NESTMA News

Virtual Annual Meeting a Success

2020 was a year for adapting to change. In keeping with that theme, NESTMA held its first Annual Meeting virtually on December 15. Members — old and new — gathered via Zoom to catch up with each other and check in on future plans. Ian Lacy did a fine job moderating the meeting and members heard from NESTMA leaders about how the association fared in 2020.

Mary Owen was recognized for her countless contributions to the industry and wished all the best in her retirement. Vickie Wallace was thanked as she exits the board with the good news that she’ll stay involved as a NESTMA Trustee. Special thanks were given to Mike Buras who has served the Trustees well for many years. Art Goodhind gave the Treasurer’s report and the 2021 budget was approved. The election results were announced. Tom Barry was welcomed to the board, outgoing president Ben Polimer received a gavel plaque in recognition of his service, and Chris McGinty took the helm as president.

“ As turfgrass managers, we are seen asfrontline employees for towns, colleges,municipalities, and more. We are skilledprofessionals who help where we areneeded. We easily adapt to new thingsand are able to help at a moment’snotice. Years ago, someone at STMA saidto me, ‘as turfgrass managers, we makememories.’ This year, green spacesbecame havens during dark and lonelydays. Many would like to forget 2020,but for some we were able to make theirdays a little brighter.” - Ben Polimer

Thanks! Ben Polimer was recognized for his many years of service to NESTMA.

Online Learning at its Best

Winter Webinars FREE for NESTMA members!

NESTMA’s education committee put together an outstanding winter webinar speaker line-up filled with cutting-edge information. In January, Art Eddy of RePlay Maintenance offered practical advice on synthetic turf maintenance (See page 8); February featured Pam Sherratt, Ohio State University, with techniques for early season turf pest and management; and in March George Mullan, CEO of SISGrass comes all the way from the U.K to share the latest on hybrid grass stitching as a means to extend the life of sports fields.

Thanks to our winter webinar sponsors

Harrell’s, Hart’s Turf Pro, Read Custom Soils, Shaw Sports Turf, and Turf Products Corp. Learn more at NESTMA.org.

Dues Renewal is Easy Online

Many thanks to members who have renewed their dues for 2021. Online renewal is super simple at NESTMA.org. Please remember that NESTMA dues renewal is separate from STMA.