SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/765909
STMA IN ACTION News from the Sports Turf Managers Association 46 SportsTurf | January 2017 www.sportsturfonline.com STMA: how being a member is important to your career T he beginning of a new year is often a time for refl ection and goal-setting for the coming year. As an individual within the green industry, involving yourself in something that can not only benefi t yourself, but your facility, sounds like the best way to do that. That's why we are here. At Sports Turf Managers Association, our mission speaks for itself: "STMA advances professionalism in sports fi eld management and safety through education, awareness programs, and industry development." There are many benefi ts for individuals to join STMA and attend our national Conference every year. We asked some of our newest members to elaborate on what makes their membership important. STMA provides opportunities for education to help you do your job better. Through webinars, access to our website's unlimited educational resources and a subscription to SportsTurf magazine, members can continue their education both on and off the fi eld. "I am a big believer in education, continuing education and networking. I feel that if I can receive or pass on information from someone, it benefi ts both parties," says Collin Doebler, grounds manager of Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. "Being a member of STMA is one of the easiest ways to do that." For those who are still in school, being involved helps to build a network and kick start a career in the green industry. Heading to the conference is one of STMA's hubs for networking and education. New members of the association receive free registration for the annual Conference their fi rst time attending. Heading to her fi rst Conference in January as a student challenge participant, Amy Wilber, a freshman at Ohio State University, explains how STMA will be important to her career: "As a hopeful sports turf manager, I think it will be important to know a network of people who can guide me in my future and give tips and pointers as I am learning the business." The knowledge, skills and abilities you gain by accessing STMA's education and information can help to prepare to take that next step in your career. Sports Turf Manager's Association's annual Conference allows its attendees to attend speakers, educational sessions and a trade show with hundreds of exhibitors from the turf industry. Since the association has members from all over the nation, and even worldwide, many individuals use this time to learn from others. Will Lieb, maintenance worker at University of Illinois Division of Campus Recreation, believes it's a great way to help his facility. "Being able to read the magazine and travel to the conference allows us to see how other STMA members are working their facility. Seeing what the members at a larger scale are doing and then implementing it into our own procedures." Building relationships through STMA and the conference provide life-long contacts to help with any scenario. Career recognition and job security can also be attributed to STMA's membership. STMA's advocacy with groups such as athletic directors, parks and recreation directors, coaches, and parents enhances the image of the entire profession. "I take a lot of pride in my profession and being a part of the main organization of that profession is big for me," says Patrick Wynja, turf maintenance supervisor for the City of Ames, IA. "Being a part of your industry instead of just working in the industry is a big thing for me." Members can take their membership even further with the opportunity to participate in volunteer leader positions. These amazing perks are accessible by paying a small yearly fee. Not only is STMA affordable, it provides something invaluable to its members. "STMA is MOWING PATTERN CONTEST WINNER Britt Barry, sports turf manager for the Dayton Dragons, won the 4th annual STMA Mowing Patterns Contest. Barry was selected via a Facebook voting contest for his intricate design at Fifth Third Field, home to the Dayton Dragons, Single-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds.