TOCA Talk – Fall 2019
This edition of TOCA Talk is proudly sponsored by Advanced Turf Solutions, an independent and employee-owned green industry distributor. Thank you, members of the Turf and Ornamental Communicators Association, for supporting this industry through your information, education, and outreach.
The President’s Corner
By Russell Warner, TOCA Board President
Anyone who has been in TOCA board meetings or attended the annual meeting the last couple years has heard the phrase, “putting the ‘O’ back into TOCA.” As we all know, TOCA stands for “Turf and Ornamental Communicators Association.” Let’s be honest… we have excelled at the “T,” but the “O” has been lacking. Read the rest of Russell’s article here.
Welcome to Business, Brands and Beasts:
A Breakfast Seminar
Presented by: G&S Business Communications
By Kristy Mach, Executive Director
Some things never change… like the GIE+EXPO location and the great people who attend the Green Industry and Equipment Expo. But, some things change, like the day of the TOCA breakfast and its new sponsor. And change is good! Learn more about the event here.
TOCA Strategic Plan Continues Implementation
By Kristy Mach
Last February, the TOCA board of directors met in Fort Myers, Fla., to develop a strategic plan for the organization. Click here to read more.
TOCA Auction Nets Nearly $3,000
By Kyle Wieskus
The TOCA Silent Auction at this year’s annual meeting raised just shy of $3,000! We thank all our donors, bidders and winners for their generosity. All proceeds go to the TOCA Foundation. In total, 26 fabulous items were donated.
Thank you to our 2019 TOCA Auction Donors:
- Debbie Clayton – Clayton Communications
- Corner Windows Communications – Kristy Mach
- EPIC Creative
- Halleck Horticulture
- GIE Media
- North Coast Media
- Forte Marketing Performance Marketing
- Gardner & Gardner Communications
- Project EverGreen
- Den & Sandy Gardner
- Swanson Russell
- GCSAA
- Syngenta
- Global Prairie
- TurfNet
Items receiving high bids this year varied. There was definitely something for everyone. Some of the big winners included golf bags and flags, Apple television, Yeti cooler, Bluetooth speaker and barbecue package. The most fabulous item, once again, was one week at Den and Sandy Gardner’s beautiful Florida home. Many thanks to all the donors and winners who help make this auction a success!
A Star in Any Language
Gardner Award Winner for International: Best Writing Publication (article or editorial)
By Britney Riggs, Digital Marketing Specialist at Xylem Marketing
We asked Scott MacCallum, editor/publisher of Turf Matters, the following questions about his winning project “A Star in Any Language.” Read what he had to say here.
FX Luminaire Product Catalog, Landscape Lighting
Gardner Award Winner for Design – Marketing Communications: Printed collateral – overall collateral design
By Dawn Rigby, Managing Director at Xylem Marketing
We asked Hunter Industries’ Steve Sharp, principal designer on the Creative Development team, and Ryan William, director of marketing, the following questions about their winning project “FX Luminaire Product Catalog, Landscape Lighting.” Click here to read what he had to say.
The Smart Garden: Plant with Purpose Blog Post
Gardner Award Winner for Writing for Company Website – Original Content – Marketing
By Debbie Clayton
We asked Kyle Ladenburger, director of regulatory affairs for EnP Investments, LLC, the following questions about his award for the blog post, “The Smart Garden: Plant with Purpose.” Read more here.
31st Annual TOCA Meeting – Mile High Education Opportunity
By Kristy Mach
Fall Running: It’s More than Exercise
By Dan Gardner, TOCA Special Running Coorespondent
It’s time to enjoy beautiful fall days. How about a jog/run or walk? Early morning fall running can be a wonderful experience. Check out the colors and stay in shape. Running in cool weather is so exhilarating. Click here for Dan’s running tips.