STC NEWSLINE
An in-house publication
September 2014


Greetings, STC members and industry stakeholders:

This is an exciting time of year for our industry and the numerous buyers that are now enjoying their brand new synthetic turf surface built by an STC member. We thank and congratulate you for your role in promoting a healthy, active lifestyle for children, great sports performance for athletes and solid environmental stewardship.

 

Throughout the past decade, the synthetic turf market has grown tremendously and the demand drivers go way beyond just providing a green surface that lasts a long time. Macro factors include a long-term shift towards urbanization, "water is the new oil", and heightened attention (rightfully so) to player safety and performance. The opportunities for synthetic turf to support society's need to enhance land use require constant product development, improved business practices to expand turf applications, advocacy and education.   

 

As a result, the role of the Synthetic Turf Council and its members continue to elevate - and wow, have we been busy. Strategically, the STC needed to align its structure with its role in the market. We created the STC Four Pillars of Advocate, Educate, Market and Retain/Recruit Members. Your STC Board members serve as the leads for each Pillar's corresponding committee, and the committees include representation from a broad spectrum of our industry: consultants, sports and landscaping builders, laboratories, material suppliers and manufacturers.  

STC Staff

Rick Doyle, President

Terrie Ward, Marketing & Education Director

Melanie Taylor, Member Services Director

In This Issue
STC Four Pillars
 

This approach has been a huge success. There are 50 individuals serving one of the four STC Pillars. The member volunteers combined with our awesome STC staff is accomplishing a new level of focus on education, advocacy and improved business practices. We have marketed our members through an improved and education-rich website, new STC brand/logo, well-received webinar, trade shows, public relations/social media and various speaking arrangements with other groups. Our STC meetings have been filled with presentations by leading academia and professionals who work with NFL, FIFA and IRB. Our meetings have also increased networking and buyer interaction with our "STC Whistle-stop Seminars".

 

Our membership roster has increased to 220 members, up from 177 on October 1. This, along with the STC sponsors, has kept dues at a very reasonable level while allowing a financially healthy and stable STC.

 

I have been honored to serve on the STC Board over the past four years and conclude my second term as its Chairman. I pray I have met your expectations and want to hear how we can do better. To our members, sponsors, present and past volunteers, fellow board members and our staff, I give my deepest thank you. I invite all of you and our other industry stakeholders to our upcoming meeting in San Antonio between September 29 and October 1. I look forward to seeing you there!!!

 

May God continue to bless your organizations and your families,

 

John Baize
Synthetic Turf Council Chairman
and Managing Director of Act Global

We are Pleased to Introduce the 2014-15 STC Board of Directors:

Elected 9/16/14 (Term: 2014-2016)
Incumbents
Jake Alexander*, Genan Inc.
Rusty Abell, Sports Labs USA
Zach Burns*, The Motz Group
John Baize, Act Global (ex officio)
Stefan Diderich, Bonar Yarns Inc.Amy Brackin, Liberty Tire Recycling LLC
Catherine Eiswerth, R.F. Binne & Assoc.
Webb Cook, Sprinturf
Craig Honkomp*, Sportworks Field Design
Alastair Cox, Labosport International
Heard Smith*, AstroTurf/SYNLawn
Robert Thomas, ProGrass LLC
*Re-relected
John Tidwell, Turfstore, Inc.

 

The STC gratefully acknowledges the volunteer leadership of the Board members, whose terms expire October 1, 2014: 

 

John B. Giraud, Target Technologies International Inc. (Past Chairman; Years of service: 2007-2014)

Davis Lee, InnovaNet Group  (Years of service: 2010-2014)

MEETINGS & EVENTS
It's Almost Here! The Annual Membership Meeting in San Antonio

 

Confirmed registrations as of today, September 25:

  • 230 members and guests
  • 37 buyers and end-users for the NEW Exhibitor Showcase and Lunch
  • 36 member exhibitors
Conference Materials & Handouts

For those who are traveling to San Antonio and looking for some reading materials for the plane ride (or if you can't attend and are just curious), here are the conference materials and handouts that will be available at the STC Registration Desk:
What's New at the STC Exhibitor Showcase

Attendees to Include Local Buyers, End-users, Municipal Officials, Architects, and Installers

To date, 37 local buyers, end-users, and specifers have accepted our invitation to attend the FREE Exhibitor Showcase and Lunch in order to learn more about the synthetic turf products and services provided by our 36 exhibitors.

Admission into the luncheon and showcase is free of charge just by dropping off a business card at the STC exhibit table outside the La Vista ballroom. Guests are also welcome to attend the Sports Fields and Landscape & Recreation Dual-Track Sessions from 2:30 until 4:30 p.m.
Stop by the STC Exhibit Table for the New STC Infill Gauge

During the Exhibitor Showcase and Lunch on Tuesday, be sure to visit the STC exhibit table outside the La Vista ballroom to learn about what's new with the STC: like our new infill depth gauge available for $10! Now, you can give field owners a device that easily and accurately measures infill depth AND emphasizes the importance of maintaining builder-recommended infill levels.

At the STC exhibit table, you will also find the new "STC Toolkit" for members, applications for STC Certification, and committee sign-up sheets for marketing, education, membership, advocacy and the certification task force. Your participation is greatly needed to help us develop strategic initiatives for the industry in each of these different segments.
Meet Our Exhibitors

Member Company
First Name
Last Name
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.StephanieZimmerman
Aplix, Inc.JamesBishop
ARMACELL, LLCChadAndrews
Bonar Yarns Inc.GregRoscoe
Broce ManufacturingDavidKrason
BuzzTurf, LLCBuzzSplittgerber
Casco Schonox by SIKABoAndersson
CoverMasterBobCurry
CRM Company, LLC
Barry
Takallou
Eco ChemicalZackWrzeszcz
Entech Inc.NealFrey
Genan Inc.JakeAlexander
Kromer Co.RonnPonath
Liberty Tire Recycling, LLCKyleEastman
MAPEI Corp.JamesRack
Permavoid Ltd.AndyShuttleworth
Pioneer AthleticsDougSchattinger
PrecisionJet-TurfBondMickWilson
ProFab Technologies, Inc.JackLindsay
Recticel/The Soundcoat CompanyJimMills
Redexim North America, Inc.DarrenPowers
SMG Equipment, LLC
Kevin
Dorney
Sports Field Removal, LLCAmyBachman
SportsEdge�JimmyKloczko
Sportsfield Specialties, Inc.DavidMoxley
SYNLawnGeorgeNeagle
Synthetic Turf CouncilTerrieWard
Synthetic Turf Drs. LLC
Alonzo
Vielma
Synthetic Surfaces, Inc.NorrisLegue
Target Technologies International Inc.
John B.
Giraud
ThermaGreen EnvironmentalBluAlexander
Toro Company, The
PaulaSliefert
Trocellen GmbHLucaGirelli
Underhill InternationalMarkFaris
Wiedenmann North AmericaWillWolverton
ZeoFill Inc.BrianPierce

Interactive Work Sessions in San Antonio

The STC will conclude its 2014 Annual Membership Meeting in San Antonio with the Group Interactive Work Sessions on Wednesday, October 1 from 10:15 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

Each registered attendees will be assigned to one of the following work sessions:
  1. Advocate to promote the growth of the synthetic turf market and other industry interests, and address critical Issues, e.g., end-of-life reclamation, reuse, and recycling, heat, and product and 3rd party warranties - Board Leadership: Rusty Abell, Jake Alexander, Zach Burns, and Webb Cook;
  2. Market to grow the acceptance and demand for synthetic turf systems and related products and services, and increase the public awareness and influence of the STC and its members - Board Leadership: Amy Brackin and Robert Thomas;
  3. Educate by providing neutral, technical, and need-based educational opportunities to STC members, end-user decision makers, architects and engineers, installers, etc. - Board Leadership: Alastair Cox, Davis Lee, and Craig Honkomp;
  4. Retain & Recruit Members by being an organization that earns their support by being an influential advocate for the industry and its members to achieve an ever-expanding market and opportunities for growth - Board Leadership: John B. Giraud, Heard Smith, and John Tidwell;
  5. For Our European Members: A Discussion of the European Synthetic Turf Industry and Market - Moderator, John Baize
Important Reminder: Dues must be paid to attend San Antonio

If your membership renews on or before October 1, 2014, annual dues must be paid in full in order to attend the 2014 Annual Membership Meeting in San Antonio. Payable invoices and renewal applications have already been sent to the Key Contacts. For questions about your renewal, please call Melanie Taylor at (678) 385-6720 or email melanie@syntheticturfcouncil.org.
The STC Gratefully Acknowledges its Sponsors

"Thank You" to our generous sponsors for showing your commitment and support to the STC for the meeting in San Antonio and throughout the year: 
Gold Sponsors

ProGrass, LLC [www.prograssturf.com]

  • Synthetic turf builder and installer
  • Registered attendees: Steve Coleman, Todd DeWolfe, Aaron Klotz, Robert Thomas, Mark Weightman

Shaw Sports Turf [www.shawsportsturf.com]

  • Synthetic turf manufacturer and installer
  • Registered attendees: Phil Barlow, Jason Kyzer, Chuck McClurg, Matt Ross, Chris Small, Dr. Phil Stricklen
Silver Sponsors

AstroTurf, LLC [www.astroturf.com]

  • Synthetic turf builder and installer
  • Registered attendees: Ryan Paris, Bryan Peeples, Heard Smith

Genan Inc. [www.genan.eu]

  • Crumb rubber infill manufacturer
  • Registered attendees: Jake Alexander, Christian Fenger, Henrik Olesen

SYNLawn [www.synlawn.com]

  • Landscape synthetic grass manufacturer
  • Registered attendees: George Neagle, Heard Smith

Universal Textile Technologies [www.universal-textile.com]

  • Backing systems manufacturer
  • Registered attendees: Doug Giles, Tom Peeples
Bronze Sponsors

Act Global [www.actglobal.com]

  • Synthetic turf manufacturer
  • Registered attendees: Jennifer Alt, John Baize, Chris Clapham, Chuck Fleishman, Jeremy Gauche, Genevieve Grant, Cassandra Holman, Stan Nix

Casco Schnox by SIKA [www.buildingadhesives.biz]

  • Adhesive manufacturer
  • Registered attendee: Bo Andersson

CRM Company, LLC [www.crmrubber.com]

  • Crumb rubber infill manufacturer
  • Registered attendees: Michael Harrington, Rebecca Ruettiger, Barry Takallou

Eco Chemical Inc. - TempLine [www.ecochemical.com]

  • Field marking and paint manufacturer
  • Registered attendees: Jeff Fisher, Zack Wrzeszcz

Sports Field Removal LLC [www.sportsfieldremoval.com]

  • Field removal contractor
  • Registered attendees: Amy Bachman, Matthew Bixler, Jay McIntyre

The Toro Company [www.thetorocompany.com]

  • Maintenance equipment manufacturer
  • Registered attendees: Troy Carson, Paula Sliefert
Education Sponsor

MAPEI Corp. [www.mapei.us]

  • Adhesive manufacturer
  • Registered attendees: Bruno Boulanger, Michael McManamon, James Rack
Principal Sponsor

Heavenly Greens [www.heavenlygreens.com]

  • Landscape synthetic grass builder and installer
  • Registered attendee: Brad Borgman
Major Sponsor

 

Pioneer Athletics [www.pioneerathletics.com]

  • Field marking and paint manufacturer
  • Registered attendees: Chris Fiore, Craig O'Berry, Joe Orzechowski, Doug Schattinger
Supporting Sponsor

Wiedenmann North America, LLC [www.wiedenmannusa.com]

  • Maintenance equipment manufacturer
  • Registered attendee: Will Wolverton
Lanyard Sponsor

Armacell, LLC [www.armacell.us]

  • Shock pad, underlayment manufacturer
  • Registered attendees: Chad Andrews, Isabel Wright
For more information on becoming an STC sponsor, click here
STC UPDATES
Thank You to Our 2014 Volunteers

Advocacy Committee

  • Rick Doyle, Synthetic Turf Council, Chair
  • Rusty Abell, DMA Sports Labs USA (Board leader)
  • Jack Alexander, Genan Inc. (Board leader)
  • John Amato, JJA Sports
  • Zach Burns, The Motz Group (Board leader)
  • Webb Cook, Sprinturf (Board leader)
  • Mike Green, TenCate Grass
  • Bryan Peeples, AstroTurf
  • Dan Sawyer, Brock International
  • Loren (Buzz) Splittgerber, BuzzTurf

Education Committee

  • Doug Schattinger, Pioneer Athletics, Chair
  • Mike Cobb, InnovaNet Group
  • Alastair Cox, Labosport International (Board leader)
  • Joe Deavenport, The Dow Chemical Company
  • Craig Honkomp, Sportworks Field Design (Board leader)
  • Davis Lee, InnovaNet Group (Board leader)
  • Joe Leedie, ForeverLawn
  • John Ripp, Liberty Tire Recycling, LLC
  • Laith Ross, Ross Tarrant Architects
  • Isabel Wright, Armacell LLC

Marketing Committee

  • Donna Kent, ForeverLawn, Chair
  • Bob Thomas, ProGrass LLC (Board leader)
  • Amy Brackin, Liberty Tire Recycling, LLC (Board leader)
  • Chuck Fleishman, Act Global
  • Dakota Harp, Controlled Products
  • Doug Giles, Universal Textile Technologies
  • George Neagle, SYNLawn
  • Sarah Shewmaker, The Motz Group
  • Dustine Callahan, Kromer Company
  • Stefan Diderich, Bonar Yarns
  • Shannan Powell, ForeverLawn Tampa Bay

Membership Committee

  • Catherine Eiswerth, R.F. Binnie Consulting Ltd., Chair
  • John B. Giraud, Target Technologies International Inc. (Board leader)
  • Darby McCamy, Controlled Products, LLC
  • David Nardone, Stantec Sport
  • Brian Pierce, ZeoFill
  • Harry Salomons, Sprinturf
  • Heard Smith, SYNLawn (Board leader)
  • John Tidwell, Turfstore Inc. (Board leader)
  • Stephanie Zimmerman, Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.

Base Construction Task Force

  • Francois Hebert, DSSS Consulting
  • Grove Teates, Alpine Services
  • Craig Honkomp, Sportworks Field Design

Certification Task Force

  • Brad Borgman, Heavenly Greens
  • Adam Coleman, Turf Reclamation Services
  • Steve Coleman, ProGrass LLC
  • Joe Leedie, ForeverLawn Inc.
  • Greg Roscoe, Bonar Yarns
  • Laith Ross, RossTarrant Architects
  • Mark Weightman, ProGrass LLC

Trade Practices Task Force

  • Julio Cachay, NeoTurf Systems, Inc.
  • Rick Hooper, Shaw Sports Turf
  • Scott Lowrie, Controlled Products
  • Heard Smith, SYNLawn
  • John Tidwell, Turfstore Inc.
  • Guido Vliegen, TenCate Grass
  • Steve White, Challenger Industries
A Call for Volunteers for FY15

Volunteers are critical to our success and are needed for our 2014-15 standing committees and task forces (listed below). Key jobs include helping to:
  • Implement the council's strategic objectives
  • Recommend projects to the board, work with staff to implement approved programs, and provide general oversight for ongoing assignments
  • Meet face-to-face as needed, but conduct most work by conference call or email
Standing Committees are active throughout the membership year, while Task Forces are project-specific and dissolve when the project is completed. Both usually meet monthly by conference call and meet face-to-face at STC membership meetings.

If you are interested in serving on one of the STC's standing committees or task forces, please complete this form and submit it to STC Headquarters. The committees and task forces that will be active in 2014-15 are:
  • Program Committee (to plan the program for the two STC meetings in 2015)
  • Membership Committee
  • Marketing Committee
  • Education Committee
  • Advocacy Committee
  • Certification Task Force
Rick Doyle and Terrie Ward to Attend NRPA National Congress

The STC will be attending the National Recreation & Parks Association National Congress and Exposition in Charlotte, North Carolina October 14 - 16, 2014. As part of the registration process, Rick Doyle, STC President, became a member of the organization and has already contributed via the NRPA's Connect forum where he was able to provide information to a NRPA member in Albuquerque, New Mexico regarding synthetic turf specifically for dog parks. He also provided information about the STC's Online Buyer's Guide and other helpful resources on the STC website.
INDUSTRY NEWS & EVENTS
Working Together to 'Green' Philadelphia 
Students from the William Dick School play on the school's new artificial turf field. DAVID MAIALETTI / Staff photographer

On June 10, hundreds of people came out for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate a new "greened" schoolyard at William Dick Elementary School.

The collective excitement around this transformed site was best embodied by the school's sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, who played on the new playground equipment, showed off their gymnastics and tumbling skills on a new turf field, marveled at one of the largest rain gardens in all of Philadelphia, and even got into a pick-up football game with Mayor Nutter, School District Superintendent William R. Hite Jr., and other public officials.
Read more
Where Do All Those Tires Go?

There are nearly 300 million tires discarded every year in America. Where do all those tires go? At one time they wound up in huge tire piles spread across the U.S.. Back in 1996 the States began to get serious about cleaning up those piles to eliminate their serious hazard. Today all but a very few of those tire piles have been cleaned up and a new industry emerged to deal with the ongoing generation of waste tires. 
Read more
2014 - 2015 Industry Calendar

October 14-16 , 2014
NRPA (National Recreation & Park Association) Congress & Exposition - Charlotte, NC

November 7-11, 2014
American Hotel and Lodging Association Fall Conference - New York, NY

November 21-24, 2014

American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Meeting & Expo - Denver, CO

December 5-9, 2014
American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) Technical Meeting - Ponte Vedra, FL

December 10-11, 2014
The Turf and Grass Expo - Geneva, Switzerland

December 12-15, 2014
National Athletic Directors Conference - National Harbor, MA

January 11-14, 2015
AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) Convention - Louisville, KY

January 13-16, 2015
STMA (Sports Turf Managers Association) Conference & Exhibition - Denver, CO

January 21-23, 2015
Surfaces - Las Vegas, NV 
    
February 17-19, 2015
The Grass, Yarn and Tufters Forum - Vienna, Austria
    
February 20-22, 2015
ASBA (American Sports Builders Association) Winter Meeting - Grand Bahama Island

March 23-25, 2015
STC 2015 Spring Membership Meeting - Hyatt Regency La Jolla, San Diego, CA

March 21-23, 2015
NSBA (National School Board Officials Association) Annual Conference - Nashville, TN

September 15-16, 2015
ESTO (European Synthetic Turf Organisation) Congress - Rome, Italy
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Our Condolences to Norris Legue and His Family

We were saddened to learn that Dorothy J. Legue, 76, of Scotch Plains, died on Friday, May 16, 2014. Dotty and her husband, Norris, have been residents of Scotch Plains for over 40 years. Dorothy was the Vice President for Synthetic Surfaces for 40 years in Scotch Plains. Besides being a dedicated businesswoman she was even a more devoted mother. She loved her children and especially her grandchildren.

Contributions can be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 44 Middle Ave. 2nd Floor, Summit, NJ 07901.

Welcome: Newest Affiliate Members

 

Brian Kelly, Asst. VP for Capital Planning and Facilities, Dean College [www.dean.edu]

 

Eric Peterson, Deputy Administrator, NYC Parks & Recreation [www.nycgovparks.org]

 

Welcome: Newest Full Members

  

C. Allan Bamforth Jr., Engineer - Surveyor, Ltd. [www.bamforth.com

  • Independent Professional and Consultant
  • Anna Lee Bamforth, President; June Nix, Office Manager

DIALOG  

  • Independent Professional and Consultant
  • Marion La Rue, Principal; Doug Wournell, Architect

Eco Chemical Inc. - TempLine [www.ecochemical.com

  • Specialty Manufacturer and Services
  • Jim Brady, Director of Marketing and Sales; Jeff Fisher, TempLine Business Division Manager

ECORE International [www.ecoreathletic.com

  • Material Manufacturer and Supplier
  • Dana Davis, Marketing Coordinator

JSA Sport Architecture Inc.

  • Independent Professional and Consultant
  • Bob Johnston, Principal

Reynolds Company, The [www.reynoldsglue.com

  • Material Manufacturer and Supplier
  • Charlie Lewis, Sales

Shrewsbury Landscapes, Inc. [www.shrewsburylandscapes.com]   

  • Regional Landscape & Recreation Installer
  • Kevin Lyons, President

Sports Field Removal, LLC [www.sportsfieldremoval.com]  

  • Specialty Manufacturer and Services
  • Matthew Bixler, Operating Manager; Jay McIntyre; Managing Member; Amy Bachman, Marketing

Swank Sports, LLC dba AstroBuilders [www.swanksports.com

  • Builder and Installer
  • Diana Veloz- Swank, CEO; Kristy Rayos, Project Admin.

TURF-N THE WORLD, INC. [www.turfntheworld.com

  • Material Manufacturer and Supplier
  • Roger Baker, President; Scott Bustamante, Marketing Coordinator

Viconic Sporting [www.viconicsporting.com

  • Material Manufacturer and Supplier
  • Joel Cormier, Director Development Engineering; Jason Kroll, Business Development

West Coast Rubber Recycling [www.groundrubber.com

  • Material Manufacturer and Supplier
  • Cameron Wright, President

ZHproducts [www.foreverlawn.com/dfw

  • Regional Landscape & Recreation Installer
  • Johnathan Goldminz, Owner
Carpell Surfaces and Act Global Supply Synthetic Turf for FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup

Carpell Surfaces and Act Global have been selected to provide a high performance, synthetic turf pitch for Montreal's Olympic Stadium this July. The facility will serve for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in August 2014.
Read more
Shaw Sports Turf Diverts Used Turf and Infill from the Landfill

Shaw Sports Turf, a division of Shaw Industries, has announced a program to divert used synthetic turf from the landfill each time the company is part of a sports field replacement project. The program repurposes and reuses turf that has completed its life cycle on the sports field into other productive uses, such as part of beautification projects, landscaping, pet turf and batting cages.
Read more
Sporturf™ Becomes Official Turf Supplier for College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-Fil-a Fan Experience

Kevin Barker, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, is pleased to announce that Sporturf™, a divison of Controlled Products, is now the exclusive provider for synthetic turf surfaces for the new College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience, which opened on August 23rd in downtown Atlanta.
Read more
If you have a news item that you would like the STC to post on its website and in this e-newsletter, please add Terrie Ward, terrie@syntheticturfcouncil.org to your distribution list. 
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