Syngenta attains GCSAA Gold Partner status
Syngenta has pledged its support of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and its members by committing to participate in the association's Partner Recognition Program. Syngenta will invest resources at the program's "Gold" level.
"We are proud to welcome Syngenta to the GCSAA Partner Recognition Program," said GCSAA CEO Steve Mona, CAE. "These resources are invested for the benefit of GCSAA's stakeholders -- member superintendents, their facilities and the golf course management profession. The investments do not go to stockholders in the form of dividends or profits.
They are put to work to develop education programs, conduct research, offer career resources, create information resources and develop tools to assist our members. Without the support of industry, GCSAA would not have the ability to provide resources to the benefit of its members and their employers. That is why we call our friends in the industry 'partners.' We are appreciative of Syngenta's support and I know our members are as well."
Syngenta is a long-time supporter of GCSAA and its philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf. Syngenta is recognized recognized at the Star Club level through The Institute's cumulative giving program of organizations that have contributed between $500,000 and $999,999 since 1987.
Syngenta is also a member of the Platinum Tee Club, which is the giving club for organizations that contribute a minimum of $5,000 annually to The Institute. Syngenta funds GCSAA's e-learning grant as well as the association's Legacy Awards. A presenting partner of the GCSAA//Golf Digest/ Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards, Syngenta also donated to GCSAA's hurricane disaster relief efforts. Syngenta advertises in GCSAA's official publication, /Golf
Course Management/ magazine, exhibits at the Golf Industry Show, sponsors the Certification Luncheon at the annual GCSAA Education Conference as well as the International Resource Center at the Golf Industry Show, and is a Double Eagle donor in the Golf Industry Show Silent Auction.
"Achieving Gold Partner Status with the GCSAA further illustrates Syngenta's deep commitment to this world-class organization," said Dave Ravel, golf market manager for Syngenta Professional Products. "Our ongoing financial support allows the GCSAA to continue its work of consistently raising the bar of professional standards within the golf course maintenance industry. In return, our involvement gives us an opportunity to deepen our connection with superintendents across the U.S."
GCSAA's Partner Recognition Program provides year-round exposure based on a prescribed level of investment. GCSAA industry partners can choose among Platinum, Gold and Silver levels as a means to achieve marketing objectives. Each level provides partners unique communications and recognition options to position themselves in the marketplace. Vehicles in the program include the Golf Industry Show, GCSAA Education Conference, /Golf Course Management/ magazine, media communications, and GCSAA.org. Additional opportunities for exposure within GCSAA membership, committees, chapters, career services and others exist as well.
The program offers industry partners strategic, diverse and ongoing communication with members. Components of the program were developed based on feedback from industry. Among the most revealing findings was that 82 percent of golf course superintendents are more likely to purchase from a company that supports GCSAA. The association's primary communications vehicles are the most read in the industry and are considered by industry as the cornerstone of its marketing activities.
Among the other features that companies desired in their marketing mix were to maximize year-round visibility, secure proprietary options and to engage in philanthropy in a strategic manner by supporting The Environmental Institute for Golf.
Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2006 were approximately $8.1 billion. Syngenta employs around 21,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT).
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GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association's philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golfworks to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org