IA Smart Market contest winners announced

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The Irrigation Association’s (IA) Smart Irrigation Month Committee named the recipients of its Smart Marketing Contest, which recognizes the best efforts of 2011 to promote the Smart Irrigation Month initiative.

The IA named July Smart Irrigation Month in 2006 to promote efficient water practices.  The idea behind the initiative is for professionals to promote water efficiency to business partners, customers and water end users.

“It’s great to see more companies embracing and promoting water efficiency, and Smart Irrigation Month in particular,” said Dave Magner, sales and business development manager, Rain Bird Corp., who chairs IA’s Smart Irrigation Month Committee. “Contest entries increased significantly this year and the winners were not only impressive in their actions and passion in support of Smart Irrigation Month, but also provided wonderful examples for others to follow.”

A neutral panel of judges selected winners based on overall messaging, quality and creativity, as well as the integration and positioning of the Smart Irrigation Month brand in the campaigns.

The panel named contest winners in six categories:  the agriculture winner was Reinke Manufacturing in Deshler, Neb.  The small business winner was Rainscapes in Maryville, Tenn.   The manufacturer winner was The Toro Co. in Riverside, Calif.  The distributor winner was Aqua-Flo Supply in Goleta, Calif.  The affiliate winner was Atascadero Mutual Water Company in Atascadero, Calif. The Contractor winner was Del Conte’s Landscaping in Fremont, Calif.
Winners were recognized during the Irrigation Show’s General Session and in the Smart Irrigation Month Idea Gallery, as well as being showcased on the IA Smart Irrigation Month websites.

The IA encourages all members to submit entries in 2012.  The deadline is Aug. 31, 2012.

Industry professionals can find contest details, resources and ideas for promotions at www.smartirrigationmonth.org.