In the fall of 1999, I approached Bob Wick with the concept of forming a Sports Turf Managers group within the WCTA. I recognized there was a need for more communication and information exchange within our profession. The initial response from both the Executive Director and the Board was very positive and so the first information and discussion meeting of this new group was held at the Victoria 2000 Conference. The meeting was very well attended and represented sports turf managers from Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, the Caribou, B.C. Interior, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Yukon. All of the input and comments I received were positive and it was unanimous among the participants that this group form and that we move forward. It was made very clear, by the majority of members present, that this group remain within the Western Canada Turfgrass Association.

A very keen steering committee was formed at the end of the meeting, and again, geographic areas from Vancouver Island to Saskatchewan were represented. I look forward to working with all of them. As ,chair, of this newly formed group, I will be taking the information gathered from this meeting and discussing it with the WCTA Board of Directors in April / May. Following approval by The Board, the steering committee will be contacted and strategies, goals, and what form this new group takes on, will be discussed.

I am very excited about this new direction and know that it will translate into positive results for sports turf managers in Western Canada. I want to sincerely thank the steering committee members, Executive Director- Bob Wick, the W.C.T.A. Board of Directors and all who attended the meeting, for their support.

If you would like to communicate your thoughts and / or ideas to me, please free to email me at plasteras1450@home.com, or mail me at: 1274 Bluff Drive, Coquitlam, BC V3E 1C1.

Stay tuned! This is just the start of something very valuable and worth while. I shall keep you informed.