Deere attains GCSAA Platinum Partner status
John Deere 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. John Deere will invest resources at the program’s highest level – Platinum.
"We are proud to welcome John Deere to the GCSAA Partner Recognition Program," said GCSAA CEO Steve Mona, CAE. "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 John Deere’s support and I know our members are as well."
John Deere recently contributed $100,000 to The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of GCSAA, and Gregg Breningmeyer, John Deere director of golf sales and marketing, represents the company on The Institute’s Advisory Council. John Deere was also welcomed as a new member of The Institute’s Platinum Tee Club earlier this year, recognizing its $15,000 donation from the 2006 John Deere World Championship. The Platinum Tee Club is the giving club for organizations that contribute a minimum of $5,000 annually to The Institute. John Deere also is recognized at the Champion’s Club level through The Institute’s cumulative giving program of organizations that have contributed between $250,000 and $499,999 since 1987. A longtime GCSAA supporter, John Deere also advertises in GCSAA’s official publication, Golf Course Management magazine and exhibits at the Golf Industry Show.
"While we provide our customers quality mowing and maintenance equipment, innovative irrigation solutions and high-performing agronomic products, support is truly at the heart of the John Deere golf offering," Breningmeyer said. "That’s why we are supporting GCSAA at the highest possible level. We applaud the work of the association and are proud to serve as a partner in the growth of our industry."
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 Institute.
John Deere (Deere & Company – NYSE: DE) is the world’s leading provider of advanced products and services for agriculture and forestry and a major provider of advanced products and services for construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe. Visit www.deere.com.
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.
Contact:
Jeff Bollig, GCSAA director of communications
800-472-7878, ext. 4430 or jbollig@gcsaa.org
