For Chapters Receiving Donated Funds, Education is an Overwhelming Priority

PHILADELPHIA (June 8, 2021) — One consistent and overwhelming theme rings true among local Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) chapters on the receiving end of donations totaling $25,000 – made possible through the FMC Professional Solutions Give Back to Local Chapters program. They strive to “give back” with their Give Back.

While a handful of chapters out of 30 are still determining how they will use their 2021 FMC Give Back donation checks, many of the chapters have big plans for the donated funds. The top 30 chapters earned awards from $250 to $5,000, distributed after participating in 2021 Golf Industry Show activities tied to FMC’s Kalida™ Fungicide launch earlier this year.

“We truly appreciate those companies that see value in the local chapters and try to help them out,” said Carolinas GCSA Executive Director Tim Kreger. The Carolinas GCSA plans to fund an additional scholarship this year with the $1,000 Give Back check they received from FMC.  

Like the Carolinas GCSA, local chapters impacted by the extra funds earned in the Give Back program overwhelmingly plan to apply the donations primarily towards education initiatives in the form of scholarships, training, seminar hosting and workshops for their members or turf students. A few are building full-scale educational events to take place later in 2021 or in 2022, now that Covid-19 restrictions are easing in many parts of the country.

“Thanks to FMC’s support of the Minnesota GCSA, we will use this unexpected money to support scholarships to attend the Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Science online educational courses. Each year, the MGCSA sponsors up to five individuals who complete the ten-week program. It is a win-win for the industry and the student. The Give Back to Local Chapters program helps make this opportunity possible," said Minnesota GCSA Executive Director Jack MacKenzie.

As superintendents need to have such a broad knowledge base and multidisciplinary approach to their work in an industry with continuous advancements in management practices, plant science, regulations and even equipment, it is easy to see why so many chapters look to foster education and choose to spend any extra funds on it.

“We want our members to thrive, and education is an investment in their success.  Our industry is constantly evolving, and continuing education is critical to keeping current with the latest research advancements, best management practices, regulations and product releases,” said GCSA of New Jersey Executive Director Maureen Sharples.

One admirable non-education use of an FMC Give Back donation is being implemented by the Utah GSCA chapter. “We have allocated our funds to our local Riley L. Stottern Benevolent Fund.  The goal of the fund is to do as much good as possible for all Utah GCSA members and their immediate families who may be burdened by a serious illness, a death or other hardship. The money is greatly appreciated and will help our members in need,” said Utah GCSA Chapter Executive Natalie Barker.

“We strive to support local chapters who can benefit in various ways from the support,” said FMC golf and lawn care market manager Evan Parenti. “To see the FMC donations fostering educational initiatives is especially rewarding as that knowledge only makes the industry better and stronger.”

Don Hearn, executive director of the New England GCSA, said that his chapter is looking to highlight the work of superintendents and points out what all of these efforts are really about – the game of golf. “We plan to use the funds to assist with the production costs of a video highlighting the work of superintendents who help make golf an enjoyable experience for those who play the game.”

The FMC Give Back to Local Chapters initiative was driven by FMC True Champions, a program launched in spring 2019. A key feature of the program is to support industry associations such as GCSAA chapters, We Are Golf and RISE. Superintendents can enroll for free, and FMC will track purchases of qualified products throughout the season and then submit their “give back” donation directly to their local GCSAA chapter. Qualified products include Fame™ SC, Rayora™ and Kalida™ fungicides. Through August 2021, a percentage of sales of those products will be donated to local GCSAA chapters.

FMC True Champions

The FMC True Champions program is a source for golf course superintendents and managers to access valuable Product Rewards and Product Assurances. It also has a third pillar, Industry Support, that highlights industry initiatives and associations like GCSAA, We Are Golf and RISE. 

About FMC

FMC Corporation, an agricultural sciences company, provides innovative solutions to customers around the world with a robust product portfolio fueled by a market-driven discovery and development pipeline in crop protection, plant health, and professional pest and turf management. FMC Corporation employs approximately 6,400 employees around the globe. To learn more, please visit www.fmc.com.

Always read and follow all label directions, precautions and restrictions for use. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states. FMC, the FMC logo, Fame SC, Rayora, Kalida and True Champions are trademarks or service marks of FMC Corporation or an affiliate. © 2021 FMC Corporation. All rights reserved.