Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/175770
TLN1309-proof 9/19/13 7:53 AM THE WCTA AND YOU MEMBERSHIP VALUE PROPOSITION The Western Canada Turfgrass Association is dedicated to turf research, education and discussion serving close to 800 members in the sportsturf management industry which includes a diversity of interests such as golf courses, school boards, municipalities, sod farms, nurseries, landscapers, lawn bowling greens, mechanics, horticulturists and industry suppliers. We've been around since 1958 and that basic mandate has evolved into a variety of services, any of which Government is looking toward industry groups like the WCTA to selfregulate...and it seems to make more sense to stand on the inside looking out rather than the outside looking in. Page 1 might be of assistance. Like most industry organizations, we provide valuable programs to our members such as the following: • host an annual educational conference and trade show • publish a quarterly magazine • circulate industry job postings • track pesticide recertification credits (BC only) • print and distribute an annual member and supplier directory • publish resource material like our comprehensive IPM Manual • help provide and/or coordinate regional education, outreach and networking events • and more! The WCTA is also very active with related organizations like the Allied Golf Association, the Sports Turf Association, the BCGSA, AGSA, BCRPA, BCLNA and others. We're somewhat unique however, in that we raise and distribute funds directly for turf research projects that help our members solve problems at their jobs. Many of our educational offerings focus on professional development as well and we make great efforts to keep turf managers abreast of news articles and stories that affect them. More recently, the WCTA has put significant resources into advocating for the turf industry. The WCTA is a leading voice for the turf industry in Western Canada and we correspond and liaise with several government branches, the media and special interest groups in order to support and advocate for the sportsturf profession on behalf of our members. In British Columbia, we have made considerable efforts over the last several years advocating for IPM, knowing that a blanket ban on pesticides would have serious negative consequences for many of our members. Having said that, we realize many are already working under restrictive legislation but support the elimination of the confusing patchwork of municipal regulation in favour of a provincial approach. The WCTA is not about resisting change, rather, it stands for continual betterment of the entire industry through research, education and discussion. Understandably, busy days in the field (pardon the pun) don't leave much time to think about or keep up with changes happening all around us but the outside influences and pressures that affect you, like it or not, are greater than ever before. We're here to help. Of utmost importance for all those with a vested interest in the turf industry is to stand together and we respectfully solicit you to become a member of the WCTA to help make that possible. Membership is extremely reasonably priced at $225 per year. It is becoming more difficult to continue our advocacy work while providing a valuable range of member services and events. Government is looking toward industry groups like the WCTA to self-regulate and is downloading more onto nongovernment-organizations (NGO'S) all the time. Whether you're a member or not, these actions eventually have a wide-reaching effect and it seems to make more sense to stand on the inside looking out rather than the outside looking in. Thank you very much and if you have any questions, please contact WCTA Executive Director Jerry Rousseau at exec.director@wctaturf.com. We hope to see you as a WCTA member in the near future! WESTERN CANADA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 37