By: Rick Doyle, Synthetic Turf Council
When first thinking about the Synthetic Turf Council (STC), you might focus on companies and people who make turf, sell it, or install it. While those individuals are critical to the industry, our trade association is also about more than that.
Founded on the basic premise of promoting the synthetic turf industry, the STC has grown dramatically in both size and scope. We now approach 150 members that represent a major cross section of the marketplace in North America. Membership includes builders, landscape architects, testing labs, maintenance providers, manufacturers, suppliers, installation contractors, infill material suppliers and other specialty service companies.
Having a diversity of perspectives influence the STC is important, because our members shape the entire industry. These individuals have helped develop a solid Code of Ethics and the granting of the STC Certified branding for qualified member companies.
With the goal of serving as the trusted voice of the synthetic turf industry, the STC has established itself as a solid self-governing body – regularly disseminating factual, objective, independent information and research. Our open dialogue and information sharing with the CPSC and EPA helped all organizations reach quick decisions about the human health and environmental safety of synthetic turf.
With continued expansion in both new and replacement synthetic turf installations, I wanted to remind interested parties that at the STC, membership is for all. Companies benefit from peer-to-peer networking at our annual membership meetings, and access to helpful tools and research. Individuals can also make an impact immediately in promoting innovation and standards for this fast-growing industry.
An increasing number of experts in professional design, architecture and engineering have joined, and we welcome more. If you would like to add your voice to our young, dynamic industry, don’t hesitate to contact me at rick@syntheticturfcouncil.org. I look forward to speaking with you!
