An Interesting Year

What an interesting year so far, to say the least! I’m confident in saying that all our members across the state have adapted to the coronavirus pandemic like we always do with any situation we are given. I want to give everyone a pat on the back for continuing to serve your clients and prepare your turf during a time of many unknowns. Our jobs are tough enough dealing with weather, new pests, labor issues, and now infectious diseases? We do as we have always done – we adapt and get things done. Good Job!

We should always keep things in perspective especially during the tough times that we deal with every season. My thoughts always come back to trying to inspire the team that carries out our visions and the care we want to put into our turfgrasses. Those are the people we need to encourage and take care of for all the hard work and effort they put into each one of our properties. Personally, I want each one of my team members to love this business like I do. We are fortunate to be involved in such a great association.

I’m pleased to say the East Tennessee chapter has had a few meetings this year and are planning to host in October our annual East Tennessee Scholarship and Research Tournament at Oak Ridge Country Club with host superintendent Guy Hudson. This event is important for our chapter to help fundraise money to award scholarships to our future turf managers. It also helps us to raise money for the University of Tennessee Turfgrass Program. I think I can speak for everyone and applaud the University of Tennessee Turfgrass Program’s faculty and staff for raising the bar for all turfgrass professionals in the state of Tennessee.

In conclusion, the board would love to hear our members’ feedback. As turf managers we are always preparing for the next season or next year’s budget. Our ETGCSA board is currently preparing for the next season’s host sites, speakers and events that we want to be a part of as a chapter. I want to thank everyone who has attended a meeting this season and look forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming East Tennessee Scholarship and Research Tournament. This will be a great event at a chapter veteran’s course and teams will fill up fast! I look forward to seeing everyone soon.

DJ Lerchen

ETGCSA President

The Sevierville Golf Club