G
Viewpoint Smart Ideas
John Kmitta
IRRIGAT ON M2MEDIA360
reen Industry professionals, and their clients, have become increasingly aware of the value of water-use efficiency, and water-saving products, practices and services. Much of that awareness can be attributed to in- dustry efforts such as Smart Irrigation Month.
July is Smart Irrigation Month, and the campaign is designed to: * Educate homeowners, businesses, growers and other users about simple ways to
save money and water. * Encourage industry firms and professionals to promote Smart irrigation practices and technologies to customers. * Help water providers minimize peak water use and reduce demands on infra-
structure in their communities. * Reinforce the role efficient irrigation plays in providing real solutions to today's
water challenges. First launched in 2005, Smart Irrigation Month is gaining traction as stakeholders
recognize the potential impact of efficient irrigation in July and year-round. "July is a peak water-use month that warrants heightened attention," said Dave
Magner, sales and business development manager at Rain Bird and chair of the Irriga- tion Association's Smart Irrigation Month Committee. "This is also a real opportunity for companies in the irrigation industry to differentiate themselves and add value for customers by promoting water-saving products, practices and services. Participants in Smart Irrigation Month campaigns have proudly reported increased sales and new customers. This results in more beautiful, productive and water-efficient landscapes and farms for everyone to enjoy while conserving one of our most precious natural resources."
This issue of Landscape and Irrigation features in-depth information about Smart
Irrigation Month and its benefits (see feature on page 18). In addition to the information contained within the feature story, Smart Irrigation Month participants are invited to submit their marketing materials by Aug. 31, 2012 and participate in the Irrigation Association's Smart Marketing Contest. Entries are judged on messaging, quality, creativity and integration of the Smart Irrigation Month mission. The contest is free to Irrigation Association members and, for the first time, is open to non-members for a nominal fee. Industry professionals can find contest details, resources and promotion ideas at
www.smartirrigationmonth.org. Free resources include: * Smart Tips for Smart Irrigation Month e-newsletter with ideas for participating in the campaign. * Webinar featuring suggestions and success stories for manufacturers, dealers and
distributors, contractors and water providers. * Smart Irrigation Month logo artwork for your website and marketing materials. * Articles for customer and employee newsletters. * Sample proclamation for your local government to declare July as Smart Irriga- tion Month.
* Statement stuffers with simple watering tips. * Pre-recorded public service announcements. * Sample press release for local media. * Coloring and puzzle book to distribute at schools and community events.
For more information on the Smart Marketing Contest, visit www.irrigation.org/ Resources/Smart_Irrigation_Month/Smart_Marketing_Contest.aspx.
6 Landscape and Irrigation May/June 2012 LI www.landscapeirrigation.com
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