RISE holds first Industry Issues Update of 2023 at GCSAA Conference and Show

From left, RISE President Megan J. Provost; Superintendent Eric David, Naval Academy Golf Club; Superintendent Bob Searle, Abenakee Golf Club; and Blaine Pinkerton, Nufarm vice president turf and ornamental sales/RISE treasurer; pose for a photo during the RISE Industry Issues Update Breakfast in Orlando. (Photo: RISE)

RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) held its first Industry Issues Update of the year at the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, where members discussed grassroots engagement on pesticide and fertilizer issues with GCSAA members from across the country.

“In our environment of limited attention spans and many channels providing factual and erroneous information about our products and how they’re used, it’s essential that we show up to tell our story,” Blaine Pinkerton, Nufarm vice president of turf and ornamental sales and RISE governing board treasurer, said. “It’s important to use facts to make a connection with our audience and let the passion for what we do come through.”

Continuing the call to action, RISE President Megan J. Provost urged attendees to amplify their voices through grassroots advocacy to spread awareness about the benefits of pesticides and the rigorous regulatory framework that supports their availability and use.

“You’re the most credible source of information on these products,” said Provost. “Your local and state policymakers need to hear from you about your golf course and its maintenance practices before there is a policy issue.”

Provost and Pinkerton were joined by superintendents Bob Searle, Abenakee Club, Biddeford, Maine, and Eric David, Naval Academy Golf Club, Annapolis, Md., who shared their firsthand advocacy successes and experiences in their states.

At the 2022 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, RISE members discussed advocacy and engagement.