Grass seed company joins GCSAA Partner Recognition Program
Barenbrug USA 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. Barenbrug will invest resources at the program’s "Silver" level.
"We are proud to welcome Barenbrug to the GCSAA Partner Recognition Program," said GCSAA President David S. Downing II, CGCS. "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 Barenbrug’s support and I know our members are as well."
Barenbrug is a long-time supporter of GCSAA and its philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf. Barenbrug 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. Barenbrug also donates to the annual Golf Industry Show Silent Auction.
“The GCSAA is a very important component of our business strategy – not only at a corporate level but also at the chapter level,” said John Walther, vice president of national sales. “We are very excited about the new PRP and proud to be able to continue our support of the GCSAA."
Barenbrug USA, headquartered in Tangent, Ore., is the largest subsidiary of the Royal Barenbrug Group. Operating for more than a century, Barenbrug is the largest privately owned grass seed company in the world. The cornerstone of the Barenbrug business strategy is bringing unique turf products to the market through superior plant breeding, seed production and international marketing. Research and development in all major climatic zones around the world together with ongoing innovation has resulted in a complete line of high-quality turf products. Barenbrug is proud to count some of the world’s top golf courses, including those at Saint Andrews, Pebble Beach and Bandon Dunes, as true partners in their turf development program.
Barenbrug USA employs a Level 2+ marketing strategy; quite unique in the turf seed industry. Level 2 means Barenbrug sells through distribution to the end user – but adds value (+) where others leave off by having local representatives in the field. Barenbrug Territory Managers work with end-users to create pull-through sales for distribution and also cooperate with Universities and other private facilities to create and administer localized research projects. In addition, all of the territory managers are involved with their local GCSAA chapters.
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.
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.
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For more information contact:
Mark Bisbing, GCSAA director of corporate marketing and sales, at 800-472-7878, ext. 5150 or mbisbing@gcsaa.org
Jeremy Husen, Barenbrug USA marketing/communications manager, at 800-547-4101 ext. 214 or jhusen@barusa.com
Contact:
Jeff Bollig, GCSAA director of communications
800-472-7878, ext. 4430 or jbollig@gcsaa.org
