President’s Message

Opportunities Abound

Monday, January 22 through Thursday, January 25, 2024 look to be exciting dates to mark on your calendar. Starting with Monday, January 22 you will have the chance to demonstrate our industry’s commitment to sound environmental practices and community involvement as we perform our annual Environmental Institute Service Project. We will be partnering with Virginia Beach Public Schools by assisting the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. Students in the Environmental Studies program and vocational horticulture have researched, selected, and – in some cases – grown the plants we will install.

On Tuesday, January 23, the “Come to the Bay” program will provide you with classes tailored to your specific industry. You will have the opportunity to take classes leading you to properly, and profitably, maintain overlooked areas of most landscapes – areas close to the water.

Wednesday, January 24 allows you, as a member of the Virginia Turfgrass Council (VTC), to receive free pesticide and fertilizer recertification. What a great educational opportunity awaits you on this day as well. You will have the opportunity to participate in day one of the Modified Turf and Landscape Short Course. To have hands on training by Virginia Tech staff at the Agricultural Research and Extension Center is phenomenal.

Thursday, January 25 will conclude our conference by having a second day of continued education with the modified Turf and Landscape Short Course.

I look forward to visiting with you at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center and to be able to present to our colleagues a most unique and educational “Come to the Bay” conference.

Respectfully,

Phil Bailey, CGCS

VTC President