Coming Together

In our last issue’s message, I commented on continuing open communication and the sharing of new ideas as being some of the best defenses our industry may have against the virus that was steamrolling across the country.

TTA and its allied associations sending communications to the Governor’s office at the onset of the pandemic helped define our industry as an essential business — one that could not afford to just lock its doors and resume business months later expecting all things to still be in viable condition. I, for one, believe our message was clearly heard!

Steady streams of information and creative ideas that have been shared between colleagues and partners in the industry have been put to good use in making our workplace environments a safer place for employees and those they serve.

While everyone has been well versed in social distancing, the use of face masks, etc... I have seen some innovative strategies with the staging of employee activities along with the use of improvised devices to minimize golfer contact with commonly touched accessories on courses – all ideas that have been freely shared amongst peers and others and have undoubtedly been beneficial in creating a safer environment for all.

While it seems as if the COVID-19 pandemic has somewhat loosened its grip on our world, challenges will continue to crop up and further adjustments to conform to rules and regulations will likely be necessary. A few adjustments that I already anticipate are:

• Even with the permissible number for large gatherings increasing, many of ourlocal industry meetings will remain on hiatus.

• The window for acquiring points for state pesticide applicator’s certificationhas been significantly widened (September 30) to allow for accrual over thesummer months.

• Since the University of Tennessee has closed all facilities to the public, the AnnualU.T. Turf Field Day will be replaced by a series of online webinars held on the firstTuesday of each month from May through October of 2020. You can find moredetails about the webinars online at www.tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org.

At this point, it is exciting to see our industry coming together and generally navigating through the pandemic with professionalism and a community effort.

Even though we may be becoming numb with all the talk of COVID-19, it will serve us well to remain current with all the updated information and be generous in sharing our ideas that could help others to live in safer conditions.

Here’s to seeing safe and healthy days ahead.

Doug Ward

TTA President