennington with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
T
hank you to everyone who attended this year’s conference! This annual event provides turfgrass
professionals around North Carolina the platform to discuss the current state of TCNC, expand knowledge on a wide range of topics, and connect with new and old friends in the industry. This event was presented in partnership with NC State University faculty and staff to provide quality education and knowledge for all turfgrass industry professionals.
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TCNC 2020 Board of Directors.
WE DIDN’T INVENT THE WIDE AREA REEL MOWER. WE JUST MADE IT BETTER. The 8900A PrecisionCut™ Large-Area Reel Mower A wide-area reel mower is not news in this industry. But one that cuts like our 8900A PrecisionCut should get your attention. Using our Quick-Adjust 7 26-inch and 30-inch cutting units, the 8900A delivers increased productivity and performance on fairways and in the rough, while producing a quality of cut that’s unheard of for a reel mower of this size.
Revels Turf & Tractor NC, SC, VA, WV (800) 849-5469
RevelsTractor.com
JohnDeere.com/Golf
Cover Story | continued
THANK YOU TO OUR SPEAKERS
Pat Jones
Dr. Jim Kerns
“Five Tips for Better Communications”
"Disease Management in the Landscape"
Dr. Michael Waldvogel “Mosquito Control – More Than Just Pesticides”
Dr. Travis Gannon presents on weed control.
Dr. Michael Waldvogel presents on mosquito control. 16 North Carolina Turf gr a ss
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Dr. Travis Gannon
“Deciphering the Roundup Debacle and Herbicide Update”
Cover Story | continued
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Delegates listen to Board President, Gene Queen, during the Annual Meeting.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED THIS YEAR’S EVENT! 18 North Carolina Turf gr a ss
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Contact kristin@leadingedgecommunications.com or 615.790.3718 to take advantage of this offer! Cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts, offers or current advertising agreements. Limited to one single ad in one issue only. Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. To ensure the integrity of our publications and for the benefit of our readers and advertisers, publisher reserves the right to revise, reclassify, edit or reject any Ad Material or any portion thereof at any time. Offer good through 6/30/2020.
A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 19
Feature Story
3
LEADERSHIP STYLES THAT
DESTROY PRODUCTIVITY By Jeff McManus
“Average leaders inspire people to punch a time clock. Great leaders inspire industry and passion.” Joseph B. Wirthlin
B
ecoming an effective leader isn’t always easy. Leadership styles are often developed unintentionally, learned from others who led before you. Additionally, with all the pressures today and multiple pulls on our time and attention, it’s more challenging than ever to lead with a long-term vision in a way that develops the next generation of leaders.
Even with the best intentions, people can develop poor leadership styles that can destroy productivity. If left unchecked, poor leadership traits can be even more costly to your organization, such as by causing high turnover and requiring you to spend more time and money recruiting and training new employees. There are many leadership traits that can cause harm to an organization. Here are three leadership styles to watch out for if you’re looking to push your company to success. These styles close communication, lower morale, make your team members feel unimportant, and destroy production.
1. NARCISSISTIC LEADERS
Narcissistic leaders have a very high opinion of themselves and their ability to perform at work. They are in love with the power that being a leader affords them. Many times, these people place themselves so high above their employees that they lose touch with the common goals of the company. Narcissistic leaders act like the figurehead of the company rather than someone in the day-to-day trenches getting the job done. They may be very charismatic, but they are often acting in their own interest and ignoring the needs of the team. Narcissistic leaders often take credit for the work of the team, which leaves team members less motivated to work hard. Times quickly turn bad when team members realize they won’t receive credit or recognition for work well done, not even as a team. When this happens, employees get discouraged and will often do the minimal amount of work required to get through the day.
2. AUTOCRATIC LEADERS
Autocratic leaders see themselves as the sole decision makers in a company. When they take this to an extreme, autocratic leaders lead through authority and compliance, believing when management
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speaks, employees must listen; and presenting strong negative consequences for mistakes. They lead through instilling a fear of receiving punishment when something goes wrong. This leads employees to lose respect for their leader, only respecting the title and doing enough to not lose their job until they can find another one. Employees feel like they aren’t trusted or valued no matter how hard they work, so they are less likely to work hard. Autocratic leaders do not foster a sense of teamwork, because management makes all decisions. This lack of teamwork and teambuilding ends innovation and creativity among team members. Team members will just follow instructions as given and not recommend improvements. They will become afraid to take even the most carefully calculated risk. As time goes on, your best team members will leave for greener pastures that allow them to be more creative and supported. Your organization will be left with only the less-productive team members.
impossible for it to be received in a constructive fashion. Employees feel constantly criticized and lose trust for their leader, and productivity suffers.
Is your team working productively?
If your team members aren’t producing, perhaps it’s because someone in your organization has developed a productivitykilling leadership style. Many times, this happens unintentionally. Perhaps they came from an organization where leaders regularly took credit for their team’s
accomplishments because of another leader in their organization. In this case, it’s not that the leader is a narcissist, but developed narcissistic leadership traits as a way of survival. The same holds true for autocratic leadership traits or micromanaging. Perhaps the leader came from an organization where that was the norm. If this is the case, new information, leadership training, and additional internal or external support may be all that’s needed to rid your company of productivity-destroying leadership styles.
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Landscape and Ornamental Horticulture from Auburn University and is a PGMS Certified Grounds manager, and Certified Arborist. His message rings true for any industry leader or manager looking to GROW a highperformance and dedicated workforce. Jeff has spoken at Caterpillar Inc, the Biltmore Estates, Leadercast, SRAPPA, Trent Lott Leadership Institute as well as the SEC Ole Miss Athletics. He has also worked with Memphis University, the University of Tennessee, the University of Georgia and private firms in developing their own training programs. You can learn more at Jeff’s website www.jeffmcmanus.com or by emailing jeff@jeffmcmanus.com.
3. MICROMANAGERS
Micromanagers lead through one tool: control, often because of a desire for consistent results. Although consistency is an important goal, micromanaging destroys productivity because the leader will be a bottleneck for all work. You will only be able to produce as much as the leader can directly oversee. Micromanagers teach their employees to be dependent on them. They do not delegate well and tend to take on all tasks themselves. They convey no sense of confidence in the skills of the people they have hired. Teams feel as though they cannot complete assignments without the micromanager’s involvement. Even the simplest question is answered by deferring to the micromanager. Micromanagers create an environment where people are afraid to make mistakes and take risks. They worry about doing things the way the leader wants, even if they believe there’s a better way. Finally, micromanagers also foster an environment of fear and a lack of trust. They’re viewed as high maintenance and hard to please. Their communication is usually nonexistent or critical. Although there is certainly room for constructive criticism in the workplace, the consistency and frequency of the criticism that comes from micromanagers makes it virtually
A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 21
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ON
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient WILLIE PENNINGTON
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W
illie Pennington joined BASF in 1972 as production manager at the manufacturing site in Tucker, Georgia. He moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1975 and served as Sales Representative for the agricultural products business, covering soybean, corn and cotton markets. Pennington earned three sales of the year awards for increased sales of new products.
In 1991, he was promoted to Market Manager / National Accounts Manager in the Specialty Products Department to develop business plans for distributors, resellers and 3rd party customers. Pennington supported the development of the NPV model for BASF products in the Turf and Ornamentals markets. Beginning in 1978, he was involved with BASF active ingredients in markets other than soybeans and cotton, before BASF officially established a Specialty business in the T&O segments in the mid 90s. In 1996, Pennington became Regional Accounts Manager, covering the eastern U.S. for the T&O business. His primary responsibilities included distributor and reseller calls from South Carolina to Maine. In 2000, he was promoted to Fumigation Specialist managing the golf course renovation (regrassing) projects in the U.S. He worked with golf course architects and builders on more than 75 golf courses and athletic fields to improve turfgrass stands and improved playability. Pennington implemented training courses, developed protocols, and supported the writing of a fumigation manual in the state of Virginia. He collaborated with Certis USA / (Advan LLC) as a fumigation specialist to complete the transfer of the sale of the fumigation business from BASF to Kanesho Soil Treatment, and provide technical experience in the re-grassing of golf courses. Pennington is a Past President of the Pesticide Association of NC and Board Member of The J C Raulston Arboretum at NC State University. He is also a Past President of the Board of Directors of the NC Cooperative Extension Service Foundation (NCCESF) and past member of the Board of Directors of the Central NC Chapter of the National Assn. of Investment Clubs (NAIC) and has provided investment education to Investment Clubs.
Pennington has served on panels at Crittenden conferences to discuss golf course renovations with Architects, Builders and prospective golf courses. Projects renovated include: • University of DE, Newark, DE • University of VA, Charlottesville, VA • University of SC, Columbia, SC •W arren Memorial Stadium (NFL Pro Bowl), Maui, HI, with George Toma • Cincinnati Bengals Stadium, OH • Reading Phillies, Reading, PA • Philadelphia CC, Philadelphia, PA • Wilmington CC, Wilmington, DE • Bayshore CC, Miami, FL • Loxahatchee CC, FL • Frenchmen’s Creek, FL • PGA West, LaQuinta, CA • Olympia Fields CC, Olympia Fields, IL • Medinah CC, Medinah, IL and others. Pennington retired as Sales Representative – North Carolina and South Carolina, where he promoted the proper use of BASF active ingredients on golf courses, Lawn Care, nursery, greenhouse and landscape markets as well as introducing new active ingredients in market segments. Awards / Recognition: •T hree (3) Sales Awards with the BASF Professional & Specialty Solutions business. •G reen Resource LLC (2019) – Industry Service Award (along with Pat O’Brien, USGA) •T riangle Turfgrass Association (2019) – Lifetime Member •T urfgrass Council of North Carolina (2019) – Lifetime Achievement Award Pennington has served his community and the world by completing 16 or more international Mission trips (Austria, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Italy) with trips planned to Ecuador and Spain in February and October 2020. Pennington is a graduate of Tuskegee University (formerly Tuskegee Institute); 1970 – BS, Chemistry Education. He was a four-year letterman and cocaptain of the varsity football team; AllConference selection – 1968. Thank you, Mr. Pennington, for your dedication to the industry and your influence in the North Carolina turfgrass community and beyond!
800-247-BEAM www.BEAMCLAY.com STATE APPROVED CO-OP PRICING
email: sales@beamclay.com
THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR INFIELD MIXES, MOUND CLAYS & RED WARNING TRACKS OVER 5,000 INFIELD & SPORTS PRODUCTS A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 23
NCCTP Program
Fast Facts about the NCCTP Enrollment Requirements:
Become a NC Certified Turfgrass Professional!
The
North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional (NCCTP) program is a comprehensive program developed to enhance the technical competency of turfgrass professionals, while elevating their professional image, that of your business and of the turfgrass management industry. Administered by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina, the NCCTP designation confirms your expertise in turfgrass management to prospective customers and your peers.
Reasons to Begin Earning Your NCCTP Designation Today The NCCTP program increases and enhances your turfgrass industry knowledge, career, and business development through a course of study of in-depth coverage of the science of turfgrass management. The NCCTP designation offers immediate confidence and credibility of turfgrass management practices to customers and prospective employers. Promote and market yourself as a North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional. • Use the NCCTP logo on your business materials. • Use NCCTP pins, uniform patches, and vehicle decals. • Your TCNC Member Directory listing is distinguished with the NCCTP logo.
We Are Partnered With The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course, a comprehensive turfgrass education program, is offered at select NC State Extension offices and at NC State University. This Short Course offers a full curriculum of the science of turfgrass management as well as Continuing Education Credits for NCDACS Pesticide and NCLCLB Landscape Contractors’ license holders, and it will help you prepare for the NCCTP exam. This Short Course is recommended but not required to take the NCCTP exam.
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old a current TCNC membership. If not currently H a member, go to www.ncturfgrass.org and click ‘JOIN NOW’ to join online or download an application. Have a minimum of one full year of work experience in the turfgrass industry. Agree to the Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics as detailed on the application form. Submit: • A current and valid NC Pesticide Applicators license • A completed NCCTP application (current TCNC members may apply online). • NCCTP Program Application: $150 • Self-Study Materials: $50 • Exam Fee: $50
Curriculum and Exam: urriculum covers nine core areas: Turfgrass CharacterisC tics; Establishing Turfgrass; Soils & Nutrient Management; Cultural Practices; Pests & Integrated Pest Management; Pesticides & Plant Growth Regulators; Landscape Safety & Pesticide Use; Calculations & Calibration; Turfgrass Business & Economics. Candidates have six months from the date of their enrollment acceptance to complete the NCCTP exam. Candidates have six hours to complete the exam and must score 80% or more on each section to receive the NCCTP designation. Exams can be taken at the TCNC office in Raleigh during normal business hours, or arrangements can be made at your local NC State Extension location. Exams will not be graded if any application information is missing or if TCNC membership status cannot be confirmed. Please allow two to three weeks for exam grading and reports. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive communication with their results and either next step options or their graduation packet.
Maintenance Requirements: aintain a current TCNC membership as a means of M demonstrating ongoing support for the industry. Submit an annual $50 renewal fee, which supports the NCCTP program and related promotional activities. Designation year is the same as the TCNC membership year, from July 1st to June 30th. Hold a current NC Pesticide Applicator’s License. Subscribe to, actively support and uphold the TCNC Certification Code of Ethics. The NC Certified Turfgrass Professional designation (NCCTP), the NCCTP logo and related programs materials are the trademarked property of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina and cannot be used without TCNC’s written permission. For additional information, contact TCNC at (919) 459-2070.
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NCCTP Certification Program
ENROLLMENT APPLICATION Name___________________________________________________________________ Phone_____________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________________________ State____________ Zip_____________________________________ E-Mail_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TCNC Membership #*____________________________________________________ Pesticide Applicator License #_______________________________
QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS Please read the items below and check each one that is true for you.
MEMBERSHIP: I am now, or I am applying here to be, a member in good standing of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina. PESTICIDE LICENSE: I hold a current North Carolina Pesticide Ground Applicator License with subclass L, turf, and ornamental (or equivalent from another state). EXPERIENCE: I have completed a minimum of one full year of turfgrass industry professional work experience. EXAM: Upon acceptance into the program, I plan to complete my study and take the required exam within six months. DUTY: I have initialed the following page of this application to show that I strongly support and willingly subscribe to the Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics, and I pledge to uphold the credibility and integrity of the program. CONTINUING EDUCATION: I agree to successfully complete additional future curriculum materials or sections that may be required as a result of new technology or regulation. Company________________________________________________________________ Title______________________________________________________ Supervisor_______________________________________________________________ Supervisor’s Phone_________________________________________ Supervisor’s E-Mail___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company’s Address__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________________________ State____________ Zip_____________________________________ Work Experience_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Describe your turfgrass industry professional work experience; one full year is required to apply.
NCCTP Application Fee: $150, Study Materials: $50, Exam Fee: $50, TCNC Dues (call for amount, based on date) TOTAL $____________________
Check Number__________________ (payable to TCNC) Credit Card:
AMEX
Visa
MC
Discover
Billing Zip Code____________________
Credit Card #____________________________________________________________ Exp. Date______________________ Sec Code____________ Name on Card___________________________________________________________ Signature______________________________________________ By signing this application, I verify that all the information is true and correct, I acknowledge and assume full responsibility for the charges on this application, and I agree to honor and abide by the terms of this non-refundable payment.
Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ Date____________________________________
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CERTIFIED TURFGRASS PROFESSIONAL
CODE OF ETHICS Please read and initial each section below that you support and commit to uphold.
DUTY TO THE PUBLIC Conduct service first and foremost with regards to the safety, health, and welfare of the general public. Provide service, recommendations, and information based upon honest experience, and scientifically accurate and factual knowledge.
I AGREE
DUTY TO THE ENVIRONMENT Operate in such a manner to protect and preserve our environment. Use and monitor all equipment, products, and materials in a manner consistent with the label and safe for the environment.
I AGREE
DUTY TO THE LAWS OF OUR LAND Abide by all laws and regulations affecting the turf industry and support the enforcement of these laws.
I AGREE
DUTY TO OUR FELLOW PROFESSIONALS Refrain from the use of false, misleading, or deceptive marketing and advertising practices. Practice and insist upon sound business management practices. Maintain the highest standard of personal conduct to reflect credit and add stature to the turf industry. Recognize the importance of strong relationships within the industry. Abstain from untruthful debasement, or encroachment upon, the professional reputation or practice of another turfgrass professional.
I AGREE
DUTY TO THE ASSOCIATION Participate in association activities and events to help further the profession. Abstain from any unfair exploitation of my association, industry, or profession.
I AGREE
By signing this Code of Ethics, I agree to follow the duties and intentions outlined above, and I commit to supporting and upholding these ethics with consistency and integrity.
Printed Name________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ Date____________________________________ Please Return Entire NCCTP Application To TCNC Via: email: info@ncturfgrass.org fax: (919) 459-2075 or mail: TCNC, 110 Horizon Dr. Ste 210, Raleigh, NC 27615 26 North Carolina Turf gr a ss
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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAY WITH
