Lebanon Turf 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. Lebanon Turf will invest resources at the program's "Silver" level.

"We are proud to welcome Lebanon Turf to the GCSAA Partner Recognition Program," GCSAA CEO Mark Woodward, CGCS, said. "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 Lebanon Turf support and I know our members are as well."

Lebanon Turf is a long-time supporter of GCSAA and its philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf. Lebanon Turf is recognized at the Presidential Club level through The Institute's cumulative giving program of organizations that have contributed between $100,000 and $249,999 since 1987.

Lebanon Turf is also a double eagle donor at the Golf Industry Show Silent Auction, supplying the 2009 auction with a truckload of products worth $48,000 - one of the single largest donations in the event's history.

"Lebanon is pleased to add our support to programs that give superintendents access to information and resources that help them make informed decisions on important issues affecting the health and maintenance of their courses," Dave Heegard, Lebanon Turf vice president and general manager, said. "We value the relationships we have with these professionals and look forward to continuing to support their work."

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.

Lebanon Turf is the professional division of Lebanon Seaboard Corp. With over 60 years of experience, it is a leading manufacturer of professional turf and lawn care products. For more information visit www.lebturf.com and booth 2929 at the 2009 Golf Industry Show, Feb. 5-7 in New Orleans.

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 Golf, works 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.

For more information contact:
Mark Bisbing, GCSAA director of corporate marketing and sales, at 800-472-7878, ext. 5150 or mbisbing@gcsaa.org
Dave Heegard, Lebanon Turf vice president and general manager, at 800-532-0090, ext. 232 or dheegard@lebsea.com