President’s Spring Address
As we move into spring, I would like to take a moment to thank our members and reflect on the momentum we continue to build together as the Western Canadian Turfgrass Association.
Nathan Wade, right, presents WCTA2026 keynote speaker, Trey Rogers, a bottle of appreciation!
Your engagement, professionalism, and willingness to share knowledge are what keep our organization strong, relevant, and forward‑looking in an ever‑evolving industry.
I would also like to personally acknowledge and thank the WCTA Board for their dedication and support over the past year. As I navigated my inaugural year as President, I was fortunate to work alongside a group of committed, experienced professionals who consistently demonstrated respect, integrity, and a shared commitment to the best interests of the Association. Even when perspectives differed, discussions remained thoughtful and constructive, grounded in professionalism and mutual respect. I am grateful for the guidance and collaboration of this group, and I am confident this experienced Board is well positioned to navigate upcoming challenges, including our media partner transition—with clarity and steady leadership.
Over the past year, the Board has remained focused on the strategic priorities that guide our work and decision‑making. As outlined in our strategic planning framework, our organization is focused on four key priorities: to drive cutting‑edge research, enhance professional development in our industry, advocate for the benefits of turf to our communities, and work toward continued growth and operational efficiency of our organization. These priorities continue to serve as our roadmap as we adapt, grow, and support the diverse sectors within our membership.
Our recent conference at the River Rock in Richmond was a defining moment for WCTA. With 484 industry professionals in attendance, it was a record‑breaking event in several regards, and a strong reflection of the engagement and strength of our membership. The conference was complemented by a record‑smashing silent auction that raised over $14,000, thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors and contributors. A special thank‑you goes to Tab Buckner, who took charge of the silent auction and delivered outstanding results—your leadership, energy, and commitment made a huge difference.
We were also fortunate to host an exceptional lineup of speakers who helped bring our theme—The Near Future of Turf—to life. Their insight and expertise, combined with the enthusiasm of our delegates and vendors, created an atmosphere of learning, collaboration, and forward thinking that truly showcased the best of our industry.
I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to our Executive Director and the entire WCTA staff, whose dedication and behind the scenes efforts are essential to everything we do. Their commitment, professionalism, and attention to detail are what turn ideas into reality and ensure our events and programs are delivered at the high standard our members have come to expect. From long days of planning to the countless details that make an event run seamlessly, their hard work does not go unnoticed. On behalf of the membership and the Board, thank you for the energy, care, and pride you bring to representing WCTA.
Looking ahead, we will be working diligently through an upcoming transition away from our current media partner. While change can bring challenges, it also creates opportunity. Our focus will be on identifying efficient and effective ways to continue delivering meaningful value to our members while evolving how we communicate, share information, and connect across the industry.
As the season turns and spring maintenance plans move from paper to practice, I encourage everyone to lean into the strength of our collective network. Whether it’s sharing experience with a fellow turf professional or collaborating with our trusted supplier partners, our organization is strongest when we support one another and grow together.
Kind Regards,
Nathan Wade
WCTA President