Applications open for 2020 Syngenta Business Institute

The Syngenta Business Institute Class of 2019 included: Front row from left: Thomas Slevin, Chris Carson, Brook Sentell, Melvin Waldron, Justin Mandon, Stephanie Schwenke of Syngenta, Ross Niewola, Josh Fuhrman, Tanner Charastecky, Parker Ferren and Tim Busek; Middle row from left: Michael Gracie, Ryan Segrue, Paul Hamilton, Ben McNair, John Gold, Dave Marach, Kenton Brunson, Scott Rettmann, Jason Tharp; Back row from left: Mark LaFleur of Syngenta, Mark Newton, Kevin Mark, Greg Jones, Jason Zimmerman, Joshua Kelley and Tennesee McBroom. (Photo: Golfdom Staff)

Golf course superintendents looking to take their leadership skills to the next level can now apply for the 2020 Syngenta Business Institute (SBI), held Dec. 1-4, in Winston-Salem, N.C.

In its twelfth year, the SBI program is led by Wake Forest University School of Business faculty. The curriculum, tailored specifically for golf course superintendents, focuses on financial management, work/life balance, navigating generational and cultural differences, leadership skills, effective communication and negotiation tactics.

Jason Tharp, Scott Rettmann, Kevin Mark and Ian Schlather serve as representatives who have to work together to negotiate an agreement during a breakout session from the Syngenta Business Institute 2019. (Photo: Golfdom Staff)

“We know superintendents are responsible for more than managing the agronomics of a course. They are also held to a high standard for budget and employee management,” said Stephanie Schwenke, turf market manager for Syngenta. “That’s why Syngenta is committed to going beyond our innovative turf solutions and continues to offer opportunities like SBI. Through this program, superintendents learn skills that will help them grow as leaders on the course and within our industry.”

Syngenta will select approximately 25 individuals employed in the U.S. as a superintendent, director of agronomy or at an equivalent level to attend the three-day program.

“The value of SBI is so great. I’ve attended a lot of continuing education seminars, and this was definitely the most impactful post-college educational activity I’ve ever been able to participate in,” said Thomas Slevin, golf course superintendent at Napa Golf Course at Kennedy Park in Napa, Calif., who attended SBI in 2019. “The amount of personal reflection I’ve experienced from SBI has only just begun. If you’re willing to challenge yourself and do the personal reflection, you’d be absolutely crazy not to apply.”

To learn more about the Syngenta Business Institute and to apply, visit GreenCastOnline.com/SBI. Superintendents can also contact their local Syngenta territory manager for more information.

Completed SBI applications are due by midnight on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Selected participants will be notified of their acceptance in October.