Recently, the Synthetic Turf Council held its Annual Membership Meeting in Dallas, Texas. This meeting attracted approximately 200 members representing companies that include builders, landscape architects, testing labs, maintenance providers, manufacturers, suppliers, installation contractors, infill materials suppliers and other specialty service companies. The national non-profit association’s meeting also included strong educational content and a local community service project.
Held from October 2-4, the meeting started with the dedication of a 5,700 square-foot synthetic turf play field donated to SafeHaven of Tarrant County by the Synthetic Turf Council (STC) through the generosity of its members. SafeHaven has changed the lives of countless women and children caught in abusive relationships. Its mission is to end domestic violence through safety, support, prevention and social change. Video as well as photos of the ceremony and the children playing on the field are posted at www.syntheticturfcouncil.org. “The kindness of the Synthetic Turf Council and its members is overwhelming,” said Mary Lee Hafley, CEO, SafeHaven. “This amazing play field will allow a child to just be a child.”
“The members of the STC truly came together to create a wonderful play field for the children of SafeHaven.” said Rick Doyle, President of the Synthetic Turf Council. “A true indicator of success is active member participation and this was evident with the project being funded by the STC, through donations, materials and labor from its 225 members.”
For this year’s meeting, the educational program focused on “New Science and STC Initiatives that are Advancing the Industry.” The meeting featured many compelling speakers including the Keynote Speaker Daryl Johnston, President of the Southwest Division, G9 Turf, commentator for “The NFL on FOX” and former Dallas Cowboys fullback (1989-1999) and twice selected for the Pro-Bowl.
Other presentations included: “NFL Research to Reduce Player Injury,” “Advances in Artificial Weathering, Durability, Testing, and Fade Resistance,” “LEED Points – How to Earn Them and What They Mean for Synthetic Turf Projects,” “New Developments in Field Covering Systems,” “Measuring Heat of Synthetic Turf – Solar Reflective Index v. Temperature,” and an “Update on the University of Tennessee’s Center for Safer Athletic Fields’ Research Results.” An exhibitor showcase completed the successful educational and networking experience. Architects earned CEU credits for attending the meeting.
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.