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

"We are pleased to welcome Smithco to the GCSAA Partner Recognition Program," GCSAA CEO Mark Woodward, CGCS, said. "The resources Smithco invests with us assists in developing education programs, conducting research, offering career resources, and developing tools to assist our members. Without the support of industry, GCSAA would not have the ability to provide those resources to the benefit of its members and their facilities. That is why we call it a 'partners program.' We appreciate Smithco partnering with us to support our members, the association and the industry."

Smithco is a long-time supporter of GCSAA and its philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf. Smithco is recognized at the Statesman's Club level through The Institute's cumulative giving program of organizations that have contributed between $10,000 and $24,999 since 1987.

"Smithco welcomes the opportunity to be a supporter of GCSAA," Smithco owner Donald H. Smith said. "For 45 years our company has manufactured turf maintenance equipment for the golf course industry. We believe it is vital to maintain a strong GCSAA organization."

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.

For more than 40 years, Smithco has engineered and produced bunker rakes, dedicated spray vehicles, specialty greens care products and all sorts of turf sweepers and vacuums that are the industry standard when it comes to keeping golf courses in the most playable and pristine of conditions. For more information visit www.smithco.com and booth 4038 at the 2010 Golf Industry Show, Feb. 10-11 in San Diego.

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 20,000 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, 800-472-7878, mbisbing@gcsaa.org
James Block, James Block Advertising, 610-687-5773, jamesblock@verizon.net