2014 WCTA Membership Dues Coming In Fast - Updated Jan 31

The WCTA is currently 736 members strong and continues to grow steadily.  We've welcomed 31 new members since October 1st!.  It is that time when we ask our membership to renew their commitment to the turf management profession, whether it be golf course personnel, sportsfield managers, educators, researchers, suppliers or others.  We gain strength by supporting the regional industry organization that supports our careers and our livelihoods.

From Executive Director, Jerry Rousseau, "I would like to thank everyone who has already remitted 2014 dues payments.  We can report that 63% of our membership has

 taken care of these which allows more time for member services and less on administration.  Our goal is to see 75% of the dues processed before our upcoming conference."

Note we will not be able to accept dues payments at the conference this year.  We apologize in advance for the inconvenience.

By maintaining your membership, especially in less than certain economic times, you will ensure access to:

• Employment Network Service
• CEC Program - BC Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate Recertification (major improvements coming soon, stay tuned!)
• The Turf Line News Magazine   
• Annual Conference and Trade Show

Other benefits include the WCTA website at www.wcta-online.com, annual membership directory, the turfgrass research program, IPM manual and much more.

Of course there are some benefits you can’t always see.  The WCTA has and will continue to work hard on issues facing the industry as a whole, for example:

• government liaising to ensure we, as an industry, maintain a voice at the provincial and federal levels
• documenting and promoting the value turfgrass brings to our communities through social, financial, environmental and public health benefits
• helping ensure professional development and networking opportunities exist and providing input for educational curriculums like HortEducation BC
• liaising with our allied associations to help avoid redundancy and identify opportunities for working toward common goals

Some notes about 2014 dues:

• hardcopy invoices were mailed to all current WCTA members mid November
• Rates for the first and second members at a facility are $231.75.  Third and subsequent members pay $77.25,  Full-time turf student rate is $66.95 (all plus 5% GST)
• If you would like to pay dues in 3 equal installments of $77.25, contact Shasta at accounting@wctaturf.com
• If you have multiple members at your facility and wish to receive a single invoice, contact Shasta at accounting@wctaturf.com with a list of those member's names.
• Sports Turf Association members from BC and Alberta must first be a WCTA member but receive STA dues for half price.  Like last year, you will be able to pay STA dues ($90+GST) on your 2014 WCTA invoice.

If you have any questions regarding membership benefits, programs, activities of the association, becoming a board member, website suggestions etc, please feel free to contact me at exec.director@wctaturf.com, otherwise, see you in Vancouver at the 2014 Conference and Trade Show!

Sincerely,  

Jerry Rousseau
Executive Director
Western Canada Turfgrass Association
www.wcta-online.com
(604) 869-WCTA
toll free fax: 1-866-366-5097