Bob Weerts, President of Blue Valley Sod, Inc. in Winnebago, MN was elected President of Turfgrass Producers International. Weerts is the owner and operator of Weerts Companies, Inc.
Founded in 1973, Weerts Companies, Inc. does roadside seeding and sodding. Primarily serving as a subcontractor, they perform various types of turf restoration and erosion control on county, state and federal highway projects. Additional services include site grading, excavation, blacktopping, sand and gravel hauling.
Established in 1987, Blue Valley Sod has grown considerably within Minnesota including a retail location in North Mankato. Blue Valley Sod produces quality bluegrass for both commercial landscapers and homeowners serving the upper Midwest.
In addition to being an active member of Turfgrass Producers International since 1987, Weerts also served on TPI’s Board of Trustees from 2003-2005 and has been active in numerous TPI committees and working groups over the years. He has also been involved in the following associations/organizations throughout his career –Winnebago City Council member, Faribault
County Futures, South Highway 169 Improvement Association, former President and board member of Corn Plus, and a stockholder of a financial institution.
A pro-active business owner, Weerts has always been interested in cutting edge business opportunities, including businesses involved with increasing energy efficiency and “Green” energy development. In fact, his most recent appointment was to the Board of Directors to the
International Green Energy Council which facilitated his establishment of Green Photon Power.
TPI has nearly 800 members in over 40 countries comprised of turfgrass sod and seed producers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, and various individuals involved in education and/or turf-related research.
Ed Keeven, Jr. elected Vice President
Ed Keeven, Jr., President of Emerald View Turf Farm in O’Fallon, MO was appointed Vice President of TPI. Ed and the Keeven family have been active members of TPI for more than three decades. During that time, his father Ed Keeven, Sr. and his brother Tom both served on the TPI Board. In fact, his brother Tom was TPI’s President (2001-02) and Keeven himself served on the TPI’s Board of Trustees prior to his recent appointment between 1987 and 1990.
Keeven grew up on the family’s turf farm and has always been active in the turfgrass industry. He has been involved in numerous turf industry related organizations including the Mississippi Valley Golf Course Superintendents Association, Landscape Nurserymen’s Association of St.
Louis, the Sports Turf Managers Association, and he is a past president of the Gateway Sod Growers Association.