Upcoming Event
M-A-T-E UPDATE In
these times of uncertainty, please do mark your calendars for the MidAtlantic Turfgrass Expo (MATE). Our annual conference will be held on January 19 and 20 (Tuesday and Wednesday). In order to be closer to most of our attendees, we have moved MATE from the Fredericksburg Expo Center to Virginia Crossings which is located just north of Richmond in Glen Allen.
Here are just a few highlights: • In addition to Virginia Tech experts, Dr. Matthew Elmore of Rutgers and Dr. Grady Miller of North Carolina State University are scheduled to speak. •W e are partnering with Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation to give attendees excellent fertilizer updates and training on Tuesday morning. Nutrient Management Recertification and Certified Fertilizer Applicator (CFA) recertification credits will be provided. Another option for CFAs will be on Wednesday when both the initial training and recertification credit will be given.
• Pesticide recertification will be incorporated into the main program so persons no longer have to make the difficult choice between earning state required pesticide training and other conference classes. • The highly popular and extremely informative student competition will return. This contest showcases the latest research affecting our industry.
An unknown at this time is the future state of pandemic. At this point, options we are considering include holding the conference on-site but providing an on-line option. We will keep you posted.
VIRGINIA CERTIFIED TURFGRASS PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM
A
few years ago, the VTC partnered with Virginia Tech to develop and administer a brand new industry measure of turfgrass management competence, the Certified Turfgrass Professional program (CTP). Becoming a CTP has never been easy. In addition to rigorous training, a comprehensive four-part examination must be passed. The following individuals stepped up to the plate, completed all requirements, and have become Certified Turfgrass Professionals. The next CTP training class will be held online as part of the December Turfgrass Short Course.
Darrell Camper
Ariel Kerner
Matt Chandler
Kevin Moore
Jeff Everhart
Camden Patton
Wick Fary
Bryan Raehl
Brian Glass
Jared Russell
Stephen Hatcher
Nathan Wayne Shifflet
William Huff
Mark Smith
Justin Hunt
John Weaver
12 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2020 www.vaturf.org
