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Understanding Member Needs: Insights from the TCNC 2024 Membership Survey
By Kristina Kelly
The Turfgrass Council of North Carolina (TCNC) recently conducted its 2024 Membership Survey, gathering valuable insights from members and non-members about their needs, priorities, and preferences. The survey’s findings offer a roadmap to serve North Carolina’s diverse turfgrass professionals better.
Membership at a Glance
The survey saw 85% participation from current members and 10% from non-members. Respondents hailed from various sectors, including lawn care operations, golf course and sports turf management, facilities management, and landscaping. This diversity underscores TCNC’s role as a unifying body for professionals across the turfgrass industry.
Top Priorities for Members
Members identified educational opportunities and professional development as their most valued services. Educational workshops and webinars ranked highest, with 30 participants selecting them as a priority, followed closely by certification programs and discounts on North Carolina State University events. Networking opportunities and advocacy efforts were also key interests.
Professional Development: What Matters Most
The survey highlighted continuing education as the top-ranked benefit, with 16% respondents selecting it as their most important priority. Access to industry research and networking opportunities also emerged as significant contributors to professional growth. These results emphasize TCNC’s role in fostering a well-informed, connected professional community.
Business and Technical Education Interests
Operations and marketing were the most sought-after business education topics, while turfgrass management techniques led the technical education category, with 34% respondents selecting it as a priority. Pest and disease management, soil science, and sustainable practices featured prominently, indicating a need for comprehensive, practical learning.
Preferred Learning Formats
The survey revealed a preference for hands-on workshops and field demonstrations, especially for technical topics. Online self-paced courses and webinars were also popular, reflecting a growing demand for flexible, accessible learning options. This is a format TCNC is actively pursuing with plans to roll out in 2025.
Strategic Goals for TCNC
Based on these findings, TCNC has identified three key priorities:
Expanding Practical Education: Members expressed strong interest in the NC Certified Turfgrass Professional (NCCTP) program and continuing education.
Increasing Awareness of Membership Benefits: Some respondents were unaware of all the benefits membership brings, suggesting a need for improved communication. Targeted marketing campaigns, introductory webinars, and informational materials will help bridge this gap and build our membership.
Enhancing Networking Opportunities: Networking was a consistent priority, particularly for golf course management, landscaping, and sports turf management professionals. TCNC plans to offer virtual and inperson tailored events that address sector-specific challenges and encourage meaningful connections.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 Membership Survey reinforces TCNC’s commitment to supporting North Carolina’s turfgrass professionals. By aligning initiatives with member needs and preferences, TCNC is well-positioned to provide the tools, resources, and community its members need to thrive.
For more information about TCNC’s programs and upcoming events, visit https://turfgrasscouncilnc.org
