President’s Message

What can we do for you?

The VTC and the VTC Environmental Institute continue to provide the best training, education, and networking opportunities for you to take advantage of. None of this is possible without the hard work of our Board and committee members. We are blessed to have their combined expertise and experience to help guide us. They are always asking, what can we do for our members? Why should someone join the VTC?

We need your input. What are we doing that you’d do differently? What should we offer for programs? What would inspire you to encourage your associates to join? Give us a call, talk to a board member and let us know what’s important to you.

Upcoming events include the Fredericksburg Road Show in March. This event could not happen without committee chair Sam Burris and the Virginia Tech Turf Team. Sam gives his time to several industry groups. We would like for this event to grow into a bigger regional event. What would you like to see this event become? Contact Sam and share your thoughts.

Past president Phil Bailey works with Isle of Wight Parks and Rec and chairs the Come to the Bay conference in his spare time. He has put together three days of fantastic programs.

Other Board members help keep the wheels on the track. Ray Funkhouser retired from PBI Gordon and is working more than ever as Treasurer while participating in and officiating track and field events around the world.

Harris Wheeler retired from the Richmond Public Schools and works tirelessly to promote the VTC Environmental Institute’s service project while also running a landscape maintenance company.

Other board members whose time and knowledge add value to the VTC and VTC Environmental Institute are:

• Rick Linsday (Mow Cow)

• Jack Finding (Newsom Seed)

• Bruce Sheppard (Weedman)

• T.J. Skirsky (Advanced Turf Solutions)

• Craig Zeigler (ALM)

No question our success is because of these individuals’ involvement. Imagine our success with your input. We look forward to hearing from you.

Wes BrayVTC President