STC Spring Membership Meeting

The Synthetic Turf Council will hold its Spring Membership Meeting March 11-13 at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA.

The national non-profit association’s meeting will include a robust educational program with two dynamic and engaging keynote speakers--economist Brian Beaulieu and Pittsburgh Steeler Rocky Bleier.

Beaulieu, from the Institute for Trend Research (ITR Economics™) will be presenting the economic outlook for the synthetic turf industry and for the global economy. Attendees will learn how long the good news will last, the dangers from coming inflationary pressures, what to expect from interest rate movement, the impact of the Super Committee, and what strategies and tactics should be undertaken now if businesses are to maximize their profit potential in the years to come.

Bleier will be sharing his story--a gripping tale of courage on both the football fields of America and the battlefields of Vietnam. His overall message is how ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers. Not falling within the ideal of what a running back should look like, Bleier had to run harder and play smarter to be able to stand out. Despite his drive and ability to make the big play, the Steelers only considered him a late round pick. But before the season ended that first year, he was drafted again--this time by the Army.

At the height of the Vietnam War, Bleier was thrust into combat early, and was seriously wounded when his platoon ran into an ambush. Receiving wounds from both rifle fire and grenade fragments in his legs, he was barely able to walk and his professional football career seemed to have ended before it began.

For more than two years, he drove himself, and little by little he overcame obstacles and fought his way back. He not only made it back onto the Steelers' roster, but also eventually became a starting running back on a team that won four Super Bowls.

Prior to the official meeting, the STC will host the first in a series of pre-conference “whistle-stop” seminars March 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Omni William Penn Hotel. This first seminar will feature panelists focusing on the following topics: the funding of a field; maintenance and performance guidelines; and realistic expectations. This seminar is open to both STC members and non-members.

Register now to receive early bird rates. Meeting registration fees include access to the evening reception on Monday, all educational sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, and admission to the Lunch & Exhibitor Showcase on Tuesday afternoon. Registered attendees will also receive access to all available session handouts, including attendee and exhibitor lists. Click on this link to register.

Also mark your calendars for the council's Annual Membership Meeting and 10th Anniversary Celebration in Orlando, FL, Oct. 7-9. Visit the Synthetic Turf Council’s website www.syntheticturfcouncil.org for more information.

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.