The synthetic turf industry has a new voice with the formal launch today of the Synthetic Turf Association, an industry group whose mission is to ensure the expansion and prosperity of the synthetic turf industry.
The synthetic turf market has grown significantly over the last several years, however there is even greater opportunity for growth because of the substantial benefits synthetic turf offers in installations where water is restricted, where maintenance resources are limited, and where increasing field playing time is in demand. Therefore it’s believed that a strong industry association that is committed to educating and strong advocacy is needed.
The Synthetic Turf Association (STA) is necessary to help grow the market for synthetic turf products. It will accomplish this by being laser focused on:
1. Educating users, specifiers, and the industry about the value of synthetic turf products.
2. Promoting the use of synthetic turf products to decision makers and specifiers of athletic fields, commercial and residential applications.
3. Advocating on behalf of the synthetic turf manufacturing industry to ensure synthetic turf products can compete fairly in the open marketplace.
After a widespread search for an individual with strong leadership skills and extensive industry experience, the Synthetic Turf Association has named Mr. Hank Steinbrecher as its first Chairman. Steinbrecher was the Secretary General of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) from 1990 to 2000, a decade in which soccer in the United States made huge strides both on and off the field. Among his many accomplishments is a leadership position at the Quaker Oats Company, where he spearheaded Gatorade’s rise to prominence in the 1980’s. In addition to his proven leadership skills throughout the world of sports business over the last two decades, he has worked as a consultant with artificial turf manufacturer FieldTurf.
“Over the course of the last decade, I have been involved in the synthetic turf industry in many different facets,” said Steinbrecher. “Since the very beginning, the well-being of the industry has become a strong interest of mine. It is clear that as the industry progresses, it needs a strong voice. One that is not a self-serving voice but rather an organization that focuses on success for all. That is what the Synthetic Turf Association is all about – growing the pie for everyone”.
Synthetic turf industry leaders initiated discussions about establishing a new organization to better meet the marketplace needs of the industry. After a series of meetings, the group completed the appropriate legal filings to establish itself as the Synthetic Turf Association and has established association offices in Glen Ellyn, Ill.
For more information, please contact Hank Steinbrecher, Synthetic Turf Association, 800 Roosevelt Road, C312, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, 60137, (630) 750-9266, hanks@syntheticturfassociation.com.