Charlotte, N.C. - May 21, 2013 - Last week, Jacobsen, a Textron (NYSE: TXT) Company, hosted over twenty college seniors from top turfgrass programs around the world as part of its Future Turf Managers event.
The annual event gives students a unique opportunity to network with turfgrass industry professionals at the highest level. During the three-day event, students visit with top superintendents and sports field managers, hear cutting-edge presentations from top university professors and get an insider's look at Jacobsen's turf maintenance equipment.
Attendees must be recommended by directors or professors at turfgrass programs. Students were selected from over twenty colleges and universities including Penn State University, Texas A&M University, Mississippi State University, Iowa State University and North Dakota State University. The group also included an international student from Myerscough College in Lancashire, England.
Dr. Jim Brosnan of the University of Tennessee presented on herbicide resistance during one of Jacobsen University's several educational sessions.
"Hearing about herbicide resistance from Dr. Brosnan was a great opportunity," said Derek Christensen, recent graduate of North Dakota State University. "It's a very important topic that I expect to be dealing with in the field."
The event included site visits to Quail Hollow Golf Club and Sage Valley Golf Club, two of the top golf courses in the Southeast. At Quail Hollow Club, the group got a rare opportunity to see the course in the midst of its transition from bentgrass greens to bermuda grass. The grass change is part of a host of course renovations being made at Quail Hollow in preparation for the 2017 PGA Championship.
The week ended with a valuable discussion on leadership and communication by Steve Randall, Senior Manager of Chapter Outreach for the GCSAA. Randall's presentation served as the perfect capstone to the week.
Reflecting on the event, students said their experiences will better prepare them for their job search and future careers.
"This event made me more confident about finding a job and better prepared for the work that lies ahead," said Robert Glenn, graduating senior at Mississippi State University. "Plus, the fact that I have contacts at two upper echelon golf courses extends my networking reach even further."
"We look forward to the Future Turf Managers event every year because it touches so many people. Not only does it help us build relationships with the next generation of superintendents and sports field managers, it also helps these young men and women build their own relationships in the industry," said David Withers, President of Jacobsen.
About Jacobsen
With over 90 years of experience in the turf maintenance industry, Jacobsen has built a legacy of precision craftsmanship, legendary quality of cut and unmatched expertise. Dedicated solely to delivering perfectly groomed turf, Jacobsen equipment is used on some of the finest golf courses, sports fields and other formal turf areas across the United States and the world, through an extensive distribution network and the international Ransomes brand. Additional information about the company can be found at www.jacobsen.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defence, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. For more information visit: www.textron.com.
Contact
Adam C. Slick, Public Relations and Communications Manager, Jacobsen
11108 Quality Drive, Charlotte, NC 28273
Tel: 704.504.4867
Email: aslick@textron.com
The Jacobsen Future Turf Managers group gets a firsthand look at Quail Hollow Club's renovations with Superintendent Chris Deariso.
Derek Christensen, graduating senior from North Dakota State University
Robert Glenn, graduating senior from Mississippi State University