NEWS RELEASE   June 12, 2024

Green Start Academy 2024 Application Window Begins June 12th

Application period for the 19th annual class will be open through August 1st

CARY, N.C. (June 12, 2024) Green Start Academy (GSA) proudly announces the opening of its application window for the 19th consecutive year to welcome aspiring assistant superintendents to join its distinguished leadership and development program. Now in its fourth year at the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, GSA is set to run in collaboration with notable industry partners John Deere, Envu and Rain Bird. The program aims to amplify and refine the expertise of assistant superintendents and help them acquire crucial knowledge that will elevate their professional trajectory. GSA is dedicated to empowering these professionals to realize their potential and thrive in the ever-evolving industry of golf course management.

"The success stories stemming from the alumni of Green Start Academy speak volumes and we are excited to continue this tradition for a new class of assistant superintendents," remarked Kim Ehasz, the global manager of market development & strategy at John Deere. "We are looking forward to welcoming the incoming 2024 class and to help contribute to forging their paths through the exceptional educational and networking opportunities that this program presents."

This year, GSA is set to host 50 of the finest assistant superintendents from throughout North America, offering a unique education and networking experience. Participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in lectures and roundtable discussions conducted by the golf industry's most respected figures. This program is designed to provide the best environment for assistant superintendents to impart essential knowledge and facilitate the sharing of industry best practices, with a clear focus on professional development. GSA is committed to equipping each participant with the essential tools and insights to thrive in their respective careers.

"Green Start Academy has consistently paved the way for assistant superintendents to excel in their careers," said Mark Ford, Envu customer marketing manager. "Our collaboration with John Deere, Rain Bird, and the Academy's mentors allows us to offer an exciting opportunity for professional growth and industry leadership. We look forward to welcoming the 2024 class and witnessing their journey toward becoming future leaders in golf course management."

The GSA program serves as a unique platform that drives participants towards both personal and professional success, by providing the essential tools and training needed. Additionally, it strives to connect and build relationships bonds among these industry leaders.

"This is one of my favorite weeks of the year" said Tony Whelan, National Sales Manager at Rain Bird.  "Spending time with the mentors, our friends at John Deere and Envu at Pinehurst, the Home of American Golf.  What could be better?  Developing a program that helps prepare assistant superintendents from across the US and Canada for their next role and seeing them building a network of peers and mentors.  I know the Golf Course Community's future is bright and in good hands with the graduates of this program".

The program is currently accepting applications through August 1. Those interested can apply for a spot in this year's class on the Green Start Academy website.

About John Deere

Deere & Company (www.Deere.com) is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, turf, construction, and forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of what's possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward. Our technology-enabled products, including John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor, See & Spray™, and E-Power Backhoe are just some of the ways we help meet the world's increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial.

For more information on Deere & Company, visit us at https://www.deere.com. 

About Envu

Envu was founded in 2022, a new company built on years of experience, for the sole purpose of advancing healthy environments for everyone, everywhere. Envu offers dedicated services in: Professional Pest Management, Forestry, Ornamentals, Golf, Industrial Vegetation Management, Lawn & Landscape, Mosquito Management, and Range & Pasture. Across each of its lines of business, Envu collaborates with customers to design innovative solutions that meet their requirements today and well into the future. Envu's portfolio consists of over 180 trusted and well-known brands. The company employs nearly 900 people and operates in more than 100 countries with four global innovation hubs. For additional information, visit the Envu website.

About Rain Bird

Rain Bird Corporation — Golf Division provides complete irrigation solutions to golf courses across the globe. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leading-edge products including pump stations, rotors, field controllers, map-based and mobile central control systems, decoders, swing joints, filtration systems, valves and irrigation accessories.  Central controls and pump stations are serviced and supported by a comprehensive Global Service Plan (GSP). Rain Bird products and services are sold worldwide through an extensive distribution network. For more information, please contact 1-800-RAINBIRD or visit www.rainbird.com/golf.

Contact:

Sam Guinan
Account Manager, imre
Email: SamG@imre.agency