In an effort to better recognize individuals who make significant contributions to the turf production industry, Turf Producers International’s (TPI) board of trustees voted unanimously to expand the association’s “Honors & Awards Program.”
In 1973, TPI began recognizing honorary members – individuals who have provided an outstanding contribution to the research, planting, growing and marketing of turfgrass sod. The association is now adding two new award categories to give individuals more opportunities to receive acknowledgement for their work in the industry.
The new Distinguished Service Awards will annually recognize one individual who has devoted time, talent and energy to TPI, its programs and objectives for five years or longer. Nominees need not be current TPI members.
Also, the Innovator of the Year award will identify an individual who has made unique and significant achievements that advance turfgrass sod production through research, engineering, training, marketing, public relations or environmental improvements. Candidates for this award must be current members of TPI.
A nomination form outlining contest criteria is available on the TPI Web site and TPI members and non-members are encouraged to submit names of qualified candidates. All nominations must be received by Nov. 1, 2003 and an awards presentation will be held during the TPI Midwinter Conference, Feb. 20, 2004, in Santa Barbara, Calif. Contact TPI by phone at 800/405-8873 or by fax at 847/705-8347 for more information.
The author is Assistant Editor of Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at lspiers@lawnandlandscape.com.