TOCA Talk – Winter 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 Scott Hollister, TOCA Board President
“Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” – Michael Corleone
Find out why Scott Hollister is back at the helm, and his hot take on the Godfather series of movies. Spoiler alert: “The Godfather, Part II” is the best film in the series.”
TOCA Annual Meeting Preview
Plans Continue for TOCA’s 30th Annual Meeting in Charlotte
TOCA’s 30th annual meeting is just four months away and the program committee is diligently putting the final touches on a meeting you won’t want to miss.
As stated in a previous issue of TOCA Talk, Carolina brings award-winning singer/songwriter James Taylor to mind – or is that “Carolina In My Mind”?
In my mind I’m going to Carolina.
Can’t you see the sunshine, can’t you just feel the moonshine?
Ain’t it just like a friend of mine to hit me from behind?
Yes, I’m gone to Carolina in my mind.
Take a look at the meeting details and find why Carolina should be on your mind in May!
Golf Industry Show
The Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association invites you and your colleagues to breakfast! Start your day with a hearty breakfast and networking with fellow communications professionals.
TOCA BREAKFAST at GIS
Sponsored by FMC and Jacobsen. Room provided by GCSAA
Wednesday, February 6
7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
San Diego Convention Center
Room 16AB
RSVP here. All are welcome!
Everyone in attendance will be eligible to win a free registration to the 30th annual TOCA meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina – April 30-May 2, 2019.
This breakfast is generously sponsored by FMC, Jacobsen and GCSAA/Golf Course Management Magazine.
Contact Kristy Mach, kristymach@gandgcomm.com or 952-843-3108, with questions.
Check out other upcoming TOCA events here.
TOCA FOUNDATION NEWS
TOCA Offers $2,500 Scholarship
The Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) Foundation urges college undergraduate students pursuing a career in green industry communications to apply for its $2,500 scholarship. Potential careers include working for trade publications, newsletters or companies/marketing agencies that promote the golf course, lawn and landscape, sod and nursery/greenhouse, sports turf or maintenance industries.
The TOCA scholarship application and supplemental materials must be combined within one PDF file and sent via e-mail by March 15, 2019. Click here for TOCA scholarship instructions and requirements.
Nominate Worthy Individuals for Environmental Communicator of the Year
It’s time to nominate qualified green industry professionals for the Environmental Communicator of the Year award. Sponsored by Project EverGreen, this award may be given to anyone in recognition of outstanding efforts in communicating the benefits of environmental stewardship to a particular industry audience. Nominations are due March 1. To learn more about this prestigious award, click here.
TOCA COMMUNICATIONS CONTEST
Gardner Awards Q&A
Gardner Award Winner for Writing – Publishing Series – Two or more articles Golf Course Industry
Syngenta Divanem Nematicide Launch
Gardner Award Winner for Special Projects
Rain Bird’s ‘Defend Your Turf’
Gardner Award Winner for Photography, Video and Multi-Media – Marketing Communications – Best Short Video/DVD
National Aerate Your Lawn Day Campaign
Gardner Award Winner for New Media – Marketing Communications
Websites
Most of this article will deal with running in northern states – where there is snow on the ground and roadways. Wintertime running can be invigorating as long as you prepare appropriately and be safe. If you live in warmer climates, just skip my column this month. Ha!
Special running correspondent, Dan Gardner, provides winter running tips – and a challenge!
BIGGA Launches BTME Digital Media Centre
Large exhibitions by their very nature take up a large amount of resources. Bringing people together from all over Europe is no small feat, but the golf industry is making strides toward sustainability and we’re keen on leading that charge. Find out how two TOCA members worked together to launch the BTME DIgital Media Centre.
TOCA MEMBER PROFILE
Introducing Scott Covelli
by Britney Riggs, Xylem Marketing
Scott Covelli is public relations supervisor for EPIC Creative, based in West Bend, Wis. He was recently elected to the TOCA board of directors and serves on the TOCA Professional Development Committee.
Find out what makes Scott tick and why he says TOCA helps him do his job better.
TOCA Membership Renewal for 2019
By Kyle Wieskus, Membership Director
Thank you for being a TOCA member and supporting TOCA during 2018!
We were pleased with membership growth in 2018, as many companies took advantage of the TOCA Young Professionals Program (YP); that program boosted membership numbers. Of course, we look forward to seeing continued membership growth in 2019 and this happens through all of us. TOCA’s value proposition of professional development, camaraderie/networking with industry peers, and recognition of outstanding communications work makes TOCA what we believe is your number one association membership for 2019!
It is time to renew your TOCA membership. There are three ways you can renew your membership:
Option 1: Renew online
Please login into your TOCA membership account (https://www.toca.org/membership-login).
Once logged into your account, you can renew your dues online by clicking on the “Renew my Dues” link. Reminder: The TOCA website was upgraded last year, which means all members must login and pay individually. “Group ID numbers” no longer exist. Please select dues level from the drop-down menu.
Option 2: Mail payment to the TOCA office
Membership is $140 for the first member and $90 for each additional member. Mail to: 605 Columbus Ave. S, New Prague, MN 56071
Option 3: Call the TOCA office at 952-758-6340 to pay by credit card over the phone
TOCA continues to offer its YP Program. With every two paid memberships from an organization, you receive one FREE YP membership! (YP must be 35 years old or younger).
TOCA membership, compared with other organizations, is a tremendous bargain. It’s only $140 per year for the first member and $90 for the second and all subsequent members. Now, with the Free YP program – you can get three memberships for only $230! Please contact Membership Director Kyle Wieskus at kylewieskus@gandgcomm.com to take advantage of the YP program.
Please don’t hesitate to call the TOCA office with any questions about your membership. Or, e-mail Kyle at kylewieskus@gandgcomm.com.
We look forward to having you on board again in 2019!