FMC grants allow GCSAA chapters to boost education

By |  June 10, 2021 0 Comments

FMC Corp. donated $25,000 to 30 local chapters of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, allowing those groups to support training and other educational programs.

The top 30 chapters earned $250 to $5,000 2021 FMC Give Back awards, distributed after participating in 2021 Golf Industry Show activities tied to FMC’s Kalida fungicide launch earlier this year.

“We truly appreciate those companies that see value in the local chapters and try to help them out,” said Carolinas GCSA Executive Director Tim Kreger. The Carolinas GCSA plans to fund an additional scholarship this year with its $1,000 FMC Give Back check.

Local chapters receiving FMC funds overwhelmingly plan to apply the donations toward scholarships, training, seminar hosting and workshops. A few are building full-scale educational events for 2021 or in 2022.

The Minnesota GCSA plans to fund scholarships to attend the Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Science online educational courses, said Minnesota GCSA Executive Director Jack MacKenzie.

“Each year, the MGCSA sponsors up to five individuals who complete the 10-week program. It is a win-win for the industry and the student,” MacKenzie said.

GCSA of New Jersey Executive Director Maureen Sharples added, “We want our members to thrive, and education is an investment in their success. Our industry is constantly evolving, and continuing education is critical to keeping current with the latest research advancements, best management practices, regulations and product releases.”

Though most chapters are using the funds for education, Utah’s GSCA group allocated the FMC grant to the Riley L. Stottern Benevolent Fund.

“The goal of the fund is to do as much good as possible for all Utah GCSA members and their immediate families who may be burdened by a serious illness, a death or other hardship. The money is greatly appreciated and will help our members in need,” said Utah GCSA Chapter Executive Natalie Barker. 

FMC golf and lawn care market manager Evan Parenti said the company’s goal was to support the golf industry at the local level.

“To see the FMC donations fostering educational initiatives is especially rewarding as that knowledge only makes the industry better and stronger,” Parenti said. 

Don Hearn, executive director of the New England GCSA, said his chapter will fund a video highlighting the work of superintendents who help make golf an enjoyable experience.”

This article is tagged with and posted in Industry News


Post a Comment