Jason Straka, a principal in Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design, will join the executive committee of the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation for a one-year term beginning in February. At the OTF Conference and Show, which took place Dec. 9-11, 2014, in Sandusky, Ohio, Straka, who currently serves on the board as a trustee, is a member of the foundation's education committee and also chairs the Buckeyes for Environmental Sustainable Turfgrass Committee, was named treasurer-elect of the organization.
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“I deeply believe in the cause of the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation and the members and green industry it serves,” Straka said. “I look forward to my term as treasurer of the OTF, where I will continue to strengthen the financial standing of the organization.”
The mission of the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation is to promote the turfgrass industry in Ohio; encourage the further study, research and education of turfgrass science; and speak on matters of policy affecting the turfgrass industry.
For more than 50 years, the Foundation has maintained its focus on providing resources to the turfgrass community. Nearly $5 million has been contributed to the industry in the form of research grants, gifts and student scholarships. These funds have benefited the industry by providing financial aid to more than 300 students, building and donating a state-of-the-art research facility at The Ohio State University, creating opportunities for leading educators and researchers within our state, and much, much more.
Ohio Turfgrass Foundation continuing education seminars, such as the annual conference held each December, and research field day in August, have provided countless professionals the tools required to be more efficient and effective at their facilities. OTF continues to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with members and event attendees from all over the United States and the world.