President’s Message August 2010

By Chris Goodman

The Year 2010 has been a very painful, challenging year for the Northwest Turfgrass Association. The loss of our friend and Executive Director Paul Backman has left a void in the organization and in our hearts. Paul was a passionate and dedicated friend to us all. I began writing this message on his birthday August 9. His daughter Olivia’s birthday is in three days. Since the tragedy, I have come to know his family better. I can’t help but be impressed with the quiet dignity they have shown. I think we should all take a short break from our overly programmed day and remember a friend and his family.

The NTA Board of Directors is striving to put the pieces back together, to become a better, more balanced organization that furthers what Paul enhanced. Unfortunately, we have also been hampered by the specter of an IRS audit. The audit is now complete. The records of the organization were reviewed in detail. The NTA’s financial and organizational health was confirmed. We are expecting a “no change recommendation” from the IRS. The NTA Board believes that we are a stronger organization with all three regional superintendents associations actively participating. The reasons the NTA Board voted to end the relationship with the OGCSA Board just doesn’t seem that important anymore. NTA Board is constructively working with the Boards of the IEGCSA, OGCSA and WWGCSA to enter into written member approved agreements that clarify roles, responsibilities and communication between the organizations. The NTA is a unique 900 member regional superintendent-based organization that provides much needed financial support for turfgrass research, provides important member services and can provide an essential informational voice in the business of golf.

The 64th annual NTA conference will be at the Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla, WA. The featured speaker this year is the highly rated and requested—Thom Nikolai, Ph.D., Michigan State University. This year we have the opportunity to play two great venues the first is Wine Valley Golf club which has been ranked the 5th on the best new courses 2009 list by Golf Magazine and Golf Week. The other venue is the always great Walla Walla Country Club. The dates are September 26, 27 and 28th. The NTA Board apologizes for date conflicts and appreciates the efforts of all to move dates and encourage participation in this important conference. We would like to thank the IEGCSA, their Executive Director Lori Russell and one of our Directors, Bill Griffith, for hosting this conferenc—they have done an outstanding job at putting together an affordable, great conference.  Registration is only available online (nwturfgrass.net), or by contacting Lori, and will not be mailed to individual members. If you have any questions about registering or about the event, please contact Lori Russell 406.273.7779.  The NTA Annual Business meeting will also be conducted during the conference. This is an important time for the NTA, so please make the effort to attend this annual business meeting.

The NTA Board would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during this critical time. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me or any NTA Board Member.

Chris Goodman
NTA President