SCLTA History

C O N T E N T S

Environmental Landscape Certif.

_{SCLTA Objectives}_{The objective of the South
Carolina Landscape & Turfgrass Association is to service its membership by increasing professional knowledge and competence through research, educational programs, scholarships, grants, publications, industry-wide
expositions, and similar related activities.}

President's Message
In planning for future training sponsored by the association, it is necessary to have your input. What are the topics you would like to see covered? For instance, would you like to see pesticide training, turfgrass schools, landscape installation or maintenance, or entomology and plant diseases? Whatever the specific need for your business, let us know. After all, you are this association, and make it possible. If you ever need assistance, please feel free to call upon the board members for networking. There are many experienced people that have varied areas of expertise.

SCLTA Background
On November 7, 1977, the first Ad Hoc Committee met in Clemson to form a South Carolina Turfgrass Organization. Dr. Bob Mazur conceived the idea and called the meeting to order with a group of concerned turf and ornamental professionals. Dr. Mazur stated the reason for the meeting was to explore the need for a statewide organization which would unite all turf-related individuals and organizations into one body to declare research needs, influence the state legislature and independently raise funds to support research endeavors.

A second Ad Hoc Committee met in Clemson on February 24,1978. The objectives were discussed for the South Carolina organization and it was agreed the name would be the South Carolina Lawn and Turfgrass Association. The objectives for SCLTA read as follows: "The SCLTA is a non-profit organization composed of individuals, turf-related organizations, and commercial enterprises whose primary interest is in the establishment and maintenance of turfgrasses, ground covers, and related landscaping materials.

Subsequent meetings followed. The constitution and by-laws were ratified, and dues and membership fees were established. On September 22, 1978, the first officers were elected. President - Mr. James "Whitey" Wright, Treasurer - Dr. Bob Mazur, Secretary - Dr. Paul Alexander. The focus for the young organization was increasing membership and sponsoring an educational conference.

The first SCLTA board meeting was held on August 21, 1979. Mr. Charles "Sonny" Willimon, Jr. was the new president and the first SCLTA two-day conference was organized for March 1980 in Columbia.

In the past, conferences have been varied between one and two day events. Conferences have been held in Charleston, Greenville and Columbia, with Columbia being the most successful because of its central location.

In 1981, SCLTA received non-profit corporate status from the Internal Revenue Service. In 1986, the name was changed to the South Carolina Landscape and Turfgrass Association, so as to represent all of the green industry.

Professionals have served the Association from all areas of the turfgrass and landscape industries. The officers and board members provide the leadership and planning for the annual conference and trade show. The revenue from exhibitors, conference attendees, and membership fees help SCLTA provide the best educational conference possible. It also provides the monies for newsletters, support research, present scholarships and grants, and to conduct surveys to monitor the growth and direction of our industry.

The South Carolina Landscape & Turfgrass Association is your association. Our goals are the same as when this group was formed back in 1977, and with the strength of our membership, we can become an even stronger voice to help this industry succeed into the 21^st century.

Past Presidents of SCLTA

James "Whitey" Wright 1977-78

Jack Bracken 1978-79

Charles "Sonny" Willimon, Jr. 1979-81

Ronnie Oliver 1981-83

Steve Long 1983-85

Roger Young 1985-87

Gerry Beaman 1987-89

George Hyams 1989-91

Greg Burris 1991-93

John Gay 1993-94

Dan Walker   1995 –97

Tom Vaughan    1997–98

Bob Mazur    1998–00

John Hayes 2000-02

Rande Lane 2002-04

Clay Kinard 2004-06