President’s Message
CREATIVE and WONDERFUL WORK
My
Virginia Turfgrass Journal is the official publication of The Virginia Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 5989 Virginia Beach, VA 23471 Office: (757) 464-1004 Fax: (757) 282-2693 virginiaturf@gmail.com
Mike Skelton VTC President
first thought is to hope that you, your family and team are all well and being safe in these uncertain times. I do have all of you in my thoughts every day. Now a few updates. This is the time of year that new legislative issues that could affect our industry are being presented. We are monitoring the proposals and the government relations committee will review them to determine just how they could affect our day to day operations. We will then address any concerns to ensure they make a decision that will work best for their needs, the environment and our industry. Please take time when we send out the email notice with proposed legislation to review and voice your concerns to our committee. We need your input as we may not understand just how it may affect your special operations. There’s some very big news: we are updating the VTC website. We will launch it soon with a whole new look. One of the new additions is to include a jobs page and an equipment page. Tom will send out a notification to let you know when it is up and running. Because of the COVID-19 restrictions we are taking a close look at all our onsite events. The Short Course, although still scheduled for December 7–10, will now be virtual. There is also another change: the course is now specifically designed to provide the needed education for a person to become a Certified Turfgrass Professional (CTP). At the end of the course the certification test will be made available and those who pass will become CTP. Our annual MATE Conference is currently scheduled to be held January 19– 20, 2021 at the Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center. We have also partnered with DCR for those who need to keep their Nutrient Management Certification and Fertilizer Certification up to date. This may all change: as you may be aware there are numerous conferences around the United States that have gone virtual or have been canceled. We will let you know any changes to our plans. I may not be getting out around the state because of COVID-19, but I do follow many of you on social media. I am amazed at the creative and wonderful work you all are performing. Thanks for all you do, and I hope we can all get together in person soon.
Mike Skelton VTC President
PUBLISHED BY Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com EDITOR Mark Vaughn, CGCS VTC OFFICERS President Michael Skelton (540) 718-4133 Vice President Phil Bailey, CGCS Virginia Green Lawn Care (757) 572-1981 Secretary / Treasurer Jimmy Viars, CGM Gloucester County Public Schools (804) 815-2779 Past President Scott Woodward Woodward Turf Farms (540) 727-0020 VTC DIRECTORS Wes Bray Sam Burris Ray Funkhouser Tony Montgomery Bruce Sheppard T.J. Skirsky Craig Zeigler VTC ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mike Goatley, Ph.D. (Chair) Shawn Askew, Ph.D. Jeffrey Derr, Ph.D. David McCall Ph.D. Dan Sandor, Ph.D. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS Tom Tracy, Ph.D. (757) 464-1004 VIRGINIA TURFGRASS FOUNDATION Brandyn Baty (757) 585-3058
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