Toro becomes Irrigation Association platinum member

The Irrigation Association (IA) board of directors named The Toro Co. to a platinum membership – the highest level of IA membership.

“Under the leadership of Phil Burkart (IA’s past president and Toro’s vice president/general manager), the entire Toro irrigation team has continued to make outstanding contributions to our organization,” says IA CEO Deborah Hamlin.

“Toro has supported the association in various ways throughout the years — with monetary donations from our Toro Foundation, volunteer service on IA boards and committees, event sponsorship and more,” says Peter Moeller, director of marketing for Toro. “In this, Toro’s 100th anniversary year, we felt that upgrading our membership to platinum will ensure customers recognize our steadfast commitment to the industry and to the major irrigation authority.”

Toro’s investment will help the association implement its revised plan, adopted by the IA board of directors in September 2013. The new plan focuses on changing the public perception of irrigation by developing standards and regulations and educating front-line irrigation professionals.

Platinum membership also provides expanded benefits, including increased industry exposure through IA’s media channels and marketing and advertising discounts. In addition to regular membership, IA offers four premium categories for companies: bronze, silver, gold and platinum. All member dues help fund the association’s core strategic initiatives. Toro joins Ewing and Hunter Industries as an IA platinum member and becomes the second irrigation manufacturer to join this membership tier.