The Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council (PTC) plays a vital role in the turfgrass industry in Pennsylvania. The primary mission of the PTC is to raise money to support turfgrass science research efforts in Pennsylvania. In addition, the PTC operates as the state-wide advocate for the turfgrass industry.
Founded in 1955 by a small group of individuals, the original intent of the organization was to promote research in the turfgrass industry. Over time, however, the mission of the organization has evolved to include the funding of educational programs through scholarships to those undergraduate and graduate students pursuing an education in turfgrass science, the promotion of the entire turfgrass industry within the state, as well as the sponsorship of various educational and trade show conferences within Pennsylvania. 
Income is derived from membership dues, charitable donations, various golf outings and trade shows. In addition to the financial benefits, these events can be an excellent opportunity to network, obtain continuing education credits, and get the most up-to-date information on all areas of turfgrass research.
The organization is governed by a board of directors that includes golf course superintendents, sports turf managers, faculty members from The Pennsylvania State University, and representatives from the turfgrass industry. The board is supported by faculty members from Penn State that represent the various disciplines of the industry including soils, weed science, entomology, turfgrass management, and plant pathology. 
Funding education and research is a most vital component of building a strong turfgrass industry. Since 1974, the PTC has provided over $2 million of research grants to Penn State. These monies allow Penn State researchers to stay on the forefront of research that affect golf course professionals, sports turf manager, and landscape professionals. It is critical that we continue to fund projects and be forward thinking in order to continue providing important funding to the turfgrass professionals in Pennsylvania.
As a member of the turfgrass industry in Pennsylvania, we should all try our best to support this fine organization. We should continue to improve our membership roles beyond the roughly eleven hundred individuals, corporations, and golf clubs that currently support the PTC. Take some time and visit the PTC website at www.paturf.org and consider joining today.
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