Synthetic Turf Council Offers Expanded Membership to the Industry’s Largest Professional Association
Monday, March 21, 2011
ATLANTA, GA – As synthetic turf continues to grow in popularity, so
does the level of interest it fosters in the people who buy and use it. After attracting record-breaking attendance
during its Spring Membership Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona from March 7 – 9, the Synthetic Turf Council (STC) announced
the creation of first-time ever individual memberships and adjusted several
dues categories to promote as much inclusion as possible.
"We are striving
to give voice to all those in the synthetic turf industry and now consumers,”
explained Rick Doyle, President of the Synthetic Turf Council. "Hearing from buyers like athletic directors
and municipal officials, as well as academics and students, is important as
usage continues to grow throughout North America.”
In considering its membership priorities, the
fast-growing Synthetic Turf Council decided to facilitate the inclusion of
three key business sectors of the industry: landscape architects, engineers,
and synthetic turf consultants; sub-base contractors; and regional lawn and
leisure installation companies. STC has
created new categories of membership with full voting rights, membership
privileges and its own dues schedule to accomplish this goal.
The most significant change is the establishment of a new
Affiliate membership category, which for the first time in STC’s history
welcomes individuals. Affiliate members
are divided into three sectors: coaches, athletic directors, municipal
officials, active military, and other end-users (annual dues: $75); university
or school professors, teachers, researchers (annual dues: $50); and students
(annual dues $25). Members in this category may attend STC meetings, and
participate on committees and task forces, but do not have voting rights. If
you would like to learn more about membership, visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.
Over 215 individuals from 137 companies attended STC’s Spring
Membership Meeting – the largest gathering of the synthetic turf industry ever
in North America. Education was the focal point of the event. Concurrent
programs for the Sports Fields and the Landscape/Golf sectors presented
technical information and spotlighted the latest trends and innovations. Rick
Nafe, Vice President of Operations and
Facilities for the Tampa Bay Rays, delivered an entertaining keynote address on
his own positive experiences with synthetic turf. William J. Seymour, P.E., of Gale
Associates discussed "Non-Traditional Funding and Financial Options for
Athletic Facility Projects,” a timely topic considering today’s economic
challenges. An expanded exhibitor showcase and interactive work groups completed
the successful educational and networking experience.
About the Synthetic Turf Council
Based
in Atlanta, the Synthetic Turf Council was founded in 2003 to promote the
industry and to assist buyers and end users with the selection, use and
maintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field, golf, municipal parks,
airports, landscape and residential applications. The organization is
also a resource for current, credible, and independent research on the safety
and environmental impact of synthetic turf. Membership includes builders,
landscape architects, testing labs, maintenance providers, manufacturers,
suppliers, installation contractors, infill material suppliers and other
specialty service companies. For more information, visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.
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