The International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association, which was created during a conference call in September, is looking for participants on its Web site at www.gcema.org.

According to founder Stephen Tucker, equipment manager at The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club in Sarasota, Fla., the site already has more than 200 registered users from around the world.

He said the equipment technician's role over the past 20 years has developed into much more than just a person who keeps the equipment operational and noted that there are not enough skilled technicians to meet the needs of every golf course.

"The golf course technician is an integral part to the success of a golf management team and their professionalism, standards, education, and achievement should be recognized, nurtured, and respected," he said. "It is the goal of this association to grow this idea and to expand it all over the world."

Tucker also said that Toro has agreed to help the fledgling association by offering a trip to the Golf Industry Show for one of the Web site forum members. For information on how to win the trip, visit http://www.igcema.org/index.php?page=showapplication.