President's Message

June is NC Turfgrass Council Membership Renewal Time!

The Turfgrass Council of North Carolina provides several valuable benefits to its members. These benefits come in many forms to help support the turfgrass industry in North Carolina. This, in turn helps secure livelihoods working in the industry.

Benefits of being a member of TCNC include (and of course, are not limited to):

LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT

Membership allows TCNC to act as your voice on important issues that affect our industry and your livelihood. Issues like water allocation/use, pesticide & fertilizer use, taxation of services, H-1B Regulations, noise ordinance laws, just to name a few.

Your TCNC membership includes being a member of the North Carolina Green Industry Council (GIC). You cannot directly be a member of GIC without being a member of a recognized NC association. TCNC is a partner member of GIC. The NC Green Industry Council unites all green industry associations and constituents to:

• Represent and protect members’ legislative interests

• Promote the value of green industry products and services

• Advocate for the green industry as a leader of environmental stewardship

In fact, Bill S.3283 – Protect America's Children from Toxic Pesticides Act has just been submitted to the Senate. This is a bill that needs to be watched closely because it will affect the way we do business as it is written.

TCNC will keep our members posted on the progress of this bill.

CERTIFICATION

TCNC is the only association that facilitates the North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Profession certification (NCCTP). The NCCTP designation is the only certification program dedicated to turfgrass professionals in North Carolina.

Being an NCCTP gives you professional credibility allowing you to stand out from the crowd.

EDUCATION

TCNC provides opportunities for CEU’s throughout the year with our new Knowledge Series events. These events will cover many issues from research updates to running a successful business and managing employees in these changing times.

On February 3rd (our first Knowledge Series event in 2022) Dr. Terri Billeisen provided an excellent presentation on “Turf-Feeding Insects, the Damage They Cause and How to Manage Them”. Mike Kelsey’s presentation on “Exploring the Connection of Professionalism, Productivity, and Profitability” was postponed to March 15th due to COVID. Mike’s prerecorded presentation was a fresh reminder on the importance of core values and culture within our industry.

EVENT DISCOUNTS

Member only discounts throughout NC for educational events. One example; you can attend the very well received NC State Field Day for only $5.00.

These discounts can help quickly offset the cost of membership.

Your membership also allows TCNC to provide networking opportunities, research funding through NC Turfgrass Foundation, trade magazine, scholarship funding for qualified turfgrass students through the Eagle Foundation and discounted Workers Compensation Insurance through First Benefits.

TCNC has been here for you since 1974 and greatly appreciates your continued support.

Kevin Herrmann

TCNC President