Synthetic Turf Council Holds Historic Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Held from October 11 – 13, the meeting began with the touching dedication of a new 13,200 sq. ft. synthetic turf playing field to Stuart-Hobson Middle School, donated by the STC through the generosity of its members. This Community Service Project represented the first industry-wide collaboration of its kind. Photos of the ceremony and students running onto the field for the first time are posted at www.syntheticturfcouncil.org. "I can’t tell you how much the kids appreciate that someone cares enough to give them a field,” noted Cherie Moore, parent of Stuart-Hobson seventh grader Alexis Moore. "Now they can play and practice sports at school and still have time to do homework afterwards.”

The educational program included presentations on the results of two life cycle analysis studies comparing synthetic turf and grass, updates on important STC initiatives, a presentation on "The State of the Synthetic Turf Industry” and a special session called "ELECTION BRIEFING: 2012 Elections and their potential impact on business, the economy, and the availability of capital” that featured Jeffrey L. Taylor and Paul Sweet, both Principals with U.S. Government Relations Intl, LLC, who respectively presented the Republican and Democratic perspectives. An expanded exhibitor showcase and interactive workgroups completed the successful educational and networking experience.

Members in attendance also elected a new Board of Directors for the fiscal year that began on October 1. John B. Giraud, Managing Director of Target Technologies International Inc., was re-elected to serve a second and final year as Chairman of the Board. Other newly elected Board Officers include Vice Chairman David Moxley, Director of Sales for Sportsfield Specialties, Inc.; Secretary John Baize, Managing Director of ACT Global Sports; Treasurer Tom Enright, Vice President of Shaw Sportexe; Director-at-Large Dale Karmie, CEO of ForeverLawn, Inc.; and Immediate Past Chairman Joe Motz, President and CEO of The Motz Group. Dr. Davis Lee, President of the InnovaNet Group; Bruce Lemons, Principal of Foresite Design, Inc.; Jeff Kendell, CEO of Liberty Tire Recycling, Inc.; Doug Schattinger, President of Pioneer Athletics; Scott Lowrie, President of Controlled Products, LLC; Alastair Cox, Director of Labosport International; and Bob Thomas, President of ProGrass, LLC complete the roster. In addition, former Board members Dave Anderson, Principal of D.A. Hogan & Associates, and Jim Prettyman, formerly Chief Operating Office of AstroTurf, were recognized for their valuable contributions to the STC and the synthetic turf industry.

In the STC’s first Day on Capitol Hill, over 20 representatives of member companies met on October 13 with congressional leaders, senators, and their senior staff to promote appropriations to state and local governments for synthetic turf projects that will create jobs and enable greater community fitness.

Simultaneously an STC delegation spent time with Policy Advisor Norah Deluhery of Let’s Move, First Lady Michelle Obama’s campaign to prevent childhood obesity, to talk about the important role that the synthetic turf industry plays in this effort. Synthetic turf is often the best option for a playing surface where climatic conditions or high usage make it impossible to maintain a safe grass field. All of the discussions were fruitful and produced several key initiatives for action and follow-up.

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