Irrigation Association | 6540 Arlington Boulevard | Falls Church, VA

2011-2012
ANNUAL
REPORT
Irrigation Association | 6540 Arlington Boulevard | Falls Church, VA 22042-6638 | 703.536.7080 | www.irrigation.org
LETTER FROM
THE PRESIDENT
A
s we close 2012, it is important to reflect back on the plan we set,
and what we as an association accomplished. With our vision of being the
recognized authority on irrigation and mission to promote efficient irrigation,
our goal was to ‘return to the core’ or foundational structure. In doing so, we
also reaffirmed the Irrigation Association to be a member driven organization
built around the pillars of education, certification, and government affairs along
with codes and standards.
In the last year, our education program has focused on providing the best
value for our members by streamlining our offerings, while adding texts and
reforming our Internet education. This consolidation allows us to provide our members with relevant
content rather than outdated materials. We are now set to grow our penetration with the right tools
including our new online learning management system. You will be seeing more on it this coming year.
Additionally, we have charged a newly formed education delivery team to support staff in finding new
opportunities to expand our customer/member reach with education.
Our certification program has grown to an international presence, with irrigation professionals able to
sit for exams at 600 locations worldwide. We are extremely pleased that the certified irrigation contractor
program is the first and only program in the irrigation industry to achieve national accreditation.
The government affairs staff and volunteers continue to protect our interests at nearly every level
of government. From the farm bill, to recent work in Indiana, Oregon, Illinois and Texas, the irrigation
industry has been a strong voice in the debate on water-use legislation and contractor licensing.
The irrigation industry has also benefitted by new activities from our standards and codes team.
We’ve had an industry presence to see that all green codes include language on the use of competent
irrigation professionals, and that they are based on sound science and best practices for effective water
management. We will remain involved to ensure our members’ interests are protected.
We seek to reinforce all of these efforts through continuous improvement, networking events, and the
annual Irrigation Show and Education Conference. Our post show surveys from Orlando have reinforced
that we are on the right path. Together, we can make our industry stronger by building on the basics. The
following pages will provide a snapshot of the last 18 months – both our goals and our accomplishments.
Thank you to our members, our irrigation professionals and water stewards, for helping your association
continue to advance the irrigation industry.
Philip A. Burkart
President, Irrigation Association
ABOUT IA
The Irrigation Association is the leading membership organization for irrigation equipment and
system manufacturers, dealers, distributors, designers, consultants, contractors and end users.
IA is dedicated to promoting efficient irrigation technologies, products and services and to helping
its members respond to today’s business and water-use challenges. The association serves its
members and the irrigation industry by:
• Improving industry proficiency through continuing education.
• Recognizing and promoting experience and excellence with professional
certification.
• Influencing water-use public policy at the local, state, regional and national levels.
• Ensuring industry standards and codes reflect irrigation best practices.
• Providing forums that promote innovative irrigation practices and products.
CONTENTS
Letter From the President
Strategic Plan
Education
Certification
Government Affairs
Standards
Resources
2011 Awards
2012 Awards
Events
Executive Committee
Board of Directors
Certification Board
Irrigation Foundation
Past Presidents
Staff
Ambassadors
Authorized Instructors
Committees
Common Interest Groups
2011-2012 Financial Report
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
12
12
12
13
13
14
14
15
15
17
2
A UNIFYING FORCE
The Irrigation Association’s strategic plan, passed by the board of directors in
2010, is based on the expressed needs of our membership and an assessment
of our association’s core strengths: education, certification, government affairs
and standards. With these four key strategic initiatives working together as a
foundation, IA serves as the unifying force to keep our industry relevant and
support our members’ efforts to respond to today’s business and water-use
challenges.
IA’s commitment to provide the knowledge, education, expertise and influence
necessary to strengthen the industry is illustrated in the strategic plan visual on
this page.
This has been a period of change and challenges,
but with our members’ support and involvement,
we’ve had many successes. The pages that follow
highlight accomplishments in each of IA’s four
strategic initiatives as well as in other supporting
functions over the past 18 months.*
*Reflecting a shift in our fiscal year (see financial report), this Annual Report covers the
18-month period from July 2011 through December 2012.
IA Members Pass New Bylaws
Following a vote by the membership,
IA has passed several new bylaws
changes in 2011 and one in 2012.
The recommended changes were
developed over an 18-month period
based on input from various task
teams, IA legal counsel and the board
of directors. They were designed
to better align IA with current best
practices in trade associations.
Specifically, the bylaw changes:
VISION
Be the recognized authority on irrigation.
MISSION
Promote efficient irrigation technologies, products and services.
UNIFYING STATEMENT
Ensure water is available for irrigation for future generations.
EDUCATION
CERTIFICATION
Increase the recognized value of
IA educational programs.
Increase the recognized value
and demand for IA-certified
professionals.
•
•
•
•
•
Improve quality.
Expand offerings.
Build brand value.
Develop business plan.
Pursue technician program.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Improve quality.
Expand offerings.
Build brand value.
Certify the certification process.
Develop strategic alliances.
Refine relevant policies.
GOVERNMENT/PUBLIC
AFFAIRS
Influence policy to increase the
demand for efficient irrigation.
•
•
•
•
Drive public policy.
Impact farm bill.
Increase alliances.
Increase grassroots participation.
• Grow IrrigationPAC.
STANDARDS
Establish products and practice
standards that drive efficient
irrigation.
• Lead Smart Water
Application Technologies
initiative.
• Influence standards.
• Conduct research and analyze
trends.
• Document best practices.
• Shift the IA fiscal year to a July
to June calendar in order to more
effectively and efficiently manage
accounting processes and plan
ahead.
• Update policies for leadership
selection and add enforcements
of conduct for board members and
all other members to maintain
the association’s well-respected
reputation.
• Clarify the Certification Board’s
autonomy in order to gain
accreditation of IA’s certification
program by the National
Commission for Certifying
Agencies.
• Revise the definition of the
consultant membership category
to make the category more
inclusive.
To review IA’s bylaws, visit
www.irrigation.org/
uploadedFiles/About/bylaws.pdf
3
IA EDUCATION
BUILDING A STRONGER INDUSTRY WORKFORCE
Today’s irrigation professional has a lot to juggle in order to thrive – a tough economic environment, changing regulations,
increased competition, an industry focused on efficiency and customers focused on cost-savings. In addition, the business owner
or manager has even more to manage with respect to a variable workforce and labor-related issues. The Irrigation Association
provides education classes and resources for irrigation professionals seeking basic to advanced levels of learning across many
of these areas. In addition to technical sessions, irrigation seminars and briefings offered at the Irrigation Show and Education
Conference, IA offers education classes year-round. More than 20 classes are offered across agricultural, turf/landscape and
business-related disciplines in addition to a growing list of online offerings. Classroom teaching kits and workbooks, study
materials, books and other self-study resources are also available through IA’s online bookstore.
Much work has gone on behind the scenes recently to build a stronger education program for industry professionals. IA’s priority has been to review and revise
course content to ensure all IA education programs deliver current, quality content. In addition, IA is focusing on making IA education offerings more accessible
to industry professionals by increasing the number of classes and seminars offered online, through IA-sponsored classes and by IA-licensed instructors. Specific
accomplishments include:
• Released and exceeded sales goals for Irrigation, Sixth Edition. The long-awaited Irrigation, Sixth Edition was released for purchase at the 2011 Irrigation
•
•
•
•
•
•
Show. Sales for the year exceeded goals by 20 percent.
Repositioned education as part of Irrigation Show and Education Conference. IA’s education offerings were brought to the forefront in a repositioning of
the Irrigation Show. Show promotions shifted from a focus on the trade show to an emphasis on the education conference as well.
Improved quality of course content. Updated course content for six classes and eliminated four classes from our list of course offerings.
Added two new classes. Introduced Two-Wire Methods for Landscape and Fundamentals of Pumps at the 2012 Irrigation Show.
Enhanced the customer experience. Improved our online learning platform by bringing on a new learning management system.
Developed a new online seminar series. Added 17 new online irrigation seminars based on the one-hour irrigation seminars offered at the 2011 Irrigation
Show and Innovations in Irrigation Conference.
Continued integration of education across IA offerings. IA continues to strengthen the integration of its education efforts with its certification, government
affairs and standards activities.
4
IA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
RAISING THE BAR FOR THE INDUSTRY
The Irrigation Association’s Select Certified programs have become the benchmark of professionalism in our industry. The
program offers seven certifications, including those for contractors, designers, landscape irrigation auditors, golf irrigation
auditors, agriculture and landscape water managers and agricultural irrigation specialists. The program is governed by the
Irrigation Association Certification Board which provides oversight to all program policies, procedures and staff activity.
IA and the IACB have been hard at work improving our certification programs to ensure that participants receive the highest quality designations that set them apart
from their competition. In pursuit of national accreditation for its programs and to ensure a top-notch program overall, the IACB continues to assess all aspects of
the program, looking for opportunities to expand some of our certification offerings and to make others more accessible.
IA’s certification program has seen significant achievements:
• Earned national accreditation. The IACB announced in May 2012 that the certified irrigation contractor program officially earned national accreditation by the
National Commission of Certifying Agencies, making it the only nationally accredited certification program in the irrigation industry. The CIC designation is one of
seven offered through IA’s Select Certified program. Accreditation is a goal the IACB has been working toward for the past three years. The IACB will next focus
on obtaining national accreditation for the certified landscape auditor program.
• Increased program accessibility. In response to feedback from industry professionals, the IACB added two practice exams for the program’s two most
popular certifications: the certified irrigation contractor and the certified landscape irrigation auditor. These practice exams help professionals prepare for
certification testing and help increase the accessibility of the program overall.
• Increased CEU accessibility and opportunities. Earning continuing education units helps certified professionals manage and maintain their hard-earned
certification. The IACB has worked this past year to make earning CEUs more accessible and easier to manage.
• The addition of a series of one-hour irrigation seminars to the 2011 Irrigation Show and Education Conference was a significant step,
offering certified professionals new learning opportunities and more ways to earn CEUs. These are now offered every year.
• Landscape irrigation auditors now have a chance to earn four CEUs by completing an audit on IA’s new audit forms. The forms are based on the
revised auditing process, which was substantially updated in December 2010.
• The CEU cycle was adjusted to requiring certified professionals earn and submit continuing education units every two years, not every year as in the past.
• The IACB developed a formal and streamlined process to work with seminar and class organizers to have their events pre-approved for CEU credit.
• Expanded program. In November 2011, the IACB added a certified landscape irrigation auditor drip designation. Those with a CLIA can now add a CLIA-Drip
specialty to their current certification and earn five continuing education units in doing so. The program is also now more accessible to international audiences
and plans are underway to add additional certifications, targeted to more entry-level audiences including a certified irrigation technician program.
5
IA GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
MAKING AN IMPACT
The Irrigation Association brings a strong voice to legislative and regulatory discussions that represent the positions of our
stakeholders to a wide range of policy and decision-makers.
Some of our efforts in this arena take the shape of events that bring industry leaders, experts and decision-makers together with
members to discuss and influence key issues in a face-to-face forum, while others involve the advocacy efforts of IA staff at the
federal level and IA staff and volunteer member legislative coordinators at the state level.
Much of the attention in the past 18 months turned to drought-related restrictions, the 2012 farm bill and state-level licensing efforts. Throughout all, IA observed
many victories and firsts.
IAIMPACT
•
Irrigation Industry Making Pr
Irrigation
Progress
ogress
and Change for T
Tomorrow.
omorrow..
omorrow
•
•
Shaped Public Policy. Our government affairs team actively monitors issues that affect the irrigation industry and provides industry input to influence
legislation under consideration:
• Farm Bill: Focusing on a strong and streamlined conservation title, IA submitted farm bill recommendations to the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture.
The request outlined IA’s priorities, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Programs and on key elements that recognize efficient irrigation as a
crucial element of the future of U.S. agricultural production.
• WaterSense New Homes Specification: IA submitted comments to the EPA on the revised WaterSense New Homes Specification, and IA welcomed many
of the resulting changes, including the removal of the 40 percent turfgrass restriction from the single-family new home specification. The water budget,
developed through the work of IA and our partners, is a more equitable form of measurement and is now the new program standard.
• Irrigation Advocacy Fly-Ins: IA held two separate advocacy fly-ins, one for agriculture interests and one for landscape interests. Both events brought
members to Capitol Hill to address key decision-makers. (See Events for more details.)
Notched Statewide Wins.
•
Joined the Texas state green industry through the Texas Water Smart Coalition. This effort focused on consumer education regarding irrigation and
landscape maintenance as an acceptable alternative to stage three and stage four drought restrictions.
•
Worked with a coalition of state associations in Indiana that resulted in the mayor of Indianapolis, Ind. rescinding the city-wide total ban on
commercial and residential irrigation during the drought.
•
Partnered with the Oregon Landscape Contractors Association and successfully defended the work of the certified irrigation designers by clarifying and
differentiating their scope of practice with Oregon licensing boards.
Formed New Partnerships.
•
Joined representatives of the California Farm Bureau Federation, Trout Unlimited, Wyoming Stock Growers Association, the Nature Conservancy, Arizona
Public Lands Council, Environmental Defense Fund, Family Farm Alliance and the Public Lands Council to form the Western Agriculture and Conservation
Coalition. IA currently sits on the coalition as a steering committee member.
6
IA STANDARDS
PROTECTING THE INDUSTRY’S INTERESTS
Activity in the standards and codes area is a relatively new but growing focus for the Irrigation
Association. The association’s overall goal in this area is to protect the best interests of the industry
by representing the irrigation industry when and where standards and codes are being written that
impact our industry. It’s critical that we have a voice in the creation of these voluntary standards and
regulatory codes.
Staff and member volunteers are actively attending meetings and participating in working groups to
add expertise and influence to the creation of requirements that promote efficient irrigation and the use
of competent professionals in the design and installation of irrigation systems. IA tracked numerous
standard and codes organizations this past year and achieved notable success in these efforts.
Established relationships with organizations that develop agricultural irrigation standards.
• IA established a strong working relationship with the two main organizations that develop
agricultural irrigation standards – the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
and the International Organization for Standardization. In fact, IA hosted the ISO annual
standards meeting during the 2012 Irrigation Show in Orlando, Fla.
• In the past year, the association has worked with ASABE and ISO on 16 agricultural irrigation
standards significant to IA members.
Influenced numerous landscape irrigation standards and codes.
• IA also works with ASABE and the International Code Council on landscape irrigation
standards and codes. Landscape-related efforts in process include ASABE/ICC landscape
irrigation sprinkler and microirrigation standards and project identification notices for landscape
plant water use, irrigation auditing procedures and testing of smart controllers.
• Green codes which can be adopted to overlay current plumbing and mechanical building codes
were recently released by both the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical
Officials and the ICC. The green codes have additional requirements that involve using more
sustainable practices and affect irrigation and how systems are installed.
• Every green code where IA has participated this past year includes language for the use of
competent irrigation professionals. This is significant and hopefully increases the perceived
value of IA-certified irrigation professionals.
The Smart Water Application Technologies program is a
national initiative of water purveyors, manufacturers and
irrigation practitioners. It was created to promote the
efficient use of water in landscapes through the use of newly
available irrigation technologies, such as weather-based or
soil moisture-based controllers.
As SWAT reached its first decade, there was much progress
to celebrate. Testing protocols have been developed.
Manufacturers have voluntarily paid to test their products,
as well as other new technologies. Results are posted on the
SWAT website and are available for review by the public.
Impressed with the quality of the SWAT protocols, the EPA
has used the weather-based testing protocol and adapted
it as the basis for tests that lead to its WaterSense®
program labeling. Five manufacturers have already achieved
WaterSense labeling and more are working toward it.
The initial efforts of WaterSense have been on smart
controllers, both weather- and soil moisture-based. SWAT
is encouraging the EPA to consider the addition of more
technologies, such as rain sensors, pressure regulating
sprinklers, high-performance nozzles and check valves — all
products that improve irrigation efficiency when installed in
an irrigation system.
Follow SWAT’s web site for more information on what SWAT
plans for the next 10 years.
Visit www.irrigation.org/SWAT
7
MEMBER RESOURCES
In addition to our four core areas of strategic focus, the Irrigation Association
serves our members and the irrigation industry by providing:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Industry initiatives to promote efficient irrigation solutions, like Smart
Water Application Technologies and Smart Irrigation Month.
Networking with industry professionals to find new business opportunities.
Timely, reliable industry newsletters and alerts.
Discounts on exhibiting and attending the Irrigation Show, car rentals,
freight, classes, certification exams, education resources and much more.
Discounted advertising opportunities in IA publications.
Free subscriptions to IA partner publications.
IA also encourages ongoing association involvement by offering members:
•
•
•
•
•
Leadership opportunities
Five common interest groups
Numerous board-level committees and task forces
Industry ambassador program
Legislative coordinator program
Industry Partnerships
The 2011 & 2012 Smart Marketing Contest
IA works to promote the association, the industry and its members
through key alliances and events. IA partnered with several
groups to exhibit, attend and promote such events as:
The Smart Marketing Contest was created
S
MART
to honor the best Smart Irrigation Month
MARKETING
CONTEST
ideas and campaigns designed to engage
customers and other end users in wateruse efficiency practices. Contest entries are judged on messaging,
quality and creativity by a neutral panel of judges. Winners are
recognized in multiple categories, including overall agriculture,
dealer and small business.
• WaterSmart Innovations, presented by the by the Southern
Nevada Water Authority.
• GIE+Expo, the industry’s largest showcase for landscape
industry professionals, dealers, distributors and retailers.
• World Ag Expo, the world’s largest annual agriculture
exposition, where IA sponsored seminars.
• PLANET’s Renewal and Remembrance, an event where
irrigation professionals donate their services to improve
Arlington National Cemetery, as well as PLANET’s
Legislative Conference.
• Golf Industry Show, where IA offered classes and sponsored
an informational seminar.
Smart Irrigation Month
Smart Irrigation Month is an IA initiative
designed to increase public awareness of
the value of water-use efficiency and grow
demand for water-saving products, practices and services. The
campaign encourages industry professionals, businesses and
water end users to recognize the potential impact of good water
stewardship in July and year-round.
Smart Irrigation Month continues to gain traction. Through the
work of the Smart Irrigation Month Committee, IA offers free
resources for industry companies, water providers and consumers
that help raise awareness of smart irrigation practices. Resources
include access to the Smart Irrigation Month logo, sample press
releases, promotional templates and other ideas.
The 2011 and 2012 contests continued to draw interest from both
landscape and agriculture irrigation companies.
At the 2011 Irrigation Show, six winners were recognized for
outstanding promotion of the Smart Irrigation Month initiative.
• Affiliate Category: Atascadero Mutual Water Company
(Atascadero, Calif.)
• Agriculture Category: Reinke Manufacturing (Deshler, Neb.)
• Contractor Category: Del Conte’s Landscaping (Fremont, Calif.)
• Distributor Category: Aqua-Flo Supply (Goleta, Calif.)
• Manufacturer Category: The Toro Company (Riverside, Calif.)
• Small Business Category: Rainscapes (Maryville, Tenn.)
At the 2012 Irrigation Show, four winners were recognized for
their exemplary efforts:
• Affiliate Category: Municipal Water District of Orange County
(Fountain Valley, Calif.)
• Contractor Category: ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance
(Calabasas, Calif.)
• Manufacturer Category: The Toro Company (Riverside, Calif.)
• Distributor Category: CPS Distributors Inc. (Westminster, Colo.)
8
IA INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS
Each year, the Irrigation Association honors individuals and organizations for their efforts to advance irrigation practices, technologies and the industry overall.
Awards may be presented in five categories: Industry Achievement, National Water and Energy Conservation, Person of the Year, Partner of the Year and the
Crawford Reid Memorial Award, which honors international achievements. In 2011, five honorees were recognized.
2011
NEW PRODUCT
CONTEST AWARDS
Crawford Reid Memorial
Award
Dr. Jack Keller
CEO, Keller-Bliesner
Engineering
Logan, Utah
National Energy and
Conservation Award
USDA-ARS Water
Management Research
Unit
Fort Collins, Colo.
Industry Achievement
Award (Turf/Landscape)
Rene Evelyn-Veere
Rain Bird Corporation
Tucson, Ariz.
Industry Achievement
Award (Agriculture)
George Sesser
Nelson Irrigation
Walla Walla, Wash.
IA’s annual New Product
20
how 11
Contest recognizes innovative
products that have come to
market in the last year. Awards
are given for turf/landscape, agriculture, golf, and
specialty entries which don’t fall into a specific category
or cross multiple categories.
Referred to by many as the
father of subsurface drip
irrigation in the American West,
Wuertz began producing cotton
in Coolidge, Ariz., in 1951,
and has since added alfalfa,
wheat, barley and melons to
his farm. He was also an early
adaptor of drip irrigation and
an inventor and innovator in the
field. He holds five patents on
tillage equipment that prevents
damage to buried drip tape. He
has also developed an entire
cropping system to manage
soils, nutrients, water and
energy.
Dr. Keller has advised
stakeholders in more than
60 countries on irrigated
agriculture development and
water management. As the CEO
of Utah-based Keller-Bliesner
Engineering, he is involved in
consulting projects focused on
efficient irrigated agriculture
development, river basin and
irrigation water management
and conservation, and helping
smallholder farmers use lowcost irrigation technologies.
He also serves on the board
of International Development
Enterprises, an NGO. IDE works
to give poor rural households
access to irrigation water,
increasing their food production
and income.
Led by Dr. Thomas Trout, the
research unit continues to
investigate irrigation methods.
Through its innovative research,
the WMRU has contributed
to dam development, flow
metering, irrigation control
structures, evapotranspiration,
crop water use, center pivot
energy management, and
sprinkler irrigation design and
evaluation. Recent WMRU
research has focused on
how crops respond to deficit
irrigation, and how to maximize
yield with limited water, seeking
to define best practices in
sustaining irrigated agriculture
in areas of the United States
with declining water supplies.
Evelyn-Veere began his career at
Rain Bird in 1976, designing the
hardware for the company’s first
computer. In 1978, he developed
the architecture behind MAXI, a
software program designed to
give golf course superintendents
more control over their irrigation
systems. Since then, he has
directed a number of successful
hardware and software projects,
including SmartWeather, Stratus
II and Freedom Pad. He is also
recognized for his patents, many
of which stem directly from his
work with Rain Bird.
An accomplished engineer,
Sesser has worked at Nelson
Irrigation Corp. since 1976 and
has been a key contributor
to the success of Nelson
Irrigation’s product offerings.
He has contributed to more
than 20 patents at Nelson
and is considered one of the
fathers of Rotator® technology
for irrigation sprinklers. His
engineering successes, ideas
and philosophies have had a
major influence on the irrigation
industry. Sesser is also the
recipient of several AE50
awards from the American
Society of Agricultural and
Biological Engineers.
Products are judged by a panel of industry and academic
experts on innovative qualities, water conservation,
ease of use, cost benefits, time savings, design quality
and user risk. Winners are announced at the Irrigation
Show General Session.
gation S
Irri
Person of the Year
Howard Wuertz
Sundance Farms
Coolidge, Ariz.
The 2011 winners were:
• Agriculture Winner: Valmont Irrigation for
its Valley Variable Rate Irrigation with
CropMetrics VRI Optimization
• Golf Winner: The Toro Company for its
Precision Sense Site Assessment
• Landscape Winner: Rain Bird for its Rain
Bird® HE-VAN High-Efficiency Variable Arc
Spray nozzle
• Specialty Winner: Cleveland Tubing, Inc. for
its Flex-Drain® The Flexible T/Y™
9
IA INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS
In 2012, individuals and organizations honored for their efforts to advance irrigation practices, technologies and the industry overall were recognized in five
categories: Industry Achievement, National Water and Energy Conservation, Person of the Year, Partner of the Year and the Crawford Reid Memorial Award, which
honors international achievements. Six honorees were recognized in 2012.
2012
NEW PRODUCT
CONTEST AWARDS
National Energy and
Conservation Award
Sanitation Districts of Los
Angeles County
Los Angeles, Calif.
Industry Achievement
Award
Ray York and Sue York
Ewing Irrigation Products
Phoenix, Ariz.
Partner of the Year
North Carolina Green
Industry Council
Raleigh, N.C.
For more than 30 years, Dr.
Lamm has dedicated his career
to irrigation-related issues, such
as irrigated crop production
— corn in particular — which
is the dominant crop in his
region. A considerable portion
of his time since 1989 has been
devoted to development and
adaptation of subsurface drip
irrigation for use in the Great
Plains. Since that time he has
been involved in 780 different
subsurface drip irrigation
technology transfer activities.
He has been author or co-author
on 39 different journal articles
and an additional 258 technical
proceedings papers and popular
press articles.
After founding Smart
Watering Systems in 2007,
Le Conte quickly embraced
the emergence of technology
and its place in the landscape
irrigation industry. His company
has grown to one of the most
successful firms in Ontario,
Canada, which later expanded
to British Columbia. Through
unyielding dedication to water
conservation, and innovative
use of a digital platforms, such
as a mobile app that shows
customers tangible water
savings, he has helped many
Smart Watering Systems clients
achieve 80 percent water
savings per year in landscape
water use.
Led by Supervising Treatment
Plant Operator Tim Linn,
the staff of the Palmdale
Agricultural Site manages
a 12 million gallon-per-day
capacity water treatment
plant. Their work provides
100 percent treated effluent
to irrigate, under center pivot,
approximately 2,000 acres
of agricultural crops. Linn
and staff have shown the
best in water management
by navigating regulatory
restrictions, crop rotations,
nutrient loads and crop water
demand to keep up with the
county’s constant supply of
recycled water.
By pledging fidelity to family
and industry the Yorks have
exemplified the best of each
trait in both their business
success and in their sustained,
active leadership in the
irrigation community through the
IA. By growing Ewing Irrigation
Products, started by Sue’s
father, King Ewing, in 1922, to a
leading distributor of landscape
and water management
products, the Yorks set a new
course for the company. Today,
Ewing Irrigation Products serves
contracting professionals in
approximately 200 locations in
21 states.
Representing approximately
2,000 business interests,
NCGIC has become a unifying
force for allied green industry
issues within the state of North
Carolina. NCGIC produces
and distributes educational
landscape and irrigation
brochures throughout the
state and lobbies on behalf of
water and landscape issues.
Their efforts culminated in
the designation of July as
“Smart Irrigation Month” by the
governor of North Carolina.
The 2012 judges chose from a
record number of entries in the
agriculture, turf/landscape and
specialty categories. The 2012
contest also featured a People’s
Choice Award for the first time, where attendees voted
for their favorite products.
nference
Co
ation
uc
Crawford Reid Memorial
Award
Chris Le Conte
Smart Watering Systems
Milton, Ontario, Canada
Ed
Person of the Year
Dr. Freddie Lamm
Kansas State University,
Northwest Extension Center
Colby, Kan.
• Agriculture Winner: SonTek, (a division of
Xylem, Inc.) for its SonTek-IQ and SonTek IQPipe
• Agriculture People’s Choice Winner: Jain
Irrigation, Inc. for its Jain GeneSys
• Specialty Winner and Specialty People’s
Choice Winner: Hunter Industries, Inc./
FX Luminaire, for its Luxor ZD LED Lighting
Controller
• Turf/Landscape Winner: The Toro Company
for its Precision Soil Sensor
• Turf/Landscape People’s Choice Winner:
LASCO Fittings, Inc. for its LASCO Push Fittings
10
EVENTS
Throughout the year, the Irrigation Association offers a series of events where members can conduct business, see new technologies, take advantage of education opportunities, network with peers
and gain access to industry and product experts all in one place.
With a focus on continuous improvement, IA modified its offerings and added new opportunities in response to member needs. In addition to a repositioning of the Irrigation Show and Education
Conference to place more emphasis on education (i.e., Education Conference), this past year saw a new approach to IA’s IMPACT Legislative Conference by offering two separate events: one for
agricultural interests and one for landscape interests. Over the past 18 months, IA has hosted the following:
Seeking an opportunity to impact development
of the 2012 farm bill, IA hosted 15 agricultural
irrigation professionals, representing agricultural
irrigation manufacturers, dealers and consultants.
Participants attended meetings with senior
congressional staff from the Senate and House
Agricultural Committees, senior White House
officials and senior staff of the Natural Resources
Conservation Services.
Focusing on the benefits of efficient irrigation and
the importance of irrigated agriculture in the U.S.,
participants discussed the irrigation industry’s
positions on the 2012 farm bill and the importance
of an effective conservation title, including the
Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
2011 and 2012 Irrigation Show and Education Conference
The Irrigation Show and Education Conference is the largest trade show in the world dedicated exclusively to
irrigation equipment and irrigation-related products. In recent years, IA has raised the profile of the education
offerings at the show and conference, making education a primary reason for attending for many show
participants. As such, the show continues to be the premier event for the industry.
The 2011 Irrigation Show, held in San Diego, Nov. 6 – 8, saw more than 5,000 attendees – an increase of 20
percent over the 2010 show. The show offered many new features of interest, including:
• One-hour irrigation seminars across agricultural and landscape irrigation tracks, offering professional
new opportunities to earn CEUs.
• Updated Ag Insight Sessions with a focus on grower needs.
• The first-ever Pond and Waterscape Pavilion in the exhibit hall.
• An exhibit hall reception.
• An expanded New Product Contest.
• A renewed focus on education.
• International Professional Pond Companies Association INFO TANZA seminars.
Landscape Irrigation Advocacy Day
Members addressed decision-makers on the
importance of partnering with the industry
to recognize and focus on efficient irrigation
technologies, products and services when
developing guidelines and regulations affecting
landscape water use. Specifically, the IA contingent
brought attention to new and existing standards
and green codes impacting the landscape
irrigation industry, including standards regarding
landscape irrigation sprinkler and emitter devices,
the standardization procedure for estimating
landscape water use, and testing methods for smart
irrigation controllers. IA members urged the federal
government to participate in and incorporate these
standards relating to landscape water use once
they are developed.
Point of Connection
Hosted by the Landscape Water Management
Contractor Common Interest Group, the 2012
Point of Connection Contractor Leadership Summit
took place Feb. 8 – 10 in St. Augustine, Fla.
Attendees focused on ways to improve business
performance and heard sessions on irrigation
efficiency, technology and standards, and state and
local regulations. Attendees were briefed on the
development of standards and codes in irrigation
contracting, as well as updates on recent legislative
wins for irrigation interests in U.S. water policy.
Participants also engaged in presentations on
cutting-edge research concerning irrigation systems
and a full day sales and marketing seminar.
The 2012 Irrigation Show was held on the east coast for the first time in eight years in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 4
– 6 and drew more than 4,000 attendees. The event was deemed a sucess by IA leadership based on on-site
feedback and post-show surveys. IA continued to strengthen the event with new features, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
A two-day show format – changed from the traditional three-day format.
New networking events, including opening and closing night parties and an international reception.
All new technical sessions and irrigation seminars to ensure current and quality content.
Two new education classes.
A Green Industry Job and Career Fair.
A continued partnership with IPPCA and a new partnership with the Florida Irrigation Society.
nference
Co
ation
uc
More than 150 participants attended the third
annual Water Conference July 21 – 22, in
Broomfield, Colo. Hosted by IA in conjunction with
the American Society of Irrigation Consultants, the
conference focused on issues relating to the future
of water policy and the role that efficient irrigation
plays in creating solutions to our nation’s water
supply problems. Industry and corporate experts
briefed participants on the current state of irrigation
and water use. Conference highlights also included
pre-conference sessions with government officials,
corporate leaders and other conference partners
on issues ranging from evapotranspiration and flow
measurement to water-use issues in corporate
strategy and sustainability.
Agricultural Irrigation Advocacy Day
Ed
Water Conference
11
CERTIFICATION BOARD
LEADERSHIP
This board provides strategic oversight for the association’s Select Certified program, promoting irrigation expertise through
certification awareness programs and alliances and ensuring the relevance of current and future.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
CHAIR
Michael A. Noftle, CAIS,
CID
Manager
Ideal Design Solutions, LLC
Royal City, WA
PRESIDENT
Philip A. Burkart
Vice President,
Irrigation Businesses
The Toro Company
Irrigation Division
Riverside, CA
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Robert D. Dobson, CIC,
CID
President
Middletown Sprinkler
Company
Port Monmouth, NJ
VICE PRESIDENT
Warren C. Thoma
President
Warren Thoma &
Associates, LLC
Crystal Lake, IL
TREASURER
John E. Vikupitz
President & CEO
Netafim USA
Fresno, CA
PAST PRESIDENT
Mark G. Huntley
President
FH Consulting
San Diego, CA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR-ELECT
Michael Temple, LEED
AP, CGIA, CIC, CID, CLIA,
CLWM
Owner
Irrigation Innovations, LLC
Waxhaw, NC
PAST CHAIR
Thomas A. Wyatt, CGIA,
CIC, CID, CLIA
Area Manager
Walt Disney World Co.
Lake Buena Vista, FL
BOARD MEMBERS
Larry Cammarata, CIC,
CID, CLIA, CLIM, CLWM
Green Management
Consultant
The Brickman Group
Zionsville, IN
Wayne E. Eckas, PE, CID
Senior Project Manager
Leonard Rice Engineers, Inc.
Fort Collins, CO
Donald D. Franklin, CID,
CLIA
Specification Sales Manager
Hunter Industries, Inc.
Meadow Vista, CA
Franklin P. Gaudi, CCA,
CAIS, CIC, CID
Project Manager
Irrigation Training &
Research Center
Creston, CA
Denis K. Gourdeau, CGIA,
CIC, CID, CLIA, CLWM
Water Management Lead
City of Calgary-Parks Water
Management
Calgary, AB, Canada
Thomas E. Shannon,
ARCSA AP, CIC, CID, CLIA
Water Conservation Advisor,
Eastern US
Ewing Irrigation Products
Canton, GA
Leon New, PE, CAIS, CID
Agricultural Engineer,
Retired
Texas A&M University
Research & Extension
Center
Amarillo, TX
Roger Sherwood
Kansas City, MO
Michael N. Pippen, PE,
CAIS, CID
Sales Engineer
Irrigation-Mart, Inc.
Ruston, LA
Kurt O. Young, CGIA, CIC,
CID, CLIA
President
Turf Sprinkler Co.
Sandy, UT
TECHNICAL ADVISOR
Eugene W. Rochester,
PhD, PE, CID, CLIA
The Rochester Group
Seneca, SC
BOARD LIAISON
Robert D. Dobson, CIC,
CID
President
Middletown Sprinkler
Company
Port Monmouth, NJ
STAFF LIAISONS
Sherrie Schulte, CLIA
Certification & Operations
Director
Irrigation Association
Falls Church, VA
Cory Harlow
Certification & Education
Manager
Irrigation Association
Falls Church, VA
FOUNDATION BOARD
James M. Barrett,
FASIC, CID, CLIA
President
James Barrett
Associates, Inc.
Roseland, NJ
A. Todd Magatagan,
CAIS, CGIA, CIC, CID,
CLIA, CLWM
Owner
Around The Grounds
The Woodlands, TX
Tom M. Childers
Senior Vice President
for Marketing
John Deere Landscapes
Alpharetta, GA
E. Robert Meaney
Senior Vice President
Valmont Industries, Inc.
Omaha, NE
Warren S. Gorowitz,
CLIA
Vice President of
Sustainability and
Conservation
Ewing Irrigation Products
Phoenix, AZ
Aric J. Olson, CAIS
President
Jain Irrigation, Inc.
Fresno, CA
Gregory R. Hunter
Executive VP Marketing
Hunter Industries, Inc.
San Marcos, CA
Jay W. Robbins, II, PE,
TSP, CAIS, CID
COO ENGR
Irrigation-Mart, Inc.
Ruston, LA
Dan Keppen
Executive Director
Family Farm Alliance
Klamath Falls, OR
Diane Toth
Owner
Aqua-Lawn, Inc.
Fairfield, CT
The Foundation’s Board of Trustees oversees efforts to create quality education resources, increase awareness of industry
careers and encourage schools to add irrigation classes and coursework.
CHAIR
Steven McCoon, CID, CLIA
District Manager
Nelson Irrigation Corp.
Walla Walla, WA
J. Louis Bergantino Jr., CIC
Director - Landscape Irrigation
Division
Rain Bird Corporation
Tucson, AZ
VICE CHAIR
Michael Clark, CGIA, CIC, CID,
CLIA, CLWM
President
Clark Irrigation Design &
Consulting, Inc.
Lavonia, GA
Claire Ehrlinger
Instructor
Mira Costa College
Oceanside, CA
TREASURER
Ronald E. Sneed, PhD, PE, CAIS,
CIC, CID, CLIA
Consulting Engineer & Professor
Emeritus
Raleigh, NC
TRUSTEES
Louis Anella, PhD
Professor
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK
Thomas A. Glazener, CGIA, CIC,
CID, CLIA, CLWM
Trainer
Ewing Irrigation Products - Portland
Portland, OR
Christopher J. Keating, CID
District Sales Manager
The Toro Company
Doswell, VA
Cathie C. Lavis, PhD, CID, CLIA
Associate Professor
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
Vince Nolletti
VP of Sales & Marketing
Paige Electric Company, LP
Fresno, CA
Lynda R. Wightman, CGIA, CLIA
Industry Relations Manager
Hunter Industries, Inc.
Missoula, MT
Thomas C. Penning
President
Irrometer Company, Inc.
Riverside, CA
BOARD LIAISON
Warren S. Gorowitz, CLIA
Vice President of Sustainability and
Conservation
Ewing Irrigation Products
Los Angeles, CA
Eric M. Santos, CAIS, CGIA, CIC,
CID, CLIA, CLWM
Division Leader, Irrigation & Water
Management
ValleyCrest Landscape
Maintenance
Pleasanton, CA
Ed Underhill
President
Underhill International Corp.
Lake Forest, CA
STAFF LIAISON
Noreen Rich
Foundation & Membership
Manager
Irrigation Association
Falls Church, VA
12
IA PAST PRESIDENTS
2011
Mark G. Huntley
John Deere Water
2010
Michael B.
Harrington
HARCO Fittings
2009
Stephen W. Smith
Aqua Engineering, Inc.
2008
Doug York
Ewing Irrigation
Products
2007
John Roberts
Roberts Irrigation
Products, Inc.
2006
Ken Mills**
Rain Bird Corporation
2005
David Zoldoske, EdD,
CID
Center for Irrigation
Technology
2004
Brian Vinchesi CGIA,
CIC, CID, CLIA, CLIM,
CLWM
Irrigation Consulting,
Inc.
2003
Adam Skolnik
Senninger Irrigation, Inc.
2002
Rex Dixon
The Rex Dixon
Consulting Group
2001
Dennis Schwieger
Valmont Irrigation
2000
Dave Ramsey**
United Pipe & Supply,
Inc.
1999
Ed Newbegin
Wade Manufacturing
Company
1998
Susan York
Ewing Irrigation
Products
1997
Louis Toth, CIC, CID,
CLIA
Aqua-Lawn, Inc.
1996
Sam “Bo” Duke
Russell Daniel Irrigation
Co.
1995
Jack Buzzard
Rain Bird International,
Inc.
1994
Joseph Goecke
Valmont Irrigation
1993
Bill Koonz, Sr.
Koonz Sprinkler Supply,
Inc.
1992
Tom Kimmell
Olson Irrigation Systems
1991
Robert Emmerich
Watertronics Pumping
Systems
1990
Glenn Tribe
Cornell Pump Company
1989
Richard Hunter
Hunter Industries, Inc.
1988
Bill Pogue
Irrometer Company, Inc.
1987
John Riddering**
Lake Company
1986
Ray York
Ewing Irrigation
Products
1985
Charles Putnam
Weather-Matic,
Sprinkler
Telsco Industries
1984
Claude Laval
Claude Laval
Corporation
1983
Ernie Hodas
Century Rain Aid
1982
Gary Parker
Lindsay Manufacturing
Co.
1981
W. Jack Liddell
Delta Irrigation, Inc.
1980
Jim Wearin**
Heinzman Engineering
1979
Taylor Ramsey
United Pipe & Supply,
Inc.
STAFF
1978
Paul Bohley
The Gorman-Rupp
Company
1961-62
R.L. Burke**
American Portable
Irrigation Company
1977
Kenneth White Jr.
White Turf Engineering
1960
L.H. Williams
R.H. Pierce
Manufacturing
Company
1976
W.J. Ogle
Western Ag Sales
1975
James Pichon
Lockwood Corporation
1974
John Stevens**
Pierce Corporation
1973
M.L. Rawson**
E.C. Olsen Company, Inc.
1972
Austin Miller
Sprinkler Irrigation
Supply Co./Miller
Engineers
1971
Donald Sanders
The Gorman-Rupp
Company
Robert D. von Bernuth,
PhD, PE, CID, CLIA
Education Director
Bari St. Cyr
Accounting & Office
Coordinator
John R. Farner Jr.
Government Affairs Director
Chad Forcey
State Affairs Director
Deborah M. Hamlin, CAE,
FASAE
Executive Director
Cory Harlow
Certification & Education
Manager
Evelyn S. Heinemeier
Business Development
Coordinator
Scott Hersh
Business Development
Director
Eric Horvath
Communications Manager
Kathleen Markey
Marketing Director
Brent Q. Mecham, CAIS,
CGIA, CIC, CID, CLIA,
CLWM
Industry Development
Director
Noreen Rich
Foundation & Membership
Manager
Lauren Richards
Receptionist
Sherrie Schulte, CLIA
Certification & Operations
Director
1958-59
Howard Janin
W.R. Ames Company
1957
Robert Morgan**
R.M. Wade and
Company
1956
Harold Lieder
Construction Machinery
Company
1954-55
Birger Engstrom**
McDowell
Manufacturing Company
1953
Marion Miller**
Marion Miller &
Associates, Inc.
1969-70
John Oldfield**
OldfieldEquipment Co.
1951-52
Crawford Reid**
Rain Bird Sprinkler
Manufacturing
1967-68
Hugh Williams**
R.M. Wade and
Company
1950
A.R.J. Friedman**
Skinner Irrigation
Company
1965-66
John McCavitt**
Rainy Sprinkler Sales
**Deceased
1963-64
A.E. Robison
A.E. Robison, Inc.
Rebecca J. Bayless
Finance Director
Janine Sparrowgrove
Foundation Coordinator
Stephanie Watson
Marketing & Production
Coordinator
Keith A. Williams
Senior IT Manager
Sara E. Wiltshire
Senior Trade Show &
Meetings Manager
13
AMBASSADORS
The Irrigation Association Ambassador program is a network of committed volunteers who attend regional trade shows,
conferences, affiliate organization events and other green industry meetings on IA’s behalf to promote the association and
its initiatives.
CHAIR
James M. Dowd, CID, CLIA
WaterLogic, Inc.
Plano, TX
VICE CHAIR
Tony Serwatuk, CIC, CID, CLIA
HydroSense Irrigation Design & Consulting,
Inc.
Toronto, ON, Canada
REGION DIRECTORS
James Barton, CIC, CLIA
Innova Water Management
Calgary, AB, Canada
Robert D. Dobson, CIC, CID
Middletown Sprinkler Company
Port Monmouth, NJ
Jeremy Hunt, CIC, CLIA
Hunt Irrigation
Lincoln, NE
Timothy R. Malooly, PLT, Backflow, CIC,
CID, CLIA
Irrigation By Design, Inc.
Minneapolis, MN
Kurt K. Thompson, CGIA, CIC, CID, CLIA,
CLWM
K. Thompson and Associates, LLC
Pace, FL
Sean Clifford, CPCO, CIC
Massey Services, Inc.
Geneva, FL
Carlton S. Dowse, CIC, CID, CLIA
The Bruce Company of Wisconsin,
Inc.
Middleton, WI
John Eggleston, CIC, CID, CLIA
Service First Irrigation
Charlotte, MI
Joseph H. Fortier, CGIA, CIC, CID,
CLIA
Mojave Water Management
Las Vegas, NV
Troy Goodell
Waterlogic
Houston, TX
Thomas H. Kimmell
Hendersonville, NC
Frank Koll, AOLCP, CIC, CLIA
Greenscapes Lawn & Garden Services,
Inc.
Arlington, MA
Randy F. Krivoshen, CIC, CLIA
R.F.K. Irrigation
Calgary, AB, Canada
Kurt O. Young, CGIA, CIC, CID, CLIA
Turf Sprinkler Co.
Sandy, UT
Chris Le Conte, CIC, CLIA
SMART Watering Systems
Milton, ON, Canada
AMBASSADORS
Robert B. Boyle, CLIA
RB Irrigation LLC
Seaford, NY
Wes Maxwell, CIC
Green Wave Associates
Gastonia, NC
Matt Bruns, CIC, CLIA
Toro Irrigation
Saint Louis, MO
John J. Newlin, CIC, CLIA
Quality Sprinkling Systems, Inc.
North Ridgeville, OH
Eric M. Santos, CAIS, CGIA, CIC, CID,
CLIA, CLWM
ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance
Pleasanton, CA
Tony Serwatuk, CIC, CID, CLIA
HydroSense Irrigation Design & Consulting,
Inc.
Toronto, ON, Canada
Thomas E. Shannon, ARCSA AP, CIC,
CID, CLIA
Ewing Irrigation Products
Canton, GA
Matthew W. Shreves, CID, CLIA
Telsco Industries
Silverhill, AL
Andy E. Slack, CAIS, CGIA, CIC, CID,
CLIA, CLWM
Spot Water Management
Buckeye, AZ
John T. Sullivan, CIC, CLIA, CLWM
Green Wave Associates
Gastonia, NC
David Youssi, CIC, CID, CLIA
Sprinkler Solutions, Inc.
Woodstock, GA
INSTRUCTORS
IA-authorized instructors receive specialized training and teach education classes on behalf of the association.
Jaime A. Bayona, CIC, CID, CLIA,
CLWM
Murrieta, CA
Craig Borland, CIC, CID, CLIA, CLWM
Long Beach, CA
Scott D. Knowles, CGIA, CIC, CID, CLIA
Trotwood, OH
Len Ring, PE, CID
Lethbridge, AB, Canada
Mark A. Little, PhD, PE, CGIA, CID
Burnt Hills, NY
Eugene W. Rochester, PhD, PE, CID,
CLIA
Seneca, SC
Steven L. Burch, CAIS
Imperial, CA
Kevin D. McCaleb, CGIA, CIC, CID,
CLIA
Lake Oswego, OR
John R. Busch, PE
Baker City, OR
Dennis McKernan
Olds, AB, Canada
Perry J. Continente, CID
Brentwood, CA
Brent Q. Mecham, CAIS, CGIA, CIC,
CID, CLIA, CLWM
Falls Church, VA
Kelly J. Duncan, CLIA
Portland, OR
John Eggleston, CIC, CID, CLIA
Charlotte, MI
Art Elmers Jr., CIC, CID, CLIA
Fort Lee, NJ
Jose Flores
Tolleson, AZ
Michael R. Mills, CIC, CID, CLIA
Concord, NC
Theodore J. Moriarty, CIC, CID, CLIA
West Roxbury, MA
Marvin P. Pascual, CGIA, CIC, CID,
CLIA
Federal Way, WA
Joseph H. Fortier, CGIA, CIC, CID, CLIA
Las Vegas, NV
Christopher J. Pine, CIC, CID, CLIA,
CLWM
Pocasset, MA
Donald D. Franklin, CID, CLIA
Meadow Vista, CA
Clarence Prestwich, PE, CAIS, CID
Portland, OR
Keith R. Schweiger, CIC, CID, CLIA
Saint Louis, MO
Andy E. Slack, CAIS, CGIA, CIC, CID,
CLIA, CLWM
Buckeye, AZ
Ronald E. Sneed, PhD, PE, CAIS, CIC,
CID, CLIA
Raleigh, NC
Kurt K. Thompson, CGIA, CIC, CID,
CLIA, CLWM
Pace, FL
Daniel R. Veltema, CID, CLIA
Holland, MI
Brian E. Vinchesi, CGIA, CIC, CID,
CLIA, CLIM, CLWM
Pepperell, MA
Robert D. von Bernuth, PhD, PE, CID,
CLIA
Waynesboro, VA
Catherine Ann Hollinger, CID, CLIA
Ladera Ranch, CA
BOARD LIAISON
A. Todd Magatagan, CAIS, CGIA, CIC,
CID, CLIA, CLWM
Around The Grounds
The Woodlands, TX
STAFF LIAISON
Noreen Rich
Irrigation Association
Falls Church, VA
14
COMMITTEES
COMMON INTEREST GROUPS
LANDSCAPE WATER
MANAGEMENT
CONTRACTOR
DRIP/MICRO IRRIGATION
CHAIR
John J. Newlin , CIC, CLIA
Quality Sprinkling Systems, Inc.
North Ridgeville, OH
CHAIR
Russell A. Clark
LAKOS Separators & Filtration
Systems, a Div. of Claude Laval
Corp.
San Diego, CA
VICE CHAIR
Mel Grills
Mr. Lawn Irrigation
Greenwood, MO
BOARD LIAISON
John E. Vikupitz
Netafim USA
Fresno, CA
BOARD LIAISON
Diane Toth
Aqua-Lawn, Inc.
Fairfield, CT
STAFF LIAISON
John R. Farner Jr.
Irrigation Association
Falls Church, VA
STAFF LIAISON
Chad Forcey
Irrigation Association
Camp Hill, PA
HISTORY
CHAIR
Glenn L. Bowlin , CGIA, CIC,
CID, CLIA
Fresno, CA
BOARD LIAISON
James M. Barrett, FASIC,
CID, CLIA
James Barrett Associates Inc.
Roseland, NJ
STAFF
TTAFF LIAIS
LIAISON
ON
Eric Horvath
Irrigation Association
Falls Church, VVA
MANUFACTURERS’
REPRESENTATIVES
CHAIR
Wayne Smalley
Rivers Associates
Chapin, SC
VICE CHAIR
Ernest E. Dunbar
Copeland-O’Neill & Dunbar
Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
BOARD LIAISON
Warren C. Thoma
Warren Thoma & Associates,
LLC
Crystal Lake, IL
STAFF LIAISON
Brent Q. Mecham, CAIS,
CGIA, CIC, CID, CLIA, CLWM
Irrigation Association
Falls Church, VA
NURSERY & GREENHOUSE
AWARDS & HONORS
EDUCATION
EXPO ADVISORY
CHAIR
Kevin Shortel
Jain Irrigation, Inc.
Ontario, CA
As administrators of the IA Awards
Program, this committee manages the
nomination process, generates a list
of nominees and recommends award
recipients to the IA Board of Directors.
The Education Committee is charged with
oversight of IA’s education goals and the
development, delivery and marketing of
IA’s education materials.
Charged with evaluating the annual
Irrigation Show, this committee proposes
and reviews ideas to add value to both the
exhibitor and attendee experience.
VICE CHAIR
Michael Dowgert
Netafim USA
Fresno, CA
CHAIR
Adam R. Skolnik
Irrigation Components International Inc.
Clermont, FL
Gerald Anhorn
Walla Walla Community College
Walla Walla, WA
CHAIR
Edward Santalone Jr.
Atlantic Irrigation Specialties Inc.
N White Plains, NY
BOARD LIAISON
John E. Vikupitz
Netafim USA
Fresno, CA
VICE CHAIR
Bob Rupar
Nelson Irrigation Corp.
Walla Walla, WA
STAFF LIAISON
Chad Forcey
Irrigation Association
Camp Hill, PA
Jack Buzzard
John Deere Water (Retired)
Corona del Mar, CA
Joseph Goecke
Valmont Irrigation
Omaha, NE
Dave Hepburn
The Toro Company Irrigation Division
Hopewell, NJ
Doug Moore
V.I.T. Products Inc.
Escondido, CA
Ronald E. Sneed, PhD, PE, CAIS, CIC,
CID, CLIA
Consulting Engineer & Professor Emeritus
Raleigh, NC
Gary Underhill
Underhill International Corp.
Lake Forest, CA
Lynda R. Wightman, CGIA, CLIA
Hunter Industries Inc.
Missoula, MT
Bruno S. Windegger
Rain Bird International Inc.
Azusa, CA
BOARD LIAISON
Warren C. Thoma
Warren Thoma & Associates, LLC
Crystal Lake, IL
STAFF LIAISON
Eric Horvath
Irrigation Association
Falls Church, VA
John R. Busch, PE
USDA-NRCS (Retired)
Baker City, OR
Theodore J. Moriarty, CIC, CID, CLIA
Smart Watering Company
West Roxbury, MA
Christopher J. Pine, CIC, CID, CLIA,
CLWM
C. Pine Associates Inc.
Pocasset, MA
Keith R. Schweiger, CIC, CID, CLIA
John Deere Landscapes
Saint Louis, MO
Stephen W. Smith, CAIS, CLIA
Regenesis Management Group
Fort Collins, CO
Ronald E. Sneed, PhD, PE, CAIS, CIC,
CID, CLIA
Consulting Engineer & Professor Emeritus
Raleigh, NC
Thomas J. Trout
USDA-ARS, Water Management Research
Unit
Fort Collins, CO
Michele Wilkerson
Layman Irrigation & Trenching
Powhatan, VA
Lynda R. Wightman, CGIA, CLIA
Hunter Industries Inc.
Missoula, MT
BOARD LIAISONS
Warren S. Gorowitz, CLIA
Ewing Irrigation Products
Los Angeles, CA
VICE CHAIR
Steve McCarter, CLIA
Rain Bird Corporation
Blue Ridge, TX
Eran Bar
Bermad Inc.
Porterville, CA
Chris Davey
Arrowhead Brass & Plumbing
Los Angeles, CA
Timothy M. Little
Ewing Irrigation Products - N Richland
Hills
Frisco, TX
Scott A. Rietsema
SJE-Rhombus Controls
Detroit Lakes, MN
Cecil O. Rock
Pierce Corporation
Junction City, OR
Christine Sionne
Hunter Industries Inc.
San Marcos, CA
BOARD LIAISON
Warren C. Thoma
Warren Thoma & Associates, LLC
Crystal Lake, IL
STAFF LIAISONS
Scott Hersh
Sara E. Wiltshire
Irrigation Association
Falls Church, VA
E. Robert Meaney
Valmont Industries, Inc.
Omaha, NE
STAFF LIAISON
Robert D. von Bernuth, PhD, PE, CID,
CLIA
Irrigation Association
Waynesboro, VA
(continued on the next page)
15
COMMITTEES CONTINUED
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
SMART IRRIGATION
MONTH
STANDARDS & CODES
CHAIR
Randy F. Krivoshen, CIC, CLIA
R.F.K. Irrigation
Calgary, AB, Canada
CHAIR
Dave Magner
Rain Bird Corporation
Tucson, AZ
James B. Martin
CPS Distributors Inc.
Westminster, CO
Jason DeSarle
North Coast Media
Cleveland, OH
CHAIR
Brian E. Vinchesi, CGIA, CIC,
CID, CLIA, CLIM, CLWM
Irrigation Consulting Inc.
Pepperell, MA
Justin McKinney
King Innovation
O’ Fallon, MO
Timothy E. Hoeffliger
John Deere Water
Escondido, CA
VICE CHAIR
Jacob L. LaRue
Valmont Industries
Valley, NE
Michael Pippen
Irrigation-Mart Inc.
Ruston, LA
Lowell Kaufhold
CPS Distributors Inc.
Westminster, CO
Colleen J. Hart
The Toro Company
Bloomington, MN
Laura Ramos
Center for Irrigation Technology,
California State University
Fresno, CA
Troy J. Leezy, CID, CLIA, CLWM
Hunter Industries Inc.
Ramona, CA
A. Todd Magatagan, CAIS,
CGIA, CIC, CID, CLIA, CLWM
Around the Grounds
The Woodlands, TX
Thomas J. Tootle
The Toro Company
Cumming, GA
Examining state, regional and
federal laws and regulations, the
committee prioritizes issues that
affect the irrigation industry and
recommends policy direction to
the IA Board of Directors.
CHAIR
Phillip Eugene Smith, CID,
CLIA
Hunter Industries Inc.
San Marcos, CA
J. Louis Bergantino Jr., CIC
Rain Bird Corporation
Tucson, AZ
Michael Dowgert
Netafim USA
Fresno, CA
Warren S. Gorowitz, CLIA
Ewing Irrigation Products
Los Angeles, CA
John J. Newlin, CIC, CLIA
Quality Sprinkling Systems, Inc.
North Ridgeville, OH
Richard J Panowicz, CID
Valmont Irrigation
Valley, NE
Richard Restuccia
ValleyCrest Landscape
Maintenance
Calabasas, CA
Chris C. Roth
Reinke Manufacturing Company,
Inc.
Deshler, NE
Danny Sosebee
Netafim USA
McAllen, TX
MEMBERSHIP
The Membership Committee is
charged with recruitment of new
members and retention of existing
members.
BOARD LIAISON
Tom M. Childers
John Deere Landscapes
Alpharetta, GA
STAFF LIAISONS
Noreen Rich
Evelyn S. Heinemeier
Irrigation Association
Falls Church, VA
Members of this committee help
promote Smart Irrigation Month,
developing messaging and
marketing campaigns.
Suzanne Maki
City of Carmel Utilities
Carmel, IN
Michael R. Mills, CIC, CID,
CLIA
Reinke Manufacturing Company,
Inc.
Concord, NC
Maureen Nassie
Netafim USA
Fresno, CA
Carolyn Schaffer, CLIA
Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Sarah Tiglio
Hydro-Scape Products Inc.
San Diego, CA
Derick Wright
The Source Inc.
Ogden, UT
Rolf Strutzenberg
Buckner/Superior
Torrance, CA
BOARD LIAISON
Gregory R. Hunter
Hunter Industries Inc.
San Marcos, CA
STAFF LIAISONS
John R. Farner Jr.
Chad Forcey
Irrigation Association
Falls Church, VA
STAFF LIAISONS
Kathleen Markey
Eric Horvath
Irrigation Association
Falls Church, VA
SWAT
TECHNICAL CONFERENCE
Ronald E. Sneed, PhD, PE,
CAIS, CIC, CID, CLIA
Consulting Engineer & Professor
Emeritus
Raleigh, NC
EXECUTIVE TASK TEAM CHAIR
Brian E. Vinchesi, CGIA, CIC,
CID, CLIA, CLIM, CLWM
Irrigation Consulting Inc.
Pepperell, MA
CHAIR
Susan A. O’Shaughnessy
USDA-ARS, Conservation &
Production Research Laboratory
Bushland, TX
Jon P. Whan, CAIS
Civil Engineer
San Angelo, TX
TECHNOLOGY WORKING
GROUP CHAIR
Douglas G. Macdonald, CLIA
Aqua Engineering Inc.
Fort Collins, CO
VICE CHAIR
Kenneth C. Stone
USDA-ARS, Coastal Plains Soil,
Water & Plant Research Center
Florence, SC
PROMOTIONS WORKING
GROUP CHAIR
Carlos Michelon
San Diego County Water Authority
San Diego, CA
James M. Barrett, FASIC, CID,
CLIA
James Barrett Associates Inc.
Roseland, NJ
This committee reviews current standards up for revision and guides
development of new standards.
Jim Anshutz
Netafim USA
Fresno, CA
Michael Baron
The Toro Company
Riverside, CA
James M. Barrett, FASIC, CID,
CLIA
James Barrett Associates Inc.
Roseland, NJ
Jeff Kremicki, CIC, CID
Hunter Industries Inc.
San Marcos, CA
Cathie C. Lavis, PhD, CID, CLIA
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
Thomas R. Noonan, CID, CLIA
Ewing Irrigation Products
Roseville, CA
Edward M. Norum, PE
Center for Irrigation Technology,
California State University
Fresno, CA
Michael T. Pastori, CGIA, CID
Storr Tractor Co.
Branchburg, NJ
Ted Santiesteban
John Deere Water
San Marcos, CA
Elroy Schmidt
Diamond Plastics Corp.
Grand Island, NE
Andrew Smith, CIC, CID, CLIA
Reinke Manufacturing Company,
Inc.
Boyne City, MI
Tim Young
The Toro Company
Riverside, CA
BOARD LIAISON
Jay Robbins, PE, TSP, CAIS,
CID
Irrigation-Mart Inc.
Ruston, LA
STAFF LIAISON
Brent Q. Mecham, CAIS, CGIA,
CIC, CID, CLIA, CLWM
Irrigation Association
Falls Church, VA
This team serves as the leadership
of the Smart Water Application
Technologies initiative.
Michael D. Dukes, PhD, PE,
CID
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Karen Guz
San Antonio Water System
San Antonio, TX
Jenna Smith
Seattle Public Utilities
Seattle, WA
Kent A. Sovocool, CLIA
Southern Nevada Water Authority
Las Vegas, NV
David F. Zoldoske, EdD, CID
Center for Irrigation Technology,
California State University
Fresno, CA
STAFF LIAISON
Brent Q. Mecham, CAIS, CGIA,
CIC, CID, CLIA, CLWM
Irrigation Association
Falls Church, VA
This committee oversees the conference at the Irrigation Show,
implementing the annual technical sessions and selecting abstracts for
presentation.
Eudell G. Vis, CID, CLIA
Cal Poly Pomona
Pomona, CA
Earl D. Vories, PhD, PE
USDA – ARS, Cropping Systems
& Water Quality Research Unit,
Delta Center
Portageville, MO
STAFF LIAISON
Brent Q. Mecham, CAIS, CGIA,
CIC, CID, CLIA, CLWM
Irrigation Association
Falls Church, VA
Dennis K. Carman
White River Irrigation District
Hazen, AR
Jeffrey J. Gilbert, CGIA, CLIA,
CLWM
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
Freddie Lamm, PhD
Kansas State University
Colby, KS
Jacob L. LaRue
Valmont Industries
Valley, NE
Claude J. Phene, PhD
Consultant, SDI+
Clovis, CA
Len Ring, PE, CID
Ring Irrigation Engineering
Lethbridge, AB, Canada
Stephen W. Smith, CAIS, CLIA
Regenesis Management Group
Fort Collins, CO
Ronald E. Sneed, PhD, PE,
CAIS, CIC, CID, CLIA
Consulting Engineer & Professor
Emeritus
Raleigh, NC
Brian E. Vinchesi, CGIA, CIC,
CID, CLIA, CLIM, CLWM
Irrigation Consulting Inc.
Pepperell, MA
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FINANCIALS
Your Dues at Work – Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Financials
Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2012
In 2011, the Irrigation Association shifted its fiscal year to a July to June calendar in
order to more effectively and efficiently manage accounting processes and plan ahead.
Unfortunately, the downturn in the economy was evident in several of our programs
and resulted in a net operating loss. Nevertheless, IA continues to be financially
sound due to a long term reserve fund. Throughout the year, IA management, with
your elected board members, monitored the financial condition of the association and
took preemptive steps to minimize loss. IA places a high importance on being a good
steward of our members’ investment in the association, and the decision to face a
financial loss to preserve and make investments in IA’s programs and services was not
taken lightly.
Assets
Current Assets
Property, Building and Equipment
Less Accumulated Depreciation
Net Property and Equipment
Investments, Fair Market Value
Publication Content
$ 995,713
1,385,452
(556,696)
828,756
877,983
99,292
Total Assets
$2,801,744
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Deferred Revenue
Long-Term Liabilities
$ 187,719
1,335,989
250,434
Total Liabilities
$1,774,142
• Education, certification renewals and exam registration income continue to be 24
percent of annual income. The re-establishing of paper-pencil exams, through our
licensed providers program, was well received and, although certification income
was down, ir resulted in a cost savings. In addition, the much anticipated new issue
of Irrigation, Sixth Edition, boosted our publication sales income.
• The downturn in the economy had an impact on the Irrigation Show booth sales
and sponsorships as well. However this area continues to represent a third of our
income.
• IA continues to devote resources and services to government affairs that help keep
members abreast of this important aspect of the industry. This includes offering
access to a third-party program that helps members participate in local, state
and federal grassroots advocacy. Additionally, resources were expended on two
successful legislative fly-ins this year – one for agriculture interests and one for
landscape interests – allowing us to better focus on the unique issues for each area.
• IA has increased resources and staff time dedicated to monitoring and participating
in the formation of codes and standards related to the irrigation industry.
• The association’s headquarters are housed in a building owned by IA, located
in Falls Church, Va. The general and administrative expenses incurred at the
headquarters include a number of standard business expenses that indirectly help
support all of the association’s programs. These include printing, postage, utilities,
other organizational dues and subscriptions and administrative staff costs.
Income Statement as of June 30, 2012
Equity
Members Equity
Board Designated and Restricted Funds
1,284,209
40,964
Net Income
Total Equity
(297,571)
1,027,602
Total Liabilities and Equity
$2,801,744
Income
Trade Show/Conference
Membership
Certification/Education
Programs and Committees
Interest
Restricted Contributions
Total Income
Expenses
Trade Show/Conference
Association Initiatives/Programs
Certification/Education
Programs, Meetings and Committees*
Membership Program
Government Affairs
Standards and Codes
Marketing
Property and Equipment
Information Technology
Real estate and miscellaneous taxes and licenses
Building and equipment maintenance and supplies
Depreciation and Amortization
Equipment rental
Interest
Professional Fees - Accounting/Legal
Insurance - Liability/Property/Workers Comp
Irrigation Foundation
$1,203,991
1,125,785
764,038
147,709
22,199
4,335
$3,268,057
767,025
785,302
141,575
257,691
355,012
194,685
348,776
74,935
15,016
37,881
67,768
9,922
15,287
29,433
9,728
87,588
General and Administrative**
Total Expenses
337,722
$3,535,346
Net Gain From Operating Activities
$ (267,289)
Released from Restricted Funds
Unrealized Investment Gain or (Loss)
Net Income or (Loss)
(6,650)
(23,632)
$ (297,571)
*Our programs, meetings and committees expense category includes the third annual Water
Conference, the summer leadership meeting and the Point of Connection Contractor Summit.
**General and Administrative includes dues and subscriptions, recruitment costs, utilities and
administrative staff costs.
17