Charlotte, North Carolina (February 28, 2014) Jacobsen, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that it will sponsor Turf Republic’s Excellence in Innovation Award, a new industry honor that will recognize men and women in the turf industry who are using innovative new ideas to save time, reduce costs, and create a better experience for players.
The award is open to anyone in the turf industry who is using innovation to make a difference: superintendents, assistants, technicians, sports field managers, parks & ground managers and more.
Nominees will be judged by an independent five-person panel that represents a cross-section of the turf industry. One finalist will be selected each month, starting in March of 2014. One yearly winner will be selected from the 2014 finalists for special recognition at the 2015 Golf Industry Show in San Antonio, Texas.
“The recession forced many in the turf industry to think about how to do more with less and the results has been an incredible wave of new thinking, ideas and innovations,” said Bill Brown, CEO and Founder of Turf Republic. “And with the pervasive use of social media being used amongst turf managers, the ability to share these innovations has never been greater. Not only will this award celebrate the most innovative people in our industry, it will allow others to implement the same ideas at their facility.”
Early award candidates include Patrick Sisk, CGCS of Milwaukee Country Club who developed the Green Sweep, a blower attachment that utilizes air redirection to move topdressing material into the turf canopy. Another award candidate is Jason VanBuskirk, Superintendent of Stow Acres, who created an automated product mix tank that operates from mobile devices. Award nominations are not limited to tangible products, programs or best practices developed at your facility or company are also eligible for the Excellence in Innovation Award.
“Sponsoring Turf Republic’s new Excellence in Innovation Award is a natural fit for Jacobsen,” said David Withers, President of Jacobsen. “Since 1921, Jacobsen has been at forefront of turf maintenance innovation. From introducing the industry’s first triplex mower with the Greens King in 1968 to today’s hybrid and all-electric ECLIPSE series of greens mowers, Jacobsen will continue to develop products that push the boundaries of what turf maintenance equipment can do.”
Nominations will begin being accepted April 1, 2014 at www.turfrepublic.com.
About Jacobsen
With over 90 years of experience in the turf maintenance industry, Jacobsen, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) Company, 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 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.
About Turf Republic
Turf Republic is the one stop source for information and sharing for the connected generation of turf professionals and enthusiasts. Turf Republic brings you the latest innovation of industry in business, technology, career, diseases, social media, and problem solving. Our goal is to empower and inspire our community and grow the world of turf. For more information visit: www.turfrepublic.com
For further information please contact:
Adam C. Slick, Public Relations & Communications Manager, Jacobsen
11108 Quality Drive, Charlotte, NC 28273
Tel: 704.504.4867
Email: aslick@textron.com
