In closing the books on 2007, it has been great to see turf conferences throughout the upper Mid-Continent Region well attended in November and December. Due primarily to snow and ice cover closing courses to play, it is expected that conferences in early 2008 will enjoy similar turnouts as winter conditions continue. Given that local and regional educational conferences are integral to continuing education and fulfilling certification credits, it is wise not to overlook the value of new and renewed fellowships with peers and invited speakers. Sometimes the most enlightening moments occur in the hallways, hotel lobbies, or over dinner while comparing notes from the previous season. To this end, I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of upcoming conferences scheduled in January and February.

The dates and locations are as follows:

With the new year upon us, this also is a good time to remind everyone that January is the month that our annual invoice is mailed to golf courses in our database. This mailing provides an opportunity to subscribe to our Turf Advisory Service in 2008, while also taking advantage of the early payment discount. If your course does not receive a mailing by mid-February, please give us a call and we will add you to our database and send an invoice.

To take advantage of the $300 early payment discount, payments for the Turf Advisory Service must be received before May 15, 2008, whereas the actual date of the visit can be scheduled anytime during 2008. The fee schedule for this year is as follows:

Half-day TAS visit:

• $1,700.00 (payment received before May 15, 2008)
• $2,000.00 (payment received after May 15, 2008)

Full-day TAS visit:

• $2,400.00 (payment received before May 15, 2008)
• $2,700.00 (payment received after May 15, 2008)

If you would like more information about a Turf Advisory Service visit, contact the Mid-Continent regional offices: Ty McClellan at tmcclellan@usga.org or (630) 340-5853 or Bud White at budwhite@usga.org or (972) 662-1138.