Industry News

Portions of GCSAA.org unavailable July 30-Aug. 20

Certain aspects of GCSAA.org will be unavailable from July 30 to Aug. 20 as the association converts its computer system at GCSAA headquarters to a new, more robust and more efficient product. Members will not be able to make changes or updates to information on the site during this time, but may do so by calling GCSAA member solutions at 800-472-7878.

Access will be limited to the staff as well, so processing of this information may be delayed. GCSAA's online services will be upgraded as part of this conversion, which will include the launching of a redesigned GCSAA Web site on Aug. 13. A complete timeline of events and site downtime concerning GCSAA.org can be found here.

Equipment managers join the FEGGA Roadshow

The International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association has been invited to join the Federation of European Golf Greenskeepers Association at its annual Education Road Show, Aug. 20-24.

IGCEMA President Stephen Tucker said the association has accepted the offer and will be at this year’s venue in South Africa to discuss the organization and management of a workshop.

The association joins educators from Polaris World, FEGGA, The Toro Co., Syngenta, Elmwood College and Floratine. The group will be putting on education for superintendents and technicians in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg during the week long road show beginning August 19.

Tucker said, "This is a great opportunity for the IGCEMA to create relationships with our world-wide colleagues and expand our educational offerings to other countries." Contact http://www.igcema.org/

Rain Bird names film competition judges

Rain Bird Corp. has announced its panel of expert judges that will review and choose the winner for The Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition.  This competition gives both amateur and experienced filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their talents and create greater awareness of the need for water conservation.

Entries will be reviewed and judged by this year's panel:

• Gary McVey, executive director, American Cinema Foundation
• Lane Kneedler, programming coordinator, American Film Institute
• Linda Adams, secretary of the California EPA and former director of the California Department of Water Resources
• Amanda Pope, associate professor, University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts
• Robert Glennon, professor, University of Arizona's Rogers College of Law and author of Water Follies: Groundwater Pumping And The Fate Of America's Fresh Waters

"Our panel of judges shares our steadfast belief that the solution to the world's current and future water scarcity problems lies in the education, mobilization and involvement of the public," said Dave Johnson, Rain Bird corporate marketing director. "The Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition enables people to exercise their influence and raise awareness of this important issue, while providing a public forum for supporting, discovering and showcasing filmmaking talent."

The extended deadline for entries is Sept. 7, 2007. Entries will be reviewed by the panel of judges and finalists will be selected and invited to a screening event on Oct. 13, 2007 at The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Winners will be awarded cash prizes of $6,000 for judges' selection and $3,000 for audience's pick. For details, visit http:/www.iuowfilm.com/.

Weathermatic acquires Salco

Weathermatic has announced the acquisition of Salco, a manufacturer of low volume irrigation products for residential, commercial and municipal installations.

"With the acquisition of Salco, Weathermatic now offers distributors and contractors a broader range of smart irrigation products to help meet the increasing demand for more efficient water delivery systems," said Mike Mason, president of Weathermatic.

Under the leadership of owners Travis Komara and Shelly Walker, Salco has propelled its sales more than tenfold in the last eight years, based on innovative, high quality products and customer service. "We are delighted that this dynamic team will continue to oversee management and production at Salco’s southern California plant," said Mason.

Salco was founded in 1967 by Sam Tobey, a pioneer in low volume technology, who introduced low flow irrigation to public areas, particularly along interstate highway systems across the country. Contact http://www.SmartLine.com, http://www.Weathermatic.com or http://www.SalcoDrip.com.