Turf

Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) and the Toro Company are honoring three students with the Dr. James R. Watson Legacy Scholarship. The award is a special, one-time scholarship funded by the Toro Giving Program in celebra- tion of the company's centennial last July as well as STMA's SAFE Foundation, the philan- thropic arm that enriches communities through championing safe, sustainable sports and rec- reation fields for all athletes. The grant honors long-time Toro agronomist, Dr. James Watson, who died Oct. 1, 2013. The three winners are Kevin Hansen (Iowa State University/Ames, Iowa), Chrissie Segars (Oklahoma State University/McBee, S.C.) and Andrew Wilhelm (Purdue University/Plainfield, Ind.). Each will receive a $2,000 scholarship from the SAFE Foundation. Hansen, Segars and Wilhelm are each attaining a degree in sports turf management or comparable field of study. In addition to the cash award, they received an all-expenses-paid trip to the Toro Sports Fields and Grounds Forum held July 28-31 in Minneapolis. Fall 2014 13 Consultant Joins Audubon Board Environmental nonprofit Audubon International announced that Ted Horton, consultant in golf course management, has joined its board of directors. Horton is currently the senior consulting superintendent for ValleyCrest Golf Course Maintenance, director for the California Golf Course Owners Association, and immediate past president for the California Golf Alliance. He specializes in environmental stewardship, golf course safety, security and risk man- agement, turfgrass agronomics, and the administrative functions of large property maintenance. Ted and his wife, Nancy, live in Canyon Lake, Calif. They have two grown sons and enjoy spending their time walking their two dogs, boating, swimming, fishing, and visiting local sites with their grand- children. Visit www.auduboninternational.org. STMA Announces 2014 Board of Directors The Sports Turf Managers Association recently announced its 2014 board of directors, includ- ing David Pinsonneault, certified sports field manager and certified parks and recreation professional, as its newly-elected President. STMA is a professional organi- zation for 2,600 men and women who manage sports fields worldwide. "STMA has been an incredible educational and net- working resource," said Pinsonneault, STMA president and operations manager for the town of Lexington, Mass. "It's an honor to be elected STMA president, and I look forward to leading our 2,600 members to new heights in 2014." Ted Horton David Pinsonneault Propane Council Partners with Audubon International The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) announces it has partnered with environmental nonprofit Audubon International to advance the use of clean, low-emission propane equipment, which aligns with Audubon International's mission to facilitate responsible environmental management practices. PERC's support of Audubon International demonstrates a commitment to promoting awareness of propane's environmental benefits. This partnership will explore various dem- onstrations and educational programs that increase awareness of propane as an alternative fuel and available incentives. With the availability of propane-powered landscape and turf equipment, propane autogas vehicles, commercial heating systems, and agricultural equip- ment from a variety of manufacturers, many industries can experience the fuel's benefits. Visit www.auduboninternational.org and www.propane.com. WT STMA, Toro Honor Three Students Kevin Hansen Andrew Wilhelm Chrissie Segars FMC Expands Leadership Team, Leverages New Partnerships FMC Corporation continues to invest in the professional turf and ornamental industry by naming Bethwyn Todd to a newly created, expanded role and bringing in Pramod Thota to lead FMC Professional Solutions (FPS), the business unit within FMC Agricultural Solutions serv- ing the pest, turf and ornamental industries. Todd's role includes leader- ship of FMC's new BioSolutions and Seed Treatment businesses while retaining executive over- sight of FPS as global business director. Among other advan- tages, this position will allow Todd to leverage research and development of biologicals and other pest-fighting innovations across all business units. Thota, transitioning from the company's corporate development and strategy team, has been appointed director of FPS, focusing on long-term growth, strate- gic alliances and new product development. Visit www.fmcprofessionalsolutions.com. Pramod Thota Bethwyn Todd

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