IA Show Awarded IBP Status

The Department of Commerce has selected the Irrigation Association's 24th International Irrigation Show, Nov. 18 to 20, 2003, San Diego, Calif., for its International Buyer Program (IBP). Only 28 shows are chosen yearly from a wide range of applicants, indicating the quality of the show and the export potential of the industry.

What does this mean to U.S. exhibitors?

• U.S. Commercial Specialists in more than 150 cities worldwide will be working to attract qualified foreign buyers, representatives and distributors
• Receive promotion of your products in the Export Interest Directory, distributed to all international visitors attending the show
• Hands-on export counseling, marketing and matchmaking services by country and industry experts from the U.S. Commercial Service
• On-site assistance from the U.S. Commercial Service.

The Perfect Winter Sport ...Get Certified!

There's no better time than now to get IA certified and enhance your career. To access the current Certification Schedule, learn program details, get forms, submit CEUs, and more, go online to www.irrigation.org/certification. Contact: Kelly Benedetti, certification manager, 703 / 536-7080, fax: 703 / 536-7019, or Email: certification@irrigation.org.

IA Hits The Road

The Irrigation Association is making appearances at industry shows and conferences. As a first-time exhibitor at the Green Industry Expo (GIE), Nov. 14-17, Nashville, Tenn, the IA attracted many individuals interested in learning more about IA membership, the ALCA/IA certification alliance and IA education classes.

Further, look for the IA booth at the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) show Jan. 16 to 17 in San Antonio, Texas, and at the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) show Feb. 13 to 15, Atlanta, Ga. Free admission is offered to IA members attending the GCSAA show. Contact IA headquarters to request your courtesy registration form. Along with GCSAA education courses, the IA will offer its popular electrical troubleshooting course and our new Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor exam during the GCSAA conference. Plan to attend the IA session designed for superintendents.

IA Awards New Product Trophies

The Exhibitor New Product Contest at the International Irrigation Show got off to a great start in New Orleans as several companies competed for the trophies awarded in both the agriculture and turf/landscape categories. As an added bonus, the dedicated area on the show floor captured the interest of many attendees.

The contest winners were: Walla Walla Sprinkler Company, a Nelson company, for its MP Rotator Model MP2000, and Hunter Industries, for ifs battery-operated Smart Valve Controller and Wireless Valve Controller.

New Contractor CIG Established

The contractor roundtable at the International Irrigation Show meeting provided a forum for landscape contractors to discuss concerns and issues that impact their businesses.The group recently formed a Contractor Common Interest Group to bring more contractors into an active role within the IA. Open to all contractors, Tim Malooly, Irrigation By Design, Plymouth, Minn., will chair the new group. For more information, Email Malooly at: timm@ibdmn.com.

IA Education Foundation Receives Donation

Industry manufacturer L.R.Nelson presented a $15,250 check to the Irrigation Association Education Foundation (IAEF) during this year's annual breakfast meeting in New Orleans. During a fall product contest, L.R. Nelson contributed $5 to the foundation for every Solo Rain(TM) activator sold.

The purpose of the IAEF is to promote advanced-level irrigation education programs to colleges and universities around the country, encouraging top college graduates to enter the irrigation industry. For more information on how your company can make contributions to the IAEF, contact Kelly Benedetti at Kelly@irrigation.org.

Technical Conference Proceedings Available on CD

For the first time, the Irrigation Association's technical sessions presented during the irrigation show are now available on compact disk. For more information or to purchase the CD, contact rosanna@irrigation.org, or visit the publication area of the IA website.

Call for IA Award Nominations

With 2002 drawing to a close and a promising new year ahead, it's time to reflect on an individual or organization significantly advancing the irrigation industry by outstanding commitment, contributions and innovation.

Complete the Irrigation Association Awards & Honors nomination in the print version of this magazine and fax it to the Irrigation Association at 703/536-7019. Or send an information request in an email message to: webmaster@irrigation.org.

IA awards will be distributed at the next IA show, Nov. 18-20, San Diego, Calif.

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