The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) asked its members to help build an engaging session at its annual Education Conference by submitting challenges faced in the field, and then vote on those hot topics.

The "You Asked For It ... You Got It!" session at the 2009 GCSAA Education Conference Feb. 4, from 3-5 p.m., in New Orleans, is presented in partnership with Gravely Turf, an Ariens Co. Brand. The topics voted for are:

* Managing Golf Green Organic Matter - Roch Gaussoin, Ph.D.
* Disease Control: Does Application Volume Matter? - John Kaminski, Ph.D.
* Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners - Jason Dettman-Kruse, Ph.D.
* Moss Control on Putting Greens - J. Scott McElroy, Ph.D.

The GCSAA Education Conference (Feb. 2-7) is held in conjunction with the Golf Industry Show (Feb. 5-7) at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. It is the largest educational conference in the turfgrass management industry. More than 100 seminars and 60 additional hours of educational sessions are offered, covering all ranges of golf course management, including agronomics, communication and business management. Visit www.gcsaa.org/conference.

Ariens Co., a leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment for both consumer and commercial use, is a GCSAA Silver Partner and longtime supporter of GCSAA and its philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf. Ariens Co. is an Executive Club level member for donors who have contributed between $25,000 and $49,999 to The Institute since 1987. For more information on Gravely Turf and Ariens Co., visit www.ariens.com and booth 3939 at the Golf Industry Show.

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:
Shari Koehler, GCSAA director of education, at 800-472-7878, ext. 4404 or skoehler@gcsaa.org
Ann Stilp, Ariens corporate communications manager, at 290-475-1880 or astilp@ariens.com