President’s Message

We Can’t Do It Without You

This summer, I was honored to represent NESTMA at the UMass Turf Research Field Day in Deerfield, MA (see page 10). It was great to reconnect with colleagues and check out in-depth research results from the experts at UMass. Jason Lanier did an excellent job organizing this important industry-wide event. I know I took away a lot of very useful information.

Thanks NESTMA! Jason Lanier and Clem Clay of UMass Extension (center), met up with past president Ben Polimer and president Chris McGinty at Field Day to thank them for NESTMA’s generous donation to the UMass Soil Testing Lab’s modernization campaign.

It was particularly gratifying to meet with Clem Clay, UMass Extension Agriculture Program Director. Clem is spearheading a fundraising campaign to help strengthen and modernize the Soil Testing Lab at UMass. NESTMA contributed $5000 and Clem wanted to be sure our members know how important our association’s leadership gift is to furthering science-based sports turf management at the Lab.

In all the years I’ve been involved with NESTMA, I have always been especially proud of the support we have been able to give research efforts and student scholarships throughout the region. The UMass Soil Testing Lab donation is a great example of the many ways our members’ active involvement continues to positively impact the local sports turf industry. A big thank you to our members, commercial partners, and sponsors — new and longstanding. We can’t do it without you!

I look forward to seeing everyone — live and in-person — at NESTMA’s Fall Turf Day on October 13 in Needham, MA. Ed Olsen and our education committee have put together an info-packed program on synthetic turf. See page 6 for details and I’ll see you there!

Stay safe. Stay involved. Stay in touch!

Chris McGinty

NESTMA President