Synthetic Turf Council Offers Athletic Directors, Contractors, Architects and Educators Expanded Membership to the Industry's Largest Professional Association

ATLANTA, March 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As synthetic turf continues to grow in popularity, so does the level of interest it fosters in the people who buy and use it.  After attracting record-breaking attendance during its Spring Membership Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona from March 7 – 9, the Synthetic Turf Council (STC) announced the creation of first-time ever individual memberships and adjusted several dues categories to promote as much inclusion as possible.

"We are striving to give voice to all those in the synthetic turf industry and now consumers," explained Rick Doyle, President of the Synthetic Turf Council.  "Hearing from buyers like athletic directors and municipal officials, as well as academics and students, is important as usage continues to grow throughout North America."  

In considering its membership priorities, the fast-growing Synthetic Turf Council decided to facilitate the inclusion of three key business sectors of the industry: landscape architects, engineers, and synthetic turf consultants; sub-base contractors; and regional lawn and leisure installation companies.  STC has created new categories of membership with full voting rights, membership privileges and its own dues schedule to accomplish this goal.  

The most significant change is the establishment of a new Affiliate membership category, which for the first time in STC's history welcomes individuals.  Affiliate members are divided into three sectors: coaches, athletic directors, municipal officials, active military, and other end-users (annual dues: $75); university or school professors, teachers, researchers (annual dues: $50); and students (annual dues $25). Members in this category may attend STC meetings, and participate on committees and task forces, but do not have voting rights. If you would like to learn more about membership, contact the Synthetic Turf Council.

Over 215 individuals from 137 companies attended STC's Spring Membership Meeting – the largest gathering of the synthetic turf industry ever in North America. Education was the focal point of the event. Concurrent programs for the Sports Fields and the Landscape/Golf sectors presented technical information and spotlighted the latest trends and innovations. Rick Nafe, Vice President of  Operations and Facilities for the Tampa Bay Rays, delivered an entertaining keynote address on his own positive experiences with synthetic turf. William J. Seymour, P.E., of Gale Associates discussed "Non-Traditional Funding and Financial Options for Athletic Facility Projects," a timely topic considering today's economic challenges. An expanded exhibitor showcase and interactive workgroups completed the successful educational and networking experience.

About the Synthetic Turf Council

Based in Atlanta, the Synthetic Turf Council was founded in 2003 to promote the industry and to assist buyers and end users with the selection, use and maintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field, golf, municipal parks, airports, landscape and residential applications.  The organization is also a resource for current, credible, and independent research on the safety and environmental impact of synthetic turf.  Membership includes builders, landscape architects, testing labs, maintenance providers, manufacturers, suppliers, installation contractors, infill material suppliers and other specialty service companies.  For more information, visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.  

SOURCE Synthetic Turf Council

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