CIT Develops an Irrigation Education Endowment

The Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT) was created at the behest of the irrigation industry over 15 years ago. It is a relationship that has grown stronger over time. What began as evaluating sprinkler water distribution into catchcans on an asphalt blacktop has evolved into an international irrigation equipment-testing program.

Over the years CIT, has developed significant amounts of irrigation equipment performance data and analytical tools to make the information more useful to the end users. CIT's greatest challenge has always been to get this important information into the hands of decision-makers. Recent developments will make this much easier.

CIT is a largely self-supporting organization. Less than 20% of the funding comes from direct state support. The remainder is generated through contracts and grants from industry. Educating the public has been self-funded through fee arrangements. This has left out a large portion of the industry where fees are inappropriate or not possible. Thus, educational efforts have never met up with the growing demand.

The establishment of a permanent endowment at CIT will significantly increase our ability to convey the importance of appropriate irrigation technology in order to maintain our current lifestyle. This includes well-watered agricultural, landscapes and large turf areas. Irrigation water is not properly utilized until it has been distributed through a properly designed system and managed to meet the plants water requirements.

The CIT Irrigation Education Endowment will contribute to increased awareness among water users. The first tier goal of the endowment is to reach one-half million dollars before June 30, 1999. To date, the charter contributors of the endowment have pledged over $300,000.

CIT is extremely pleased with the generous commitment from industry leaders, which include Ewing Irrigation Products, Hunter Industries, Rain Bird Sales, the Toro Company and Mr. David Miller. In a day of increased competition for industry contributions, it is truly an honor to have been recognized in such a substantial way. For more information on how you can contribute to the CIT Irrigation Education Endowment, contact David F. Zoldoske at the Center for Irrigation Technology, 209/278-2066.

Century Rain Aid Acquires Koonz and Rain Control

Century Rain Aid, headquartered in Madison Heights, MI has continued its long string of acquisitions with a major supplier based in New Jersey and its first company in the grower supply end of irrigation. The purchases increase the company's storefronts to 95 in 23 states and Canada. More than 40 branches have been added in the last two years.

Thirty-three-year-old Koonz Sprinkler Supply, with seven branches in New Jersey and Western Pennsylvania, was a sizeable move in the Mid-Atlantic region. The company was founded by William Koonz, Sr., in 1965, who was president of the Irrigation Association in 1993. Under terms of the agreement, Koonz will continue to operate Koonz Golf Supply in Springfield, NJ.

Rain Control of Adrian, MI is a 40-year-old supplier of irrigation to nurseries, greenhouses, and other growers throughout the upper Midwest. Rain Control's Bruce Timko and his staff will stay on with Century.

Ravalco Acquires Senstek

Senstek, a manufacturer of sensor-based irrigation controllers has been purchased by Ravavlco of Costa Mesa, CA. Ravalco builds wireless valve control systems with "nonline-of-sight" technology. The Senstek deal includes all the assets of Aquaterr Instruments, a supplier of soil moisture probes. Mike Kiss, president of Ravalco, completed the purchase in January.

Perkins Brothers Honored For Sales by Irrometer

William Pogue, president of Irrometer Company announced during the 1998 Irrigation Show in San Diego, CA that Steve and Tom Perkins, principals of Cimarron Marketing of Dallas, TX, are the recipients of its Sales Achievement Award. Despite El Nino, the Perkins increased sales in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Lousiana.

Toro and ProShot Golf Announce Alliance for

GPS Technology for Golf

The Toro Company and ProShot Golf, Inc., a Newport Beach, CA-based provider of information and communication products to the golf industry, have announced a strategic alliance to provide Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)-based measurement and course management systems for golf courses around the world. Under terms of the agreement, Toro becomes an equity partner in ProShot Golf and will share engineering expertise as well as leverage its distribution network.

ProShot will assist in the integration of GPS technology into Toro equipment and provide support to the golf course owners, managers, and superintendents.

The alliance, a partnering that brings together companies from two diverse golf course management arenas, reflects a shared vision in offering integrated solutions utilizing the latest in technology for golf course management. "Since 1921, Toro has been a leader in bringing new technology to golf course managers and superintendents, and this alliance reaffirms our commitment to bring high technology solutions into the next century," said Kendrick B. Melrose, chairman and chief executive officer of Toro. "ProShot will help us combine GPS technology with our own turf excellence, and the result will be a complete, management system for golf courses around the world."